{"id":1963,"date":"2018-07-16T02:59:10","date_gmt":"2018-07-16T02:59:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=1963"},"modified":"2021-05-18T18:48:35","modified_gmt":"2021-05-18T18:48:35","slug":"10-quinoa-nutrition-facts-you-probably-dont-know","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/10-quinoa-nutrition-facts-you-probably-dont-know\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Quinoa Nutrition Facts You Probably Don’t Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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There\u2019s no doubt that you have heard of quinoa; after all, it\u2019s pretty much everywhere you turn! From quinoa fried rice to quinoa salads, it\u2019s become an ingredient featured in many dishes and has become one of the most popular foods for those who are trying to improve their health and lose weight. But what exactly is quinoa and why has it become such a big deal?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Said to be a pseudo-grain, quinoa comes from South America and has been consumed for centuries. Today, it\u2019s still considered a grain (a pseudo-grain, to be exact), though in reality, it isn\u2019t a grain at all, but rather a seed; however, we eat it much like we eat other grains. Whether you call it a seed or a grain, quinoa is failed a superfood, and for good reason! Here\u2019s a look at 10 awesome nutrition facts about quinoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

People who have Celiac disease<\/a> cannot consume gluten, as their bodies cannot break it down. When they do consume gluten, they can experience a number of adverse reactions. Those who do not have Celiac disease but are sensitive to gluten can also experience negative effects when they eat products that contain gluten. However, gluten seems to be everywhere, and while it may have adverse effects on those who cannot tolerate it, gluten does offer health benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since quinoa is naturally gluten-free and has a texture that is similar to rice and other gluten-based products, it is a safe alternative to gluten for those who cannot tolerate it. Whether you have been diagnosed with Celiac disease, you have a gluten sensitivity, or you just want to cut gluten out of your diet, replacing rice, pasta, and other gluten foods with quinoa is something you might want to consider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. It has a high protein content<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unlike other grains (even though, as we already mentioned, it\u2019s not really a grain), quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids<\/a>, meaning that it is considered a complete protein. In other words, it is likened to animal protein, which makes it an excellent way for vegetarians and vegans to ensure they are getting the vital protein that their bodies need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A single cup of cooked quinoa has around 8 grams of protein, which is roughly the same protein content as a single egg. So, whether you don\u2019t eat meat at all or you are trying to reduce your consumption of meat, or you are just looking for another food that can increase your protein intake and build muscle, quinoa is a food that you should you should definitely add to your diet. Plus, it has a nice, meaty texture, which makes it incredibly fulfilling and will keep you satiated for a long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. It can facilitate weight loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Not only does quinoa contain a high amount of protein, but it also packs a lot of insoluble fiber<\/a>. Both of these nutritional facts combined make you feel full longer after you eat the pseudo-grain. Naturally, when you feel more satiated, you are less likely to eat in excess, which certainly aids in weight loss. Furthermore, scientific studies have suggested that quinoa may help to activate insulin, gherkin, and peptides, hormones that can aide in weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This food also contains a lot of manganese, which helps with digestion, making it easier to digest your food in a more efficient manner. Lastly, a recent study conducted in Paris revealed that eating quinoa on a regular basis can help to increase the amount of energy the body expends, which also can help with weight loss.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. It could help prevent cancer<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another nutritional benefit of quinoa that may come as a surprise is the fact that it is believed that this superfood can help to prevent certain types of cancer. That is because it contains a high amount of antioxidants<\/a>, and antioxidants have properties that naturally fight off cancer. Furthermore, the seed has also been found to contain other nutrients that can stave off cancer, including saponin, lunasin, and quercetin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though the research findings that support these nutrients can be beneficial for cancer prevention are still relatively new and additional studies do need to be conducted, there is definitely a chance that quinoa can help you avoid getting certain types of cancer, including lung cancer and breast cancer. So, if you are trying to reduce your risk of developing cancer (and who isn\u2019t?), you might want to consider making quinoa a regular part of your diet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. It promotes a healthy gut<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Studies have found that quinoa serves as a prebiotic<\/a>, or compounds of fiber that your body