Incorporating the superfood, quinoa, into your healthy eating routine can give your nutrition a great boost. Suitable for vegetarian and vegan dishes too.

2. What Is Quinoa
Quinoa, a species of goosefoot
(Chenopodium) is a pseudo cereal (that
is their seeds can be ground into flour
and consumed) rather than a true cereal,
as it is not a member of the true grass
family.
It is also closely related to species such
as beetroot, spinach and tumbleweed
which have shrub like growth.

3. Where Does Quinoa Grow?
It originated in the Andean region of Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia and
Peru, where it was domesticated 3,000 to 4,000 years ago for human
consumption and found its place into the humble Indian household
(albeit being an upper middle class commodity).
It gained popularity and has been cultivated away from natural
distribution
in places like the United States, Australia and Japan to name a few.

4. Nutrition Facts Of
Quinoa
Based On 1 Cup Serving

5. What Are The Nutritional
Benefits?
Essential Amino Acids
Quinoa seeds contain essential amino acids like lysine and
acceptable quantities of calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
A study showed that deficiency of essential amino acids
leads to symptoms of nervousness, exhaustion, and
dizziness to a greater or lesser extent and moderate
consumption of Quinoa can help avoid such symptoms.

6. Anti-Inflammatory – Prevents Obesity
Quinoa provides a hearty combination of anti-inflammatory compounds that
decrease risk of inflammation-related problems, such as, obesity.

7. Gluten Free And High In Protein
It is high in protein and lacks gluten which is
good news
for those who suffer from Celiac disease.
It is easy to digest.

8. Super Food
The nutrient composition of Quinoa is favorable compared with
common cereals earning the Quinoa grain the title of “super food”.
Nutritional evaluations indicate that quinoa is a source of complete
protein, that is, it contains all the essential amino acids required in a
human diet in correct proportions.
The protein content per 100 calories is higher than brown rice,
potatoes,
barley and millet, but is less than wild rice (Indian rice) and oats.

9. Heart Healthy Fats
In comparison to cereal grasses like wheat, quinoa is
higher in fat content and can provide valuable
amounts of heart-healthy fats like monounsaturated
fat (in the form of oleic acid).
Fiber
The grain is additionally a good source of dietary fiber
and phosphorus and is high in magnesium and iron.

11. Vegan Friendly and Good For Those
Who Are Lactose Intolerant
It is also a source of calcium, and thus,
is useful for vegans and those who are lactose
intolerant.

13. How To Eat Quinoa
Quinoa comes in seed form as a commercial product.
The seeds are in general cooked the same way as rice and
can be used in a wide range of dishes.
The good news is processes of boiling, simmering, and steaming quinoa do
not appear to significantly compromise the quality of quinoa's fatty acids,
allowing us to enjoy its cooked texture and flavor while maintaining this
nutrient benefit.
The leaves are eaten as a leaf vegetable, much like amaranth,
but, the commercial availability of quinoa greens is limited.

14. The seeds are softened making them
suitable to be added to salads and other
cold foods, making quinoa a versatile
food.
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