Superfood for Weight Loss: Quinoa

Quinoa has been utilized as a superfood in the South American Andes since, at the very least, 3,000 B.C. The Incas, who relied on the seed to keep their people and armies formidable, considered it to be the “mother of all grains.” This kind of superfood has even been known as “the gold of the Incas.” While it is widely thought to be a grain, it is in fact the seed of the chenopodium plant, which is a relative of beats, spinach and chard.

It wasn’t until 1984 that the seed was imported to the United States. Since then, it has gradually gained recognition amongst health food buffs as being a truly unique superfood. The tiny seed or grain is just about 2mm in diameter and is particularly especially versatile. Incorporating it in what you eat can definitely present you with fat loss help that is aimed towards giving you better personal health and wellbeing.

The thing that makes quinoa a really healthy choice is the protein it offers. The protein quality of the seed is considered to be on par with the protein quality of milk. Simply because it, as opposed to most grains, contains each of the 8 essential amino acids which are required for tissue growth and repair. Not only is the “mother of all grains” high in protein, but it’s also extraordinarily low in fat. Also, it is high in manganese, which acts as a disease and cancer fighting antioxidant in the body. Other essential nutrients that it can give you are: magnesium, fiber, calcium, riboflavin, copper and potassium.

Because the seed is protein-packed, it provides vegetarians with an remarkable replacement for the proteins found in meat. In addition, it provides an alternative to those who’re allergic to wheat and that suffer from Coeliac disease. This is because the super seed is totally glutten free.

Quinoa can be prepared in many ways. You can use it in hot breakfast cereals, chili, salads and casseroles. It can also be utilized to exchange rice and other grains and to thicken soups.

Before preparing the seed, it’s vital for you to thoroughly rinse the seeds so that you can remove the saponin that coats them. Saponin can result in a sour taste and ruin your meal. Often, it will have been carefully rinsed and washed before being sold, nonetheless, it is still encouraged to clean it again before preparing to make sure that all the saponin is removed. To clean the seed, just stick it in a strainer and rince it extensively for just a few minutes.

Cooking the seed is extremely easy. It can be prepared and ready to eat in 15 minutes or less. When making it, use a ratio of 1:2, quinoa to water. 1. Add the seed and water to sauce pan 2. Bring water to a boil 3. Reduce heat and simmer 4. Cover and cook until water is absorbed (10-15 minutes).

One cup of raw quinoa will yield four cups of it cooked.

*The seed can be found in the natural foods section of any large market. However, some stores may not have it. If that is the case, there are many options to obtain quinoa on the internet.

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