cannot digest and work alongside probiotic enzymes that help to fee helpful bacteria that reside within the gut. To elaborate further, quinoa contains butyrate, which may be able to combat conditions that affect the gut, such as inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By increasing butyrate levels, inflammation in the gut can be decreased, and may help to combat the aforementioned conditions. Moreover, quinoa also contains succinic acid, which has also been found to serve as an anti-inflammatory agent for the gut. All these things combined means that if you eat quinoa on a regular basis, you may be able to improve the health of your gut and prevent the development of certain conditions of the gut \u2013 or reverse these conditions if you have already been diagnosed with them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. It contains powerful antioxidants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It has been found that quinoa contains large amounts of antioxidants known as flavonoids<\/a>, which have been noted for their ability to prevent certain diseases. Polyphenols, a specific type of flavonoid, may be able to help prevent certain diseases that may be chronic or shorten your life expectancy, such as cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, quinoa also contains high amounts of other important antioxidants that may play an important role in disease prevention, such as kaempferol, quercetin, ferulic acid, and vanillic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These antioxidants are noted for their ability to reduce inflammation, which is a major risk factor in the development of many chronic diseases. Last but not least, quinoa also contains beta-carotene, which has been found to fight off the damage that is caused by free radicals, which have also been found to play a major part in the development of certain chronic health conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Improves the health of your heart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As was already mentioned, quinoa contains many nutrients that have anti-inflammatory properties, which are extremely important for the health of your heart. Most notably, these anti-inflammatory properties can help to prevent heart disease, which happens to be the leading cause of death in the world. That\u2019s because quinoa contains a high amount of fats that are good for the heart, such as trans fats, monounsaturated fat (in the form of oleic acid), and an omega-3<\/a> fatty acid known as alpha-linolenic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All of these things have been found to significantly decrease the risk of heart attack. Additionally, quinoa can also help to reduce bad cholesterol levels, as well as blood pressure levels, which can drastically improve the health of the heart. And then there are the heart-healthy nutrients that quinoa contains, such as magnesium, butyrate, and potassium. All of these elements combined make quinoa very good for the heart. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. It reduces the risk of developing diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Foods that are rich in manganese have been found to be one of the most important things you can do to maintain your blood sugar levels and keep them in a healthy range, thereby reducing your risk of developing diabetes. Since quinoa is so dense in manganese, it stands to reason that eating this food can help to lower your risk of diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The reason why manganese <\/a>is effective for managing insulin levels and preventing diabetes is because it is believed that It aids in the process of converting amino acids into sugars and also helps to balance the amounts of sugar that enter the bloodstream. Several scientific studies have found that increasing your intake of magnesium can help to drastically lower the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, and a single cup of quinoa contains about 1\/3 of the recommended intake of magnesium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. It can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Iron is vital for your body, as it plays a fundamental role in the production of oxygen-rich red blood cells. If your body does not get enough iron, there is a good chance that you will suffer from a condition known as iron-deficiency anemia<\/a>. This condition can have severe effects on your health. It can make you intensely tired, cause confusion, make you dizzy, and cause a number of other adverse effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, a lot of people \u2013 particularly women \u2013 do not get the amount of iron they need. Since quinoa contains a high amount of iron, it can help stave off iron-deficiency anemia, so you should consider eating it on a regular basis if you want to avoid becoming deficient in iron or if you have been told that you have low levels of iron and need to improve your them, but don\u2019t want to take supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. It\u2019s extremely nutrient-dense<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s a very good reason why quinoa is regarded as a superfood: it\u2019s because it contains so many vital nutrients. A single cup of cooked quinoa contains all of the following nutrients:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5 grams of protein
\n8 grams of protein
\n58 percent of the recommended intake of manganese
\n30 percent of the recommended intake of magnesium
\n18 percent of the recommended intake of copper
\n9 percent of the recommended intake of potassium
