Days To Fitness
    Facebook Twitter Instagram
    • Blog
    • Newsletters
    • About
    • Contact
    Days To Fitness
    • The Best
      • Choosing the Best Blender for Smoothies
      • Best Superfood Powder
      • Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss
      • The Best Protein Bar for You
      • The Best Blender for You
    • 21 Day Fix
    • Recipes
    • Workout Plans
      • 21 Day Fix
      • 21 Day Fix Extreme
      • P90X3 Complete
      • Home Workout Routines
    • Eating Healthy
      • No-Sugar Days Diet
      • Meal Replacement Diets
      • Healthy Protein Bars
      • The Easy Low Carb Diet
    • Motivation
    • Resources
    Days To Fitness
    You are at:Home»Is it Good for You»What is Quinoa ?
    what is Quinoa post cover

    What is Quinoa ?

    0
    By Sarah on April 10, 2017 Is it Good for You, Nutrition Guide

    I love to try new foods, and one of my more recent finds is something called quinoa. It’s not pronounced like it looks but is, in fact, pronounced keen-waa instead. Why? Don’t ask me! But don’t let this odd-sounding name put you off what is one of the most nutritious foods around.

    Quinoa, which comes from South America, looks like a grain, tastes like a grain, and cooks like a grain but it’s not a grain at all; it’s actually a seed. Quinoa was first grown for food 7,000 years ago in the Andes where the Incas called it “the mother grain” and thought it was sacred. Because it’s a seed, it’s packed with vital nutrients that will do you nothing but good.

    There are over 3,000 varieties of quinoa, but the most common and widely recognized are white, red, and black quinoa which are the varieties you’ll commonly find in your grocery store. Not so long ago, quinoa was only available in the hippest of health food shops and restaurants but, more recently, it has become more mainstream and is available at most supermarkets. I usually buy my quinoa online from Amazon.com, and this is my favorite brand, available at amazon.com.

    Branded as a superfood by various authorities including the World Health Organisation

    Branded as a superfood by various authorities including the World Health Organisation, quinoa is gluten-free and can be used in place of rice and other grains. Because it’s gluten-free, it’s ideal for people with gluten sensitivity and intolerance as well as celiac sufferers. More about gluten, recipes included, start here.

    Benefits of Quinoa 

    In addition to being gluten-free, quinoa is also a nutritional powerhouse and deserves its superfood status. This pseudo-grain is high in a wide variety of essential nutrients, including free radical-scavenging antioxidants. Just one cup of cooked quinoa contains:

    • Copper: 18% of the Recommended Daily Intake (RDI)
    • Iron: 15% of the RDI.
    • Zinc: 13% of the RDI.
    • Thiamin: 13% of the RDI.
    • Riboflavin: 12% of the RDI.
    • Vitamin B6: 11% of the RDI.
    • Manganese: 58% of the RDI.
    • Magnesium: 30% of the RDI.
    • Phosphorous: 28% of the RDI.
    • Folate: 19% of the RDI.

    Quinoa is also low in calories, that same one cup containing only 220, and offers five grams of fiber, four grams of healthy fats and a whopping eight grams of protein. It’s also renowned for being filling, having a very pleasant nutty taste, and may help reduce systemic inflammation – the cause of many diseases.

    Unlike grains, quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids which means that it’s a proper protein and not an incomplete one like nuts, beans, and wheat. This makes it a viable alternative for vegetarians or anyone else looking for meat-free protein.

    How to cook quinoa 

    If you can cook rice, you can cook quinoa – it’s that simple to prepare. Use one part quinoa and two parts water, seasoning as desired, and then boil and simmer until the water is absorbed which usually takes around 15 minutes. You’ll know when it’s ready when the quinoa sprouts little tails. Cook it in broth, vegetable or chicken stock for a stronger flavor. You can eat it hot as a side dish just as you would rice or let it go cold and eat it as a healthy snack or as part of a salad.

    Some people suggest rinsing it with cold water before cooking to remove any bitterness. I’ve done this but, to be honest, I can’t tell the difference. Try it yourself to see if it makes any difference to you.

