7 Great Reasons To Eat Quinoa
Have you ever tried quinoa? You’ve probably noticed that quinoa has become quite popular in recent years. What you may not know is that this is not random. There are plenty of very good reasons to eat quinoa.
A gluten-free diet is considered by many people to be very good for health. In addition, quinoa is one of the best foods for gluten intolerant people.
You can use its seeds as a substitute for all types of rice. However, if you want to take full advantage of it, you can also consume the leaves of this plant. You can use them in the same way as spinach. All you have to do is sow a few seeds.
The composition of quinoa
Quinoa consists mainly of complex carbohydrates. 100 grams of quinoa provides your body with:
- 16 grams of protein
- 15 grams of insoluble fiber
- 200 calories
- 39 grams of carbohydrates
- 4 grams of fat
This makes quinoa very satiating, without making you gain weight. Plus, the texture is perfect for satisfying your pasta or rice cravings.
In addition to the above nutritional benefits, quinoa is also rich in:
- Minerals (magnesium, zinc, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus)
- Vitamins (B complex, E)
- Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids
Reasons to eat quinoa
1. Helps you lose weight
Quinoa can promote weight loss and this is one of the main reasons for many people to eat quinoa. Quinoa offers this benefit because it gives a good feeling of fullness. This means that you eat less of it than other products.
In addition, it is known that some foods can help to suppress appetite. One of those foods is quinoa.
Another reason why quinoa helps with weight loss is that it is high in protein. Proteins help to curb an uncontrolled appetite and make you feel full for longer. In addition, quinoa has a low glycemic index, which means it causes fewer fluctuations in your blood sugar level.
2. Is Rich in Antioxidants
Antioxidants are extremely important for good health. This is because they help fight free radicals. Free radicals are elements that accelerate the aging process and can cause arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and cancer.
It is therefore very good to know that quinoa contains many antioxidants. The part of the plant that is rich in these substances are the sprouts of these seeds. So add these to your salads, if you get the chance.
3. High in fiber
Another reason to eat quinoa is that it is high in fiber. We therefore recommend including quinoa in your diet if you suffer from:
- Frequent Constipation
- Cardiovascular problems, such as high or low blood pressure
- Hemorrhoids
In addition, a diet rich in fiber also helps to keep your blood sugar levels stable. So if your doctor has told you that you have prediabetes or diabetes, we recommend that you eat quinoa.
4. Perfect for those who are gluten intolerant
For people who cannot tolerate gluten, it can be difficult to follow a varied diet. One solution, however, is to eat quinoa regularly: it works just as well as corn or potatoes.
You can even find quinoa-based pasta substitutes in some larger supermarkets . These substitutes are just as tasty as regular pasta and can be used in the same way, but will not cause any health problems.
5. Maintains manganese levels
One of the last reasons to eat quinoa is that just one cup of quinoa provides your body with a third of the manganese you need on a daily basis. Although people don’t often talk about manganese, this mineral is very important in making sure your metabolism is functioning properly.
6. Provides the body with iron
We already know that iron is essential for our body. It supports a number of important functions, such as the production of hemoglobin and the distribution of oxygen through the bloodstream.
It is therefore essential to consume foods rich in iron, and quinoa is one of them. Remember that you can also consume the sprouts and leaves of this plant so that your diet does not become too monotonous for you. Add them to your salads with or instead of spinach.
7. Quinoa and Magnesium
One cup of cooked quinoa provides your body with nearly a third of the amount of magnesium you need each day. This essential element helps ensure that more than 300 enzymes can do their job. In addition, it is found in healthy cells.
Low magnesium levels can cause the following problems:
- muscle spasms
- heart problems
- Diabetes
- Migraine
- Osteoporosis
- High bloodpressure
If quinoa isn’t already a regular part of your diet, now you have a number of reasons to at least give it a try. Quinoa is easy to prepare and goes with almost anything. So it’s very hard not to love it!