Is Quinoa Healthy For You?

Quinoa has become a popular side dish to serve with fresh veggies for a complete meal. It has many health benefits but some people are still wondering is quinoa healthy for you? In this article we will answer the many questions about quinoa.

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What is Quinoa?

The yellowish pod is the seed of a plant called Chenopodium Quinoa, a native of Peru, it makes a very good substitute for rice and other grains. Although not technically a grain, it is gluten free making it a very good alternative to many grains and is eaten the same way. There are several different types of quinoa, with white being the most common. It is a gluten free grain and means that people with celiac disease are able to enjoy it.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

Red and black quinoa have nearly twice as much vitamin E content as white quinoa. It appears the darker the color the higher the antioxidant capacity. It is highly nutritious containing vitamins and minerals and nine amino acids essential to health.

• High in fiber.
• Anti-inflammatory
• One cup contains only 220 calories
• 8 grams of protein
• Packed with nutrients
• Contains antioxidants
• Gluten free
• High in essential vitamins
• Beneficial to metabolic health (controlling blood sugars).
• Easy to slip into your daily meal plan

 

Is Quinoa Healthy For You?

Yes, and as most people have discovered the amazing health benefits quinoa offers. Quinoa is an ancient food that was once ignored but has recently been found to be a superfood. High in fiber, adding more fiber rich foods into your diet can help support gut health and body weight maintenance. Quinoa is a very fiber rich food that helps support a healthy lifestyle.

 

Is Quinoa Good for Losing Weight?

Losing weight can be aided by adding quinoa to your diet. Quinoa has been thought to improve blood sugar control, although so far, there aren’t many studies. However, people with diabetes who are diagnosed as insulin resistant can find that adding one cup of quinoa to their daily diet, combined with intermittent fasting and weight loss can lower their blood sugar levels from 20-31%. Some have even managed to reverse their condition with diet and exercise. The high fiber in quinoa is known to support digestive health.

Try this recipe for a healthy Quinoa Avocado Feta Salad.

Is Quinoa Better For You Than Rice?

Some of us believe that rice is a poor source of calories and shouldn’t be eaten too often. The fact remains that quinoa is a superfood with a higher number of healthy carbohydrates and dietary fiber than brown rice. Quinoa is also a complete source of protein, containing as mentioned earlier, all nine essential amino acids. If you merely eat rice you won’t receive the same nutritious benefits as you will from consuming quinoa. Therefore quinoa is a better dietary choice than rice.

Is Quinoa A Superfood?

Yes, quinoa is packed with protein and if you are eating a plant-based diet it is essential to include it in your diet. It also contains a large range of vitamins and minerals. There are many evidence-based health benefits. Quinoa has also been described as a Supergrain.

Is Quinoa A Grain?

According to the Whole Grain Council, quinoa is a gluten-free, whole-grain carbohydrate, as well as being a whole protein. Some people who grow grains say that it is technically a seed, and fortunately, it tastes really great and can be substituted for other grains.

What Is In A Plant Based Diet

Gluten proteins have a low nutritional value and are not essential in our diets. So, if you have gluten intolerance issues, avoiding gluten will be suggested by your doctor. The good news is you can still enjoy quinoa, as quinoa is gluten-free. A gluten-free diet is based on foods like milk, meat, fish, fruit, nuts, vegetables, rice, and corn. When one member of your family is sensitive to gluten, it could be easier to have the whole family on a gluten free diet. Test it out and see if anybody even notices.

We now know that we solved is quinoa healthy for you, it benefits everyone and switching to quinoa will be a great choice for all. Please leave a comment below if you have tried quinoa and how you like it.