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Top 10 Reasons Why You Should be Eating More Quinoa
4. Full of Powerful Flavonoids
When we eat real food, the health benefits we receive go beyond the typical vitamins and minerals that we know, many contain important trace nutrients and antioxidants that give our body the best nutrition available. We should also add flavonoids to this list. Flavonoids are plant antioxidants that have almost unbelievable benefits to our health. The two most studied flavonoids are quercetin and kaempferol and quinoa has a lot of both of these flavonoids. In fact, quinoa has higher levels of quercetin than cranberries do! These flavonoids have anti-viral, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant effects in studies done with animals.
5. Super High in Fiber
Although varieties can vary, quinoa still has between 10 and 16 grams of fiber for each 100 grams of uncooked quinoa. This means quinoa can have between 17 to 27 grams of fiber per cup. This is quite high, more than twice as high as any other grain. Most of the fiber is insoluble fiber, which is good for your digestion. It does contain some soluble fiber which is good for lowering cholesterol, increase your sense of fullness, (which can help with weight loss), and actually lowers blood sugar levels. Find out more fiber rich foods.
6. Perfect for those who are Gluten Intolerant
A study done in 2013 showed that about 1/3 of Americans are trying to eliminate or avoid gluten in their diets (See top signs that you are gluten intolerant). This can be a healthy thing, as long as it’s based on foods that are naturally gluten free and not eating those processed “gluten free” manufactured foods.
Eating quinoa instead of the typical refined “gluten free” starches such as potato, corn, or rice flour, can vastly increase your overall nutrient and the antioxidant value of your diet.
7. High in Protein and Amino Acids
Protein is comprised of amino acids. Some of these are called “essential” amino acids because our bodies do not make them, so we must obtain them from our diets. Quinoa is a complete protein because it has all the essential amino acids, unlike many other protein sources. One cup of cooked quinoa has 8 grams of protein.
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