Quinoa is an ancient grain that was first discovered by Incas thousands of years ago. This whole grain is often called “the gold of the Incas” because they gave it to their warriors to increase stamina. It is quickly growing in popularity because of its high nutrition and benefits. Quinoa is becoming a superfood.
Let’s take a look at the health benefits of eating quinoa.
Anti-inflammatory benefits:
Quinoa has shown the ability to reduce inflammation in fat, and in the intestinal linings. Chronic inflammation is considered a major risk factor for serious diseases including cancer and heart disease.
Antioxidant rich:
Quinoa is higher in antioxidants when compared to other whole grains. The antioxidants in quinoa are flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol. Antioxidants kill diseases causing free radicals that are linked to cancer and other serious diseases.
Gluten-free:
Gluten is a protein found in some types of grains. This protein can cause serious health risks if you are sensitive to gluten. Research published in The New England Journal of Medicine lists 55 diseases that can be caused by eating gluten. A gluten-free diet may also reduce the risk of type-1 diabetes.
Heart health:
Quinoa is high in heart healthy fats. According an article by medical nutrition therapist Melissa Lund, MS, RD in Todays Dietitian, “About 25% of quinoa’s fatty acids come in the form of oleic acid, a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, and about 8% comes in the form of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), the omega-3 fatty acid most commonly found in plants.”
High in fiber:
Dietary fiber is key to proper digestive health and relieving constipation. According to the American Heart Association, whole grains like quinoa that are high in fiber help lower cholesterol and may reduce the risk of heart disease.
High in iron:
Iron is essential to our red blood cells and carries oxygen to the muscles. Iron also carries oxygen to the brain, aiding in cognitive function.
High in protein:
Quinoa is one of the few plant foods that are high in protein, and contain all nine essential amino acids. Proteins are part of every cell, tissue, and organ in our bodies. These proteins are always in the process of being broken down and replaced. The proteins that we get from our diet are converted to amino acids and are used to replace the proteins in our body.
Laxative benefits:
This potent whole grain superfood is known to have natural laxative effects, due to its high dietary fiber content. Fiber helps facilitate digestion and relieves constipation.
Regulates blood sugar:
Quinoa is a low-glycemic index food, which means that it doesn’t cause spikes in blood sugar like some other whole grains. One study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food showed that eating a diet including quinoa may help manage type 2 diabetes.
Note: None of the information in our website is intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease. The content on our website is for educational purposes only.
The power of quinoa.
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REFERENCES:
1. “What Are the Health Benefits of Quinoa?” Medical News Today. MediLexicon International, 30 Aug. 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
2. “7 Benefits Of Quinoa: The Supergrain Of The Future.” Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 26 June 2012. Web. 09 Mar. 2015.
3. “Quinoa.” WHFoods.com. WHFoods.com, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
4. “Health Benefits Of… Quinoa.” BBC Good Food. BBC Good Food, n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2015.
5. “Whole Grains and Fiber.” American Heart Association. American Heart Association, n.d. Web. 09 Mar. 2015.
6. “Intact Grains.” Today’s Dietitian. Today’s Dietitian, Oct. 2013. Web. 10 Mar. 2015. 7.
7. “Why Is Quinoa Good for Diabetes?” Healthline. Healthline, 5 Aug. 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
8. “Evaluation of Indigenous Grains from the Peruvian Andean Region for Antidiabetes and Antihypertension Potential Using in Vitro Methods.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. Journal of Medicinal Food, Aug. 2009. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
9. “Celiac Sprue.” New England Journal of Medicine. New England Journal of Medicine, n.d. Web. 10 Mar. 2015.
