Regularly adding just one cup of cooked Quinoa to your diet can help you prevent Osteoporosis, Heart Disease, Neurological Degeneration and Cancer.
Regarded as a superfood, Quinoa is the one seed you should not live without. And if your pantry isn’t already stocked with it, now’s the time to consider adding this staple to your grocery list.
One common misconception about quinoa among non-quinoa consumers is that you have to replace all your carbs with it. However, the true reality is that you do not have to replace anything with quinoa.
How can you eat Quinoa?
My favorite way to enjoy Quinoa is to bring out the flavor by adding a tablespoon of Raw Manuka Honey with a pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt.
I personally love adding quinoa to my salads, eating it as a regular midday snack and substituting it for rice when I am not in the mood for a heavy carbohydrate. The best thing about quinoa is that it leaves you feeling full & satisfied without the bloat.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is a unique plant food that wants you to think it’s a grain, but it is actually a seed.
Quinoa is a complete nutrient source with an ideal protein to carbohydrate ratio (i.e 1 cup of cooked quinoa will give you more protein than one egg). Plus it is naturally gluten-free!
Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa contains nearly 20 essential amino acids that are crucial for your health. Check out Quinoa’s top 4 Vitamins & Nutrients:
Magnesium (30% DV)
“Magnesium is a calming mineral that nourishes the nervous system and helps ease anxiety, irritability & depression” – Dr. Tieraona Low Dog
Magnesium deficiency has been linked to a number of health problems such as high blood pressure, chronic migraines, menstrual cramps, depression and osteoporosis. Combat this deficiency with Quinoa!
Magnesium is crucial in the regulation of over 300 enzyme systems within the body. If you’re body is deficient in magnesium, these enzymes cannot function properly.
Folate (19% DV)
“Folate is vital for growth and development and for maintaining healthy brain function, protecting us from certain cancers, and preventing a rise in homocysteine” – Dr. Tieraona Low Dog
Folate (aka Vitamin B9) is the naturally occurring version of folic acid. Folate deficiency has been linked to fatigue, irritability, anemia and poor neurological function. Studies have consistently shown a correlation between low folate levels and an increased risk in stroke, heart disease and dementia. Regularly incorporating quinoa in your diet can help you obtain this vital nutrient.
Iron (15% DV)
According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world affecting nearly two billion people!
Iron is crucial for DNA synthesis and has a vital role in transporting oxygen from the lungs through the blood reaching all tissues within the body. Iron deficiency is commonly associated with fatigue, muscle weakness, heart palpitations and brittle nails.
TIP: Increase your absorption of iron within Quinoa by soaking it overnight with 1 teaspoon of lemon.
Thiamine (13% DV)
“Thiamine is vital for the healthy function of our brain, as well as our nervous and cardiovascular systems” Dr. Tieraona Low Dog
Thiamine deficiency negatively impacts nearly ALL systems in the body: neurological, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and musculoskeletal.
Thiamine is a vitamin that cannot be stored in the body for very long, so constant replenishment is crucial in avoiding deficiency. Studies show that being sufficient in thiamin can help prevent diabetes-related diseases, heart disease and even cataracts.
Regular consumption of quinoa can help prevent disease, promote a healthy nervous system and increase cognitive function.
Organic Opulence’s Pick
When choosing quinoa, choosing one that is certified organic is the best way to go. This ensures its purity, especially if you suffer from gluten sensitivity.
Salad Recipe
White Quinoa with Chopped Tomatoes, Carrots, Scallions, Avocado, Dandelion Greens & Red Beet.
Homemade Dressing: Tahini, Basil, Parsley, Lemon, Olive Oil, Garlic, Wedderspoon’s Raw Manuka Honey, Salt & Pepper)
For more information regarding the nutrition in Quinoa feel free to visit these resources:
