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Health benefits of Quinoa

Quinoa which is still relatively unknown used to be called the 'gold of the Incas' and for good reasons too. This native of South America is now slowly becoming popular especially amongst health food enthusiasts because of its many health benefits. Quinoa not only contains high protein but also has nine essential amino acids and it a great supplement to vegans' diet which needs more protein intake.

Quinoa has high amounts of the amino acid lysine and this nutrient is especially good for tissue growth and tissue repair. Not only that, Quinoa is so packed with so many different nutrients that it earned the nickname super grain. It is a complete protein and is a great addition to the diets of vegans, athletes, pregnant women or everyone in need of some high protein, healthy grains.

The super grain Quinoa has nutrients like manganese, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus. It may sound weird but this grain tastes great with a mild nutty flavor and is not known to be an allegenic food. However it does contain oxalate so those with an allergy to oxalate will need to avoid eating it. By now, you must be wondering how healthy is this grain and how do you cook it? Here are some more benefits of Quinoa:

Due to the magnesium content in this grain, Quinoa is good for your heart and also for those prone to migraines. This is because magnesium is known to relax blood vessels. Migraines are usually caused by the constriction of blood vessels and if you eat Quinoa regularly, it may reduce the frequency of your migraines. As a wholegrain, Quinoa can also reduce the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. Research has proven that those who eat a healthy breakfast containing wholegrain like Quinoa have a lower risk of heart failure.

Quinoa contains high amounts of antioxidants, that is copper and manganese, that is good to protect you from the damaging effects of free radicals. This wholegrain is also known to be a great protection against breast cancer and gall stones for women. Since this grain is so healthy, it is really time you add it to your diet and lets learn how to cook it.

Now Quinoa is easily found in prepackaged forms at stores and more so at natural food stores. It not only comes in the common yellow but there are now also pink Quinoa, red Quinoa or even black Quinoa, providing a rainbow of Quinoa for you to try out. Despite the difference in colors, it taste about the same with the same rich creamy and nutty flavors and a crunchy texture. To cook it, you just add two parts of water to one part of Quinoa. You cook it just like rice and can even cook it in a rice cooker. There are a lot of Quinoa recipes to be found so go right ahead and start adding Quinoa to your daily meals.

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