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Quinoa is a grain crop and though technically it is a seed but is used as a grain. It has gained importance in the recent years as it contains all the essential amino acids, nutrients, low calories, and is also gluten free.
Protein is made up of amino acids. Our body is unable to produce all kinds of amino acids so we have to rely on outside sources. Grains and plant sources are usually not able to provide with all the proteins that our body requires. But quinoa is an exception, it contains all the essential amino acids and is rich in lysine which is an important amino acid that is responsible for tissue repair and growth.
Glycemic index measures the rate at which the food causes the glucose to be absorbed by the blood. If it is high, this could lead to obesity and increase in sugar level. But quinoa has a low glycemic index and is beneficial for diabetic patients as does not increase the glucose levels rapidly.
Quinoa is rich in a lot of minerals especially magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc. Magnesium is required for bone, nerve health and controls blood sugar levels, iron for carrying oxygenated blood to all body parts, and potassium for heart and other vital functions of the body. The mineral content of quinoa increases on sprouting or soaking and hence should be used thereafter so that these nutrients are well absorbed into the blood stream.
Quinoa is low in calories and its intake helps in reducing cholesterol, insulin, and blood sugar levels. This prevents the body from being sluggish as it can utilize the maximum energy. Quinoa intake as also been observed to inhibit the ill effects of fructose in the body which could lead to a better metabolism.
This pseudo-grain is antioxidant rich and contains plant flavonoids that are not usually present in all grains. Flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol are found in quinoa that are antimicrobial, and can reduce inflammation, depression and is anti-cancerous. These antioxidants protect the body from infections and increases its ability to fight diseases.
Unlike other grains like wheat, quinoa is gluten-free and can be incorporated in the diet of gluten intolerant people who have a weak gut. Another quality of quinoa is that it is unlike other gluten free grains which are comprised of starch.
This grain contains high amounts of fiber though boiling could reduce its fiber content as it absorbs moisture. But quinoa contains insoluble fiber much more as compared to its soluble fiber content. A cup of raw quinoa contains approx 20 gms of fiber.
Quinoa intake increases metabolism and controls the cholesterol and blood sugar levels. It hence controls the increase in weight as it also contains ample amounts of fiber and fewer calories. Eating quinoa can keep the stomach full for a longer time, decreasing the urge to overeat. So, to maintain a good body weight, this grain can be added to the diet.
This pseudograin contains managanese in good quantities which is responsible in controlling cholesterol, blood pressure and neurological functions in the body, even hearing problems can be treated by incorporating quinoa in your diet.
Quinoa seeds are cholesterol friendly and help in lowering high cholesterol and keep optimum levels in the body. Eating a serving of quinoa seeds helps in keeping the cholesterol levels under normal limits.
Quinoa contains en element which is antiseptic in nature and allows fast healing and fights germs in the body. They promote healthy bacteria in the gut that can fight of the infections and keep thebody germ free.
Women who have low iron levels in the body, and feel weak and tired all through should start eating quinoa. It not only increases the iron levels but also takes care not to give rise to ailments like anemia.
Quinoa contains vitaminns, minerals and flavonoids that have antioxidant properties that help fight free radical damage and decrease all kinds of inflammation in the body.
This vitamin which is found in quinoa is an essential nutrient for the brain and muscle functions. It is required by the body for the production of energy metabolism for these organs and their smooth functioning.
Quinoa seeds can block the excessive absorption of calcium into the body. For people suffering from recurrent kidney stones, this calcium could be a problem as it deposits in the kidneys leading to stones. Quinoa intake helps in blocking this absorption.
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