21/06/2019
Quinoa is gluten-free, high in protein and one of the few plant foods that contain sufficient amounts of all nine essential amino acids..
It is also high in fiber, magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants.
*_Here are 9 health benefits of quinoa._*
*1. Very Nutritious*
It technically isn't a cereal grain, it is basically a seed, which is prepared and eaten similarly as grains.
There are three main types: white, red and black.
This is the nutrient content in 1 cup (185 grams) of cooked quinoa (2):
Protein: 8 grams.
Fiber: 5 grams.
Manganese: 58% of the recommended daily allowance (RDA).
Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
Folate: 19% of the RDA.
Copper: 18% of the RDA.
Iron: 15% of the RDA.
Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
Potassium 9% of the RDA.
Over 10% of the RDA for vitamins B1, B2 and B6.
Small amounts of calcium, B3 (niacin) and vitamin E.
This comes with a total of 222 calories, with 39 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fat. It also contains a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids.
Quinoa is non-GMO, gluten-free and usually grown organically. Even
though technically not a cereal grain, it still counts as a whole-grain food.
*2. Contains the Plant Compound Quercetin and Kaempferol*
Quinoa contains large amounts of flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol. These are potent plant antioxidants with numerous health benefits.
These important molecules have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects in animal studies.
*3. Very High in Fiber, Much Higher Than Most Grains*
Quinoa is much higher in fiber than most grains. One study found 17–27 grams of fiber per cup (185 grams). Most of the fiber is insoluble, but one cup of quinoa still contains 2.5 grams of insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber helps in controlling blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, increase fullness and help with weight loss.
*4. Gluten-Free and Perfect for People With Gluten Intolerance*
A gluten-free diet can be healthy, as long as it’s based on foods that are naturally gluten-free.
Problems arise when people eat gluten-free foods made with refined starches.
Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Using it instead of typical gluten-free ingredients can increase the antioxidant and nutrient value of your diet when you’re avoiding gluten.
*5. Very High in Protein, With All the Essential Amino Acids*
If a food contains all nine essential amino acids, it’s referred to as a complete protein.
The problem is that many plant foods are deficient in certain essential amino acids, such as lysine.
However, quinoa is an exception to this, because it contains sufficient amounts of all the essential amino acids.. For this reason, it’s an excellent source of protein for vegetarians and vegans.
*6. Has a Low Glycemic Index, Which is Good for Blood Sugar Control*
The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly foods raise your blood sugar levels.
Foods with high glycemic index are linked to many of the chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Quinoa has a glycemic index of 53, which is considered low.
*7. High in Important Minerals Like Iron and Magnesium*
Many people don’t get enough of certain important nutrients.
This is particularly true of some minerals, especially magnesium, potassium, zinc and (for women) iron.
Quinoa is very high in all 4 minerals, particularly magnesium, with one cup (185 grams) providing about 30% of the RDA.
The problem is that it also contains a substance called phytic acid, which can bind these minerals and reduce their absorption.
However, by soaking and/or sprouting the quinoa prior to cooking, you can reduce the phytic acid content and make these minerals more bioavailable.
Quinoa is also pretty high in oxalates, which reduce the absorption of calcium and can cause problems for certain individuals with recurring kidney stones.
*8. Very High in Antioxidants*
Quinoa is very high in antioxidants, which are substances that neutralize free radicals and are believed to help fight aging and many diseases.
Allowing the seeds to sprout seems to increase the antioxidant content even further.
*9. May Help You Lose Weight*
In order to lose weight, you need to take in fewer calories than you burn.
Certain food properties can promote weight loss, either by boosting metabolism or reducing appetite.
The relatively high protein content of quinoa may play a part in its ability to prevent weight gain and aid weight loss. High protein diets increase satiety, causing people to eat less.
The high amount of fiber may increase feelings of fullness, making you eat fewer calories overall.
*Conclusion*
Rich in fiber, minerals, antioxidants and all nine essential amino acids, quinoa is one of the healthiest and most nutritious foods on the planet.
It may improve your blood sugar and cholesterol levels and even aid weight loss.
What’s more, it’s naturally gluten-free, delicious, versatile and incredibly easy to prepare.
Dietician Esha Singhal
Contact # - 9654462825
20% discounts on weight loss & weight gain packages..
Offer valid from 21 June 2019 to 25 June 2019