Posted: 2009-11-23 14:37
You are probably saying: "KEE who!?"
Quinoa, pronounced KEE-NWAH, is truly a super food. I discovered this mighty little grain about a year ago. Recently I have had to adopt a glutten-free diet. Although short term, the diet has added to my kitchen creativity!
Here's the scoop:
Compared to other cereals such as rice and wheat, quinoa has less fat and much more protein.
In fact it is considered a "complete protein" as it contains all 8 essential amino acids necessary for our bodies growth and repair, including lysine.
Most grains do not contain any lysine (a protein normally only found in meat, fish and eggs).
Lysine helps the body to produce carnitine, a substance that lowers the bad cholesterol (or LDL) in your blood. This means that eating quinoa is beneficial to those suffering from high blood pressure, anyone with cardivascular (heart) problems and postmenopausal women.
Lysine also helps in the production of collagen, the protein needed for strong bones and cartilage.
Quinoa also has high levels of calcium, again beneficial to our bones, nails and teeth.
Also, quinoa is a high-fibre source of phosphorus, iron, magnesium, vitamin E and several B vitamins.
Easy to digest, quinoa truly is a superfood!
