We usually think of quinoa as a grain, but it is actually the seed of a plant that, as its scientific name Chenopodium quinoa reflects, is related to beets, chard and spinach. These amino acid-rich seeds are not only very nutritious, but also very delicious. Cooked quinoa seeds are fluffy and creamy, yet slightly crunchy. They have a delicate, somewhat nutty flavor. While the most popular type of quinoa is a transparent yellow color, other varieties feature colors such as orange, pink, red, purple or black. Although often difficult to find in the marketplace, the leaves of the quinoa plant are edible, with a taste similar to its green-leafed relatives, spinach, chard and beets.
Benefits
Migraines and hypertension: Riboflavin and magnesium are the
natural aids in Quinoa for bad headaches. They are known to help relax the
blood vessels, which reduces constriction and so eases tension. Basically
they help the body to function better which in turn eases the stress the
body experiences when circumstances make it over work. While no one claims
it makes headaches go away, it can help and is known to reduce the frequency
of migraine attacks.
Childhood Asthma: Many allergies are connected with grass seeds
but Quinoa is not a grass. It is a plant but is not known to produce serious
allergic reactions in people. Asthma is the result of breathing difficulties
that are made worse by tension. It is known to have triggers and often there
is a family history of asthma. It is known to have got worse over the years
and many experts point to our modern living conditions as making it more
prevalent. While not all asthma attacks are caused by allergies which may or
may not be avoidable, it is known that Quinoa helps to reduce body stress
and helps to keep the airways open. It is recommended that children with
asthma eat a whole food diet. Many of the nutrients that we need are in
Quinoa such as Magnesium which naturally helps to reduce spasms in the
bronchial tubes. We know that many asthma sufferers are short of vitamin b,
minerals like magnesium, zinc and iron all of which can be found in Quinoa.
Why not check out some of the recipes and see which ones are easiest to
include in your child's diet.
Gallstones: This is another surprising area where Quinoa is known
to be useful. It may not get rid of gallstones but it can help protect their
development. Indeed this is another case where a wholesome diet rich in
fiber can aid in the digestion of foodstuffs. As it is a soluble fiber it
speeds through the intestines and reduces the need of increased bile
production. Too much bile production helps to develop gallstones so this is
another natural remedy for our bodies.
Type 2 Diabetes: Quinoa is rich in magnesium which is a mineral
that is essential in the body's ability to deal with glucose and insulin.
Yet again there is evidence that Quinoa, as part of a whole food diets aids
in the digestion of foods. It is also known to increase Insulin sensitivity
while reducing triglycerides (blood fats which need to be kept low in
diabetics).
Heart Disease: Quinoa is known to prevent the clogging of
arteries and veins which in turn helps to relieve stresses on the heart. The
fat in Quinoa is good fat in that is low in cholesterol and can help reduce
blood pressure thanks to the presence of potassium and magnesium. In other
words it is a good source of protein without the drawbacks of too much
saturated fat and cholesterol.
