What is quinoa? And from where does it hails?
Quinoa belongs to the genus of the chenopods, it is a relative plant with spinach, amaranth, chard and beetroot. It is a plant that produces starch-rich seeds identical to those produced by cereals and is therefore classified as pseudo-cereal. A food that came here from South America (Peru, Chile Bolivia) was cultivated for thousands of years, and it was the basis of the Inca diet and their offspring.
Why should I prefer quinoa?
Quinoa has been characterized by a large research community worldwide as superfood and it was mainly based on its high protein content, ranging from 12-18%. The protein contained in quinoa is characterized as a protein of high biological value, as it is similar to that contained in red meat. It contains lysine and isoleucine, two essential amino acids for the body that are taken only by means of nutrition and are not found in other commercial cereals. Quinoa is a high-vitamin B content food that helps increase metabolism and produce hormones and red blood cells. Rich source of dietary fiber and a good source of trace elements such as phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese. It is a nutrition rich in calcium and ideal for vegetarians and for people intolerant to lactose and gluten as it is a gluten-free product, thus facilitating the process of digestion in the body.
Quinoa belongs to the genus of the chenopods, it is a relative plant with spinach, amaranth, chard and beetroot. It is a plant that produces starch-rich seeds identical to those produced by cereals and is therefore classified as pseudo-cereal. A food that came here from South America (Peru, Chile Bolivia) was cultivated for thousands of years, and it was the basis of the Inca diet and their offspring.
Why should I prefer quinoa?
Quinoa has been characterized by a large research community worldwide as superfood and it was mainly based on its high protein content, ranging from 12-18%. The protein contained in quinoa is characterized as a protein of high biological value, as it is similar to that contained in red meat. It contains lysine and isoleucine, two essential amino acids for the body that are taken only by means of nutrition and are not found in other commercial cereals. Quinoa is a high-vitamin B content food that helps increase metabolism and produce hormones and red blood cells. Rich source of dietary fiber and a good source of trace elements such as phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc and manganese. It is a nutrition rich in calcium and ideal for vegetarians and for people intolerant to lactose and gluten as it is a gluten-free product, thus facilitating the process of digestion in the body.
Studies have shown that quinoa has a high content of antioxidant phytonutrients, such as flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol ), and has an anti-inflammatory effect that we have so far encountered only in fruits and especially in the berry family.
Also found a low content of omega-3 fatty acids and α-linolenic acid (ALA) known for their anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effect.
In summary, its nutritional background combined with nutritional benefits rank the quinoa high on the pedestal of modern superfood suitable for all ages.
From Ioanna Kranou
MSc Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Also found a low content of omega-3 fatty acids and α-linolenic acid (ALA) known for their anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective effect.
In summary, its nutritional background combined with nutritional benefits rank the quinoa high on the pedestal of modern superfood suitable for all ages.
From Ioanna Kranou
MSc Clinical Dietitian-Nutritionist
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.