\n15 percent of the suggested daily intake of iron<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, a single cup of cooked quinoa also contains essential B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and even vitamin E<\/a> and calcium. All of these nutrients play a vital role in your health, which means that quinoa is one of the most nutritionally dense foods that you can eat. It\u2019s also very easy to cook and quite tasty, so getting your intake of these nutrients with quinoa is quite simple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11.  Complete Protein Source<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa is the only grain with a complete amino acid profile, making it the only source of plant-based protein considered, \u201ccomplete.\u201d Most other grains are missing some vital amino acids<\/a>, and therefore
they don\u2019t offer the same benefit as eating meat. However, quinoa has all of the essential amino acids necessary for muscular repair and tissue regeneration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you like to train hard in the gym, or you\u2019re a competitive sportsperson, quinoa should be a staple at your dinner table. Proteins are chains of amino acids, and they\u2019re essential for rebuilding tissue and the generation of new cells. When our diets are deficient in protein, or muscles decrease in volume, and our connective tissues begin to weaken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people who enjoy eating meat attest to the fact that a vegan or vegetarian diet is low in protein and doesn\u2019t contain a complete protein source. While this may be true for all other vegan food sources, quinoa offers all the protein vegans, and vegetarians need to maintain muscle mass and repair tissues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. High in Magnesium<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In today\u2019s era of fast food, factory farming, and commercial agriculture, many of us don\u2019t receive adequate nutrition we need from our diet. As a result, we may develop several mineral and vitamin deficiencies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with potassium, calcium and Vitamin D, magnesium <\/a>deficiency is reasonably common in today\u2019s society. Magnesium is an essential mineral responsible for over 300 biological processes in the body. This mineral regulates blood sugar, enhances neural function, and improves the health of the immune system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa is a rich source of magnesium, with one cup of the grain providing as much as 185-milligrams of magnesium per serving, that\u2019s 30-percent of the recommended daily allowance for this mineral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, quinoa also contains a compound, phytic acid, which binds the minerals, reducing their bioavailability. Fortunately, soaking the quinoa removes the phytic acid, allowing for better absorption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It’s important to note that people with kidney issues should stay away from quinoa, its high in oxalates, which may cause kidney stones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Metabolic Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Due to its high nutrient content, and excellent health benefits, quinoa is a must for anyone concerned about their metabolic health. Metabolism <\/a>is the chemical process in the body that helps sustain our life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many people with health issues develop \u201cmetabolic syndrome,\u201d as a result of poor lifestyle choices, such as eating a poor diet, drinking alcohol, and smoking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cleaning up your diet is an excellent start to improving your metabolism. Toss out all forms of refined carbohydrates, such as sugar and flour, and replace them with nutritious forms of carbs, such as whole- grains, sprouts, and quinoa. These carbs do not cause digestive inflammation \u2013 the number one cause of metabolic syndrome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies of quinoa added to the diets of people with metabolic syndrome show that replacing the flour and other gluten-based carbs with quinoa, reduced fasted blood glucose levels while improving insulin sensitivity. The subjects also noted improvements in cholesterol, total triglyceride counts dropped, and production of LDL cholesterol, the bad kind of cholesterol, fell as much as 16-percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14.  The Ideal Side Quinoa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa \u2013 the ancient grain with healing powers. We\u2019re sure that this article has you left thinking that it\u2019s a good idea to include quinoa in your diet <\/a>\u2013 but how do you use it in your food? Fortunately, quinoa has plenty of uses in a variety of dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa is the ultimate side for meat and vegetable dishes. The grain is a fantastic addition to salads, and it tastes excellent when baked into pies, casseroles, and pasta dishes. Quinoa is so versatile, you can use it in any recipe you like, and it tastes great with chicken, beef, and fish dishes as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We recommend that you always soak your quinoa before cooking. Some varieties of the grain have \u201csaponins\u201d on the outer layer, and this compound can give your quinoa a bitter taste. If you\u2019re feeling lazy, look for a brand that presoaks their grains before packing. After cooking, quinoa has a light, fluffy appearance, and an earthy, nutty flavor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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