“When it comes to grains quinoa is on top of the heap because it has so many great health benefits.”
Quinoa Seeds
Where it Grows- In reality quinoa is not a grain at all, it’s grass seed which grows in South America and especially in Peru, Bolivia, Columbia, Chile, Ecuador… and it was highly revered by the Incas and was used for thousands of years. And now it’s being grown in the US in the high mountains of Washington, California, and Oregon.
History – Quinoa goes back to 3,000 BC being grown in the high Andes Mountains of South America.
Pronounced – “Keen – Wah” it’s a highly nutritious seed.
Organic – Almost all quinoa is organic even the big box stores now have organic quinoa and it’s a very versatile.
Non-GMO – All quinoa is non-GMO… and I hope it stays that way.
Quick Cooking – Quinoa is so simple to cook, just add your quinoa to your sauce pan and then add water to cover and bring to a boil. When the water gets down to the level of the quinoa turn off the heat and cover and let set for 20 minutes… then fluff with a fork. Just about all quinoa is now pre-rinsed to remove the sticky saponins that are bitter.
Relatively Low Glycemic Index – Quinoa has a low glycemic index.
Good Weight Loss Food – Quinoa has lots of fiber and it also helps to boost up your metabolism making it a good weight loss food. But it also has carbs so eat quinoa in moderation.
Fiber – quinoa contains about twice as much fiber when compared to all the other grains. Thus making it a good way to boost up fiber intake and create a good environment for growth of probiotic bacteria… thus boosting up your immune system.
Protein – Quinoa contains 8 grams per cup of protein which very good for a grain… thus making it a high protein. It also has the amino acids “lysine and isoleucine” which most grains don’t contain. Quinoa contains all the essential amino acids making it a complete food because it also has carbs… making it a good source of protein and energy for vegetarians.
High in Antioxidants – Quinoa is higher in powerful antioxidants and flavonoids than almost all the grains, thus it helps to prevent disease, slow the aging process, prevents and repairs DNA damage. Quinoa helps to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and other diseases. And quinoa contains kaempferol and quercetin which are powerful flavonoids.
Quinoa Salad
Omega Oils – Quinoa contains omega 3 fatty acids which are great for inflammation and heart health.
Lowers Cholesterol – Studies show that Quinoa lowers LDL or bad cholesterol while maintaining good or HDL cholesterol levels… also helps to lower triglycerides.
Anti-Inflammatory – Quinoa contains a good amount of anti-inflammatory compounds compared to other grains thus making it a healthy choice if you have inflammation going on.
Allergenic – Quinoa is one of the best alternatives for those who suffer from food allergies. Not many people have any problem with quinoa. But quinoa does contain some oxalates.
Alkalizing – Quinoa helps to alkalize the body and thus stave off disease. Acid in the body is one of the first things that happens to cause inflammation and disease.
Diabetes – Quinoa significantly lowers blood sugar levels compared other grains like rice and wheat.
Contains – Iron and copper for anemia, zinc to help fight off colds and flues, calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, potassium for water regulation and heart health, magnesium to help you relax, manganese for enzyme production, plus B vitamins for good mood and vitality, Vitamin E for sexual health and inflammation… and Vitamin C which is a great antioxidant.
Gluten Free – Like many other grains and seeds quinoa is gluten free which is great for those who have celiac disease or have gluten sensitivity.
Taste – I love the nutty crunchy flavor of quinoa. My wife likes quinoa more than any other grain on the market… and that’s saying a lot.
Versatile - Quinoa can be used for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can spice it up with cinnamon for breakfast, add Southwestern spices for lunch, and add Italian spices for dinner. Instead of rice use quinoa… it works great for just about any dish and it’s very quick and simple to cook.
Also you can add quinoa to soups, stews, casseroles, it can be made into pasta and you can find quinoa pasta in stores. Quinoa can even be popped, it’s makes a good alternative to popcorn. Google “Quinoa Recipes” and lots of great tasting recipes will come up.
Here is great quinoa salad recipe that you’ll love – see link – http://paulhaider.wordpress.com/2014/01/30/quinoa-salad-a-vegan-recipe/
Also a fantastic quinoa pizza crust recipe – see link – http://paulhaider.wordpress.com/2014/06/06/organic-quinoa-pizza-crust/
Quinoa Flour – Quinoa flour works wonders for high protein alternatives to wheat.
Colors – Quinoa also comes in different colors such as white, purple, pink, tan, black, and even orange… but white is the most common.
Enjoy!
Feel Free to Share – This information is meant to get you started… so you can do more research on your own… dig a little deeper and find what works for you. This article is for educational purposes only, I strongly recommend that you seek advice from your own GP, private doctor, or medical specialist for any ailment, illness, or medical condition.. this article not meant to be a scientific analysis in any way, shape, or form.
Dr. Paul Haider – Master Herbalist and Spiritual Teacher for over 25 years, helping people to recover and feel healthy. You can also find Dr. Haider on FB under Dr. Paul Haider, Healing Herbs, and at www.paulhaider.com – feel free to contact him any time, Acceptance, Overeaters Anonymous, Friends, Change Life,
Here is a short video bio – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rK6Eg-xlX3U
Here is my Google+ address if any of you would like to connect. — http://plus.google.com/+PaulHaider–drpaulhaider
Dr. Paul Haider, Master Herbalist, HH, USA, Quinoa, Seeds, Andes, Colors, Flour, Versatile, Gluten Free, Diabetes, Cholesterol, Alkalizing, Allergenic, Anti-inflammatory, Omega Oils, antioxidants, protein, Fiver, Weight loss, Low Glycemic Index, Quick Cooking, Non-GMO, Organic, Grown in South America, Grown in US, 3,000 BC, 5 Thousand Years Old,
Feel Free to Contact me, I love talking with people and being of service – email – drpaulhaider@gmail.com, – Skype – drpaulhaider – and my cell phone is (831) 869-9119 – I am in EST Time Zone.
