Quinoa The Super Food


Quinoa The Super Food

Superfoods are called that simply because they’re super, foods. And one of the super-est superfoods in the world is Quinoa. Pronounced: KEEN-wah.  Quinoa has been nicknamed many things over the years. The Incas referred to it as “the Mother of all Grains,” but other names that made the rounds were “Mother Grain of the Andes” and “Incan Gold.”

And while most think that quinoa is a grain (hence its nicknames) it’s actually not a grain at all. It’s the seed of a leafy green plant and a not-so-distant cousin to spinach, chard, and beets. It grows best in mountainous regions, at 10,000 feet or more above sea level, thriving in the kind of extreme weather, thin air, and sandy alkaline soil that would be terrible for cultivating most crops.

Amazing source of protein!

The protein content of quinoa ranges from 10% to 18%, making it a world-class source of vegetarian protein. Plus it’s a complete protein source, which means it contains all 9 essential amino acids—something exceptionally rare among plant-based foods.

Loaded with lots of things your body needs.


Quinoa has a low glycemic index.

Compared to other whole grains, quinoa has a very low glycemic index (GI). The glycemic index for food is a measure of how much that particular food will make your blood sugar rise. Foods with a GI of 55 and under are considered to be low-glycemic-index foods. The GI for quinoa ranges from 35 to 53, depending on how it is prepared.

Keeping your blood sugar steady will help you maintain your weight as well help keep your cholesterol levels healthy. And that’s why whole, unprocessed foods that are low in sugar and high in fiber (like quinoa) are great for you.

Quinoa RULES!!!

So there you have it, the ins and outs and the ups and downs of this magical non-grain.  Next time you’re at the store, pick some up.  Or feast on it in Shakeology.


Source: http://www.shakeology.com/blogs/2014/05/24/superfood-saturday-quinoa/?SHAKEOLOGY_CART_ID=0

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