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A Superfood at Your Supermarket? Quinoa!
A Bite-Size Read for Your Health and Your Waistline
Quinoa, an ancient seed often mistaken for a grain, has gained significant popularity in recent years. Is it getting all the love because it’s gluten-free? Or are there more benefits that make it worth adding to your regular repertoire?
Although quinoa surged in popularity in the early 2000s, it is far from a new discovery. This ancient seed has been cultivated for thousands of years and holds a revered place in South American cultures. Its rise in prominence in recent times coincided with the increasing awareness of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, as quinoa is naturally gluten-free and provides an excellent alternative to traditional grains. As it turns out, this is just the beginning of what it offers.
Quinoa boasts an impressive nutritional profile that sets it apart from other grains and grain alternatives. As a pseudo-cereal, it is more nutrient-dense than many traditional grains. A cup of cooked quinoa contains approximately 222 calories, 8g of protein, 3.6g of fat, 39g of carbohydrates of which there are 5g of fiber. In terms of micronutrients, quinoa is rich in folate, vitamin B6, vitamin E, iron, zinc, potassium, phosphorus, copper, manganese, and magnesium; these essential vitamins and minerals that are often lacking in gluten-free and plant-based diets.