    When I’m in a hurry and want something healthy and tasty to eat, I put a half cup of quinoa in one cup of water and add one cup of diced frozen vegetables. Allow to simmer for 15 minutes, and you’ve got a quick and easy vegetarian meal that is nutritionally complete. Season with a little low sodium soy sauce and sprinkle with a little parmesan for extra flavor. I’ve even cooked it in milk to make a sort of quinoa oatmeal – delicious!

    I’ve got more quinoa recipes to share with you, check the next section, so take a look if you like the sound of this superfood. More about superfoods on my guide “My Superfoods“.

    Quinoa Recipes

    Quinoa, Feta & Broccoli Salad

     

    Quinoa Salad with Grilled Halloumi

    Gluten Free Quinoa Salad dinner recipe

    Turkey and quinoa Thai-style Curry

    Turkey and quinoa Thai-style curry

    Gluten-Free Quinoa Tabbouleh For 2

    Quinoa tabbouleh for 2 persons

    Sugar-Free – Pan-seared salmon with

    Pan-seared salmon with asparagus, arugula, zucchini and quinoa

    Conclusion

    Quinoa isn’t really new – it’s been around for thousands of years which is why it’s often called an ancient grain (even though it’s a seed and not a grain at all!) – but a lot of people are only just discovering it. Tasty, healthy, and versatile, quinoa truly does deserve a place on your dining table.

    Opt In Image
    Subscribe to my Newsletter
    Get Your Free Copy of The Meal Shakes Book

    My weight loss plan using Meal Replacement Shakes

    15 Meal Replacement Shakes Recipes

    Available in 2 Formats: PDF and iBooks

     

    One email per week, exclusive content, no ads, and, of course, you can unsubscribe anytime you want.

    health benefits quinoa what is
    Previous ArticleEvery Friday 2 Recipes for Your Weekend
    Next Article Ask Sarah – Why We Should Eat Less Salt 
    Sarah
    • Website

    Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m so happy that you’re here! I've shared my story here

    Related Posts

    Rice and Lentil Salad

    Easy Vegan Black Bean Veggie Burgers – 6 Ingredients

    Quinoa Buckwheat Pancakes

    Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

    ideal shape meal replacement shake
    Guides
    February 2, 2023

    How to lose weight with Meal replacement Shakes

    October 19, 2018

    Nutrition Guide – What, When and How Much to Eat 

    October 11, 2018

    How to Lose Belly Fat – The Complete Guide

    August 10, 2018

    Running Guide for Beginners 

    July 4, 2018

    Walking for Health – Workout Included

    September 21, 2017

    Inversion Therapy

    April 27, 2017

    Slow Cooking – Quick Start

    February 4, 2017

    Days to Yoga Bliss – A Yoga for Beginners Guide

    September 8, 2016

    My Superfoods – My Superfood Guide

    August 1, 2016

    Nutrition Facts – A Practical Guide About Nutrition 

    July 27, 2016

    Welcome to 20 No-Sugar Days Diet

    July 16, 2016

    What Are Carbs ? A Beginner’s Carbs Guide

    December 5, 2015

    Start your Smoothie Experience

    September 4, 2015

    Beginner’s Guide to Protein Powder

    • Popular
    August 18, 2015

    21 Day Fix Eating Plan

    July 27, 2016

    Welcome to 20 No-Sugar Days Diet

    April 4, 2015

    Shakeology alternatives

    August 10, 2015

    Get Your Copy of Days to Fitness Recipe Book

    March 15, 2023

    Best Meal Replacement Shakes for Weight Loss

    April 3, 2015

    3 Approved Breakfast Recipes for 21 Day Fix

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    One Email Every Friday

    1 Article + 2 Healthy Recipes

    Lose Weight and Boost Your Well-being

    Days To Fitness
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    One Email Every Friday

    1 Article + 2 Healthy Recipes

    Lose Weight and Boost Your Well-being

    Copyright ©2018 Days to Fitness | Affiliate Disclosure | Privacy Policy | Designed by Plus Attitude|Newsletters

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.