Every super-foodie has likely heard of quinoa (pronounced keen-wa). This grain has gained popularity over the past few years and is showing no signs of stopping. It’s a lower calorie whole grain alternative to rice and can be prepared just as easily.
Here are 4 reasons why quinoa needs to be on your radar:
Quinoa has a high fibre content
Whole grains are traditionally known for their fibre content, compared to when they’re ground into a flour. Quinoa is a great way to easily add whole-food fibre to your diet. Fibre helps the body maintain a healthy cholesterol level and balance blood sugar, making it an important dietary component for heart health and diabetes prevention. It also helps the body excrete waste and toxins from your system with ease.
High-fibre foods like quinoa also help to manage weight. The body takes longer to break down complex molecules like whole grain fibre. So you stay full longer and feel satisfied after eating a meal with whole grains. It doesn’t take a very big serving to have this effect – as little as ¾ cup of cooked quinoa will do the trick.
Protein-rich grainÂ
Of all the whole grains out there, this is where quinoa really shines. It contains nine essential amino acids, which are the building blocks the body uses to make protein. Compared to other plant-based foods, quinoa has one of the highest percentages of amino acids.
Protein is required in the body for tissue growth and repair – which means it’s important for building lean muscle. This makes quinoa a great addition to any diet, particularly if you’re vegetarian or vegan, or if you’re looking to add more plant-based protein to your rotation. Pair quinoa with legumes or nuts to make a complete protein, giving the body the full amino acid profile it needs to build strong muscles and tissues.
Antioxidant powerhouse
You might be surprised to hear that quinoa also contains a high amount of antioxidants per serving. This is particularly important for anyone who has a high amount of inflammation in the body. Eating antioxidants is important for everyone, but for those with chronic inflammation, antioxidants are extra support to reduce levels of overall inflammation and allow the body to heal.
Easy addition to any meal
Quinoa is such a versatile grain. It takes on the flavour of the spices and foods you pair it with, making it easy to add to just about any meal. Apart from using it as a replacement for rice, you can add quinoa to salads, oatmeal, patties (as filler), soups, baking and more. This whole grain isn’t restricted to dinner time either. You can eat it at any meal and can be a great protein alternative when paired properly with legumes. You can even get creative and add Quinoa to desserts to boost their health content.
Ready to add more quinoa to your diet? Try Kinwa Bars for a convenient grab and go serving of quinoa.