Quinoa (pronounced "KEEN-wah") is a grain, grown in South America (namely Chile, Peru and Bolivia) for thousands of years, is now heralded as a super food and is used as an alternative to couscous and rice.
With twice the protein content of barley or rice, it’s also a good source of magnesium, calcium and manganese. Quinoa contains several B vitamins, dietary fibre and vitamin E. It contains all nine essential amino acids, including lysine and isoleucine acids, which other grains lack; making it a complete protein source. It lowers cholesterol, gives us energy and is also gluten free. It is a low-GI food, which means it’s released slowly and keeps us fuller for longer.
Quinoa has a delicate nutty flavour and can be used in salads and as an alternative to rice. Because it’s gluten free, it’s an excellent wheat free alternative for those who struggle with wheat intolerance.
It’s also great for people who follow a vegan diet, who might potentially find it difficult to get enough protein in their diets. Quinoa is high in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients; which means it’s beneficial in the prevention and treatment of disease.
Quinoa also contains small amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids and has a high content of monounsaturated fat. It’s a good all round super food.
I started used Quinoa a while ago instead of couscous, and as you say, it is wheat free.
Unless it's rinsed well before use it can be quite bitter. I find it has an odd texture but if it's flavoured properly then it is really delicious.
It seems from your post that it is extremely nutritious too. I'd recommend anyone give it a go!
Thank you. I'm all for trying new things and particularly like the fact that it is a superfood and it's good for us. I also like the fact that it's wheat and gluten free.
For those of us who struggle with food, this is definitely a must have food. Having tried Quinoa myself I think it's absolutely delicious.
I had some organic multi-grain breakfast cereal this morning and I had no idea when I bought it that it had toasted Quinoa in it and it tasted delicious.
It's good to know how healthy it is for you too.
Yes it's a shame we carry so many misconceptions over the things that are clearly good for us.
We tend to go through life like that. We form an opinion early about something without giving it a try, just because we don't like the idea, the look or the texture.
We need to be less judgmental on the things that can give us an experience.