La quinoa and its properties They are already present in the diet of many people. In fact, it is one of those new foods that have been incorporated into our kitchen. They are also part of this group, for example, the oats, the seaweed o the soy.
In general terms, these are beneficial products for health that, until now, were not consumed due to ignorance or lack of habit. However, scientific studies and advances in gastronomy have made them highly valued currently. Next, we are going to talk about quinoa and its properties, but first we are going to focus on clarifying what this food is.
What is quinoa?
quinoa grain
Quinoa, whose scientific name is quinoa chenopodit's a seed, although it is classified and consumed as a cereal. It comes from a herbaceous plant that, in adulthood, can reach three meters in height. It has wide leaves and different shapes, as well as flowers without petals.
Its cultivation occurs mainly around the Andes mountain range. The world's largest producers are Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Chile, Colombia or Peru. There is also a lot in United States and is spreading to Europe and Asia. To a large extent, this is due to its resistance. It supports temperatures ranging from negative four degrees Celsius to positive thirty-eight. Likewise, to grow it needs relative humidity between forty and seventy percent.
On the other hand, you may not know that quinoa is not a single species of plant. On the contrary, there are more than one hundred and twenty and about one thousand eight hundred varieties. Likewise, depending on where it is cultivated, it presents different colors ranging from white to black through orange or green. And each of them has different characteristics.
For example, white quinoa has a mild, delicate flavor that is sweeter than other types. It looks like white rice. On the other hand, the red one has an earthy and fruity taste. As an anecdote, we will tell you that it was highly appreciated among the inca warriors, which they consumed along with balls of lard before battle for energy. As for the black quinoa, it has an equally earthy flavor and crunches when you bite into it.
Where and how to find quinoa?
Quinoa packaged in a food store
Before talking about quinoa and its properties, we also want to talk about the different ways you can find it. As we told you, its consumption has spread a lot in recent years. Therefore, it will not be difficult for you to find it. already sold in most supermarkets and grocery stores.
But so do shops specializing in herbs and healthy food. Regarding the formats, it is sold in grains, in flakes or in flour format. are even used its leaves to flavor some dishes or for salads. Depending on how you are going to consume it, one format or another will be better for you. For example, flakes mixed with milk are ideal for breakfast.
You will also be interested to know that quinoa has no contraindications. However, you should consume it in moderation. are advised two tablespoons a day. The reason is that it is a food quite caloric and its excess can lead to fattening. But the time has come for us to talk to you about quinoa and its properties.
Quinoa and its properties: energy for the body and mind
quinoa plants
As we have told you, quinoa is already in the diet of many people due to its health benefits. One of its great qualities is precisely that, being caloric, it offers you Lots of energy. It also has a high content of Vitamin B, which helps to metabolize it well. Furthermore, his starch provides progressive energy to the muscles, making it ideal for resistance exercises. In addition, the proteins contribute to muscle restoration after sport.
But it does not only benefit the body. Quinoa is also an ideal food for the mind, to which it also contributes energy. It is rich in phenylalanine, which helps in the synthesis of neurotransmitters. These are basic for the proper functioning of the brain. But, in addition, it contains glutamic acid, phosphorus and magnesium, basic elements for him. Precisely, this last element, together with the amino acid tyrosine, glycine and tryptophan that it also contains, help to relieve stress, so detrimental to our health.
Another advantage regarding quinoa and its properties is that it has a high iron content. It is estimated that about one hundred grams of the product provide us with the daily amount we need of this mineral. It is also Rich in fiber, more than any other cereal or seed. As if all this were not enough, It does not contain gluten, which makes it a perfect food for coeliacs.
A restorative quinoa soup
And, if we talk about diseases, quinoa and its properties are beneficial for those with diabetes. Specifically, it has a low glycemic index. This is because it contains fiber, complete carbohydrates, leucine, valine, and isoleucine, which balance blood sugar levels. But, logically, the quinoa cannot replace medicines. That is, it contributes to improving health, but without these, it is useless to stay healthy.
Finally, it is an ideal food for vegans. It provides them with different amino acids, fiber, Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, vitamins and minerals. In addition, since its fats are healthy and it is satiating, it helps in diets to lose weight. However, another advantage of quinoa is that it is perfect in many recipes. We are going to talk to you about quinoa in the kitchen.
Dishes made with quinoa
A delicious quinoa lasagna
This pseudocereal is very versatile for the kitchen. In the form of flour, you can even use it to make pan. But it is also a good ingredient in soups, salads and stews. Likewise, it can be a good substitute for rice and combines very well with ingredients such as onion, leek or spinach.
However, we must make you a recommendation. Quinoa contains saponins, which reduce its nutritional value and give it a bitter taste. The one that is marketed for human consumption is already washed to remove them. Therefore, it retains all its nutritional power. But sometimes he keeps his bitter taste that could spoil a plate. Therefore, we advise you to also wash it before cooking it.
In conclusion, we have explained everything you need to know about quinoa and its properties. As you have seen, it is a natural and very healthy product that you should include in your diet. In addition, you can eat it in many ways, since, due to its versatility, it fits into numerous recipes. Go ahead and try it.