Quinoa: benefits, properties and contraindications. Why it's so good for your health
The quinoa It is similar to what we could understand as a cereal when it is similar in composition and use to this type of food, although in this case it belongs to the family of spinach. In fact, over the last few years it has become one of the most consumed cereals in the world. But what properties does it have? Is it really as beneficial as they say? In what way can it be taken?
While it is true that one of the most consumed cereals is corn thanks to the important benefits and properties of corn, the quinoa It can still be achieved without chemical alterations in health food stores.
For the highlights benefits and properties of quinoa, this food is very consumed in countries like Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile or Bolivia.
Do you really know what quinoa is?
The quinoa It is a dry grain, which comes from a plant called quinoa. This plant is broadleaf (pseudocereal) that belongs to the subfamily Chenopodioideae of the Amaranthaceae.
It is cultivated mainly in the mountain range of the Andes; This can be found in several typical dishes such as soups, coladas, rice, croquettes, stew, salads, hamburgers, energy bars and many other foods. It is a proper and useful food for a wide and healthy menu.
Despite not belonging to the family of cereals (since these do not grow on grasses), quinoa has a composition similar to these and can be cooked in the same way as cereals, since it is a pseudocereal.
Benefits of quinoa
The seeds of quinoa They have a high protein value, vitamins C, E and group B, as well as an extremely interesting amount of dietary fiber, ideal precisely against constipation.
In cases of vegetarian food certainly strict, quinoa should not be absent in this type of diet, as it helps to compensate for the lack of nutrients of animal origin such as milk or eggs.
It is also ideal for those people who, at present, follow a diet low in protein and that -in itself- need a rapid energy intake, at the same time it can be consumed by the little ones during growth.
In addition, it is noteworthy that in quinoa we find amino acids such as tryptophan, methionine, cysteine, lysine and cystine, at the same time also has essential fatty acids.
We must not forget either their mineral content, since they offer appreciable amounts of iron, calcium and phosphorus.
Incredible properties of quinoa
As we have promised you, we will talk about the properties that quinoa gives us in general and that give us a clue as to why it has become one of the most consumed foods of recent years:
- Great source of micronutrients. Quinoa has high contents of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, iron and zinc while also having vitamins B and E. Therefore, it goes without saying that it is one of the most complete cereals that exist.
- It does not contain gluten. Are you one of those celiac people who can not take gluten? Well, you will have no problem in consuming quinoa normally and in the amounts you deem appropriate.
- High content in natural fibers. It is recommended to take quinoa to all those people who suffer constipation from time to time. This is because this cereal has a high content of insoluble fibers that will favor our intestinal transit.
- A great source of energy. More and more athletes are taking quinoa before and after doing any exercise or sports practice. The reason? Well, because quinoa is an inexhaustible source of carbohydrates and proteins that provide extra extra energy sometimes so necessary when playing sports.
- It helps us lose weight. The caloric intake of quinoa is really low even when consumed in large quantities. Likewise, it also highlights the presence of Omega 6 and Omega3 acids that ultimately take care of our health and our line.
Nutritional qualities of quinoa
Dietary fiber
Fiber is the edible part of plants. This vegetable part is formed by a set of chemical compounds of heterogeneous nature; Quinoa's food fiber has a list of different benefits, which are:
- Reduces constipation
- It contributes to treat obesity.
- It helps maintain a healthy colon.
- It helps to improve the control of blood glucose.
- It provides a lower absorption of cholesterol which is equivalent to lower probabilities of suffering from conditions due to high levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
Carbohydrates
The carbohydrates, also present in the quinoa; they are biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.Its main function in living beings is to provide immediate and structural energy; These act as biofuels and it is proposed that 60% of the daily energy that the body needs must come from carbohydrates.
The functions of carbohydrates in the body are the following:
- To provide immediate energy to the cells.
- They are responsible for maintaining the activity of the muscles.
- They are responsible for maintaining body temperature.
- They are responsible for maintaining the body's blood pressure.
- They maintain the correct functioning of the intestine.
- They are responsible for the activity of neurons.
What is the most correct way to prepare quinoa?
Now that you have known all the benefits that quinoa gives us, it is only that you begin to enjoy its rich flavor and texture. For this, first of all it is very important that you wash all the seeds very well, always rubbing them with your hands and under a strong stream of water.
In this way we get rid of the layers of saponins, a component that only brings a bitter taste to this cereal. Once this step is completed, then proceed to boil the quinoa in a good pot for about 15-20 min until the water is boiling.
After this, we remove all the water and we can enjoy all the benefits offered by quinoa in a healthy and natural way. The good thing about quinoa is that it can also be stored in the refrigerator without losing its properties. It is recommended to add a splash of olive oil and then put a minute in the microwave. This way you will enjoy your taste again with little effort and without taking much time.
There are also other ways to cook quinoa through other foods such as chicken meat, clams or in a rich salad. As you will have seen, there are many ways to enjoy all the benefits offered by quinoa.
Main contraindications of quinoa
Despite the wonderful benefits that quinoa gives us, the truth is that as with any other food, there are also a series of contraindications that we must take into account before consuming it. We discover you next when it is not recommended to eat it:
- Intestinal problems:Quinoa is a natural food with a high protein content. Therefore, its use is not advised in people with intestinal problems, disorders or pathologies.
- Allergies:Since it can cause allergies in some people, it is advisable to always try a small portion of quinoa before consuming it in normal quantities.
- Consumed in large quantities:It is not advisable to eat quinoa in high doses, since by containing a high amount of saponins it can become a toxic food.
