Quinoa: Nutritional Aspects And Uses

Quinoa is one of the “star foods” of the new trends that seek natural nutrition.

Different studies carried out by experts (including a study by  Brigham Young University ) have shown its great nutritional value, in addition to being a pseudocereal that contains:

• Group B vitamins
• Various minerals
• Healthy fats
• Few carbohydrates

Apart from this great accumulation of benefits, no pesticides are used for its cultivation. You want to know more?

Where are you from?

Quinoa, quinoa or kinwa (Chenopodium quinoa) for more than 5,000 years has been part of the staple foods of the Peruvian-Bolivian-Argentine highlands and other Latin American countries.

The ancient Incas called this cereal “the Mother grain”, since this food sustained this population until the arrival of the Spanish conquerors.

Where do you get it?

In the supermarkets where you buy your food there are many varieties of puffed cereals and refined rice. Quinoa may be present, but due to your ignorance, you have not paid attention to it until today.

If you cannot find quinoa in the market or store where you normally do your grocery shopping, you will surely be able to find it in stores specializing in diet or naturist foods.

Nutritional aspects of quinoa

The lack of nutrients is one of the causes of the many diseases that occur today,  and these could be avoided with the consumption of this rich food.

It is important, of course, that we consult with our doctor first. Each body is a world, and we have to be aware that we must ensure that we do not suffer from any type of allergy or related intolerance.

Something to keep in mind is that quinoa is not a cereal, but is part of the Quenopodiaceae family (which also includes beets), and therefore is gluten-free, making it a suitable food for those who they are celiac.

• It has 20 essential amino acids that make it a complete food and very easy to digest.
• Quinoa has vitamins C, F, E and B
• It only has between 4% to 9% fat. 50% of this fat is an elemental fatty acid called linoleic acid.
• In relation to amino acids, quinoa has histidine, arginine (essential for child development) and lysine (essential for the development of our brain).
• It has 16% of the grain in protein – reaching up to 23% – which represents double what any cereal can have.

In case the nutritional aspects of quinoa seem few to you, it is very rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, potassium and phosphorus and is rich in cystine, tryptophan and methionine. The balance in the ratio of oils, starch, protein and fat is incredible.

As confirmed by the FAO (United Nations Food Association), due to its balance and great nutritional richness, NASA has adopted quinoa as a staple food for its astronauts.

Quinoa and metabolic health

Due to its high concentration of nutrients, this food is a great ally for metabolic health. In fact, its consumption is recommended as a supplement to lose weight and regulate high glucose levels. Of course, it is advisable to speak with an endocrinologist before, since no one better than him can advise us on this.

According to some reports, it is a beneficial food for lowering triglyceride levels and high cholesterol. Therefore, it is also considered a “heart-healthy” food.

Uses of quinoa or quinoa

Quinoa grains are generally roasted to produce flour. You can use quinoa flour to prepare desserts, breads, etc. It is usually mixed with purple amaranth to get a dough that absorbs water well when cooked.

The roasting of the granites gives it a special and delicious flavor. You can also use them, like cereals, for your milk or yogurt, as a garnish for meats, fish, or eat them boiled in nutritious soups. A type of beer (chicha) is also made after the quinoa is fermented.