Quinoa

Quinoa is the seed of a plant known scientifically as Chenopodium quinoa. It is higher in nutrients than most grains and often marketed as a "superfood". Although quinoa is prepared and consumed like a cereal grain, it’s categorized as a pseudocereal, as it doesn’t grow on grass like wheat, oats, and rice.

Quinoa has a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. It’s also gluten-free and can thus be enjoyed by people who are sensitive to gluten or wheat.Quinoa seeds are flat, oval, and usually pale yellow, though the color can range from pink to black. Its taste can vary from bitter to sweet. It’s usually boiled and added to salads, used to thicken soups, or eaten as a side dish or breakfast porridge.

The seeds can also be sprouted, ground, and used as flour or popped like popcorn. Quinoa is an excellent food for babies. The United Nations declared 2013 “The International Year of Quinoa” due to the seeds’ potential to contribute to food security worldwide. Though quinoa technically isn't a grain, it’s still considered a whole-grain food.

Benefits:

1. Helps balance blood sugar level : Glycemic index of quinoa is around 53, which is considered low and it wont strike up the blood sugar level.

2. Helps lower cholesterol: Quinoa is much higher in fiber content than most grains. One study found that 17-27g of fiber per cup (185g).

3. High in protein: It contains all the essential source of amino acid, is an excellent source of protein for vegetarian too.

4. High in fiber: It contains a fifth of how much fiber you need each day in every one cup serving.

5. High in iron: 15% of iron daily needs can be obtained from just a cup of it. Getting enough of iron is good for brain and muscles. While having the right amount will prevent anemia.

6. High in manganese: It contains almost half of what we need in just one serving. The symptoms of being low on manganese are such as having high blood pressure levels, high cholesterol levels neurological problems and hearing impairments.

7. High in Riboflavin: Riboflavin is known as Vitamin B2. It helps in providing antioxidant to assist the body with a number of functions. It also helps in enzyme performance and oxygen delivery throughout the entire body.

8. Gluten free diet: Quinoa is naturally gluten free. Using it instead of typically gluten free ingredient can increase antioxidant and nutrient value of your diet when avoiding gluten.

9. High in antioxidant: Quinoa is very high in antioxidants, which are substances that neutralize free radicals and are believed to help fight aging and many diseases.

10. May help you to lose weight: Quinoa is high in fiber, protein and has low glycemic index. These properties have all been linked to weight loss and improved health.

Serving way:

• Add quinoa to salads

• Make breakfast porridge

• Make burger patties

• Make quinoa taco 'meat'

• Add to buddha bowls

• Add quinoa to stews and soups

• Add to stuffed capsicums