QUINOA: IS A NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE
Pronounced keen-wah, this South American grain is native to the high altitudes of the Andes Mountains. Quinoa is crunchy, chewy and loaded with good-for-you nutrients. The Incans have been eating quinoa for more than 5,000 years and they refer to it as "chisaya mama" – mother of all grains.
Quinoa is “actually a relative of leafy green vegetables. It’s a grain, yes; it’s a vegetable, yes; and it’s also a complete protein, which means it has ALL nine essential amino acids. One serving of quinoa contains manganese, magnesium, iron, tryptophan (helps boost serotonin levels!), copper and phosphorus – all for only about 170 calories; good for you and deliciously nutty
QUINOA
(1 serving = 1/4 cup uncooked)
Calories…172
Total fat…2.8 grams
Saturated fat…0 grams (woohoo!)
Carbohydrates…31 grams
Dietary fiber…3 grams
Protein…6 grams
Quinoa also makes an excellent choice for those with celiac disease and are allergic to gluten, the protein found in wheat. Quinoa is gluten-free and can replace pasta, oatmeal and barley for grains in a recipe. Because it’s nutrient rich, quinoa is also an excellent choice for migraine sufferers, those with diabetes and atherosclerosis (inflammation of the arterial blood vessels, which can lead to heart attacks). A staple in health-food stores, quinoa is gradually making it’s way into mainstream grocery stores.
It’s easy to incorporate into any dish – soups, salads, breakfast, lunch, dinner, baked goods – the list goes on. Buying a 1-lb. bag of quinoa (about 10, 1/4-cup servings) will cost between $2.50 - 5.00 (or $0.25 to 0.50 cents a serving), depending on the brand and whether or not it’s organic. Buying quinoa in bulk will further reduce the cost and make sure you always have it on-hand. Popular makers of quinoa include Arrowhead Mills, Bob’s Red Mill, Quinoa Corporation and Trader Joe’s.
Run out to the store and buy “the gold of the Incas”.
No comments:
Post a Comment