LifeStyleHealthWhat is Quinoa and the 12 reasons to eat it instead of...

What is Quinoa and the 12 reasons to eat it instead of the Rice

Quinoa is a super grain that contains minerals, vitamins and protein which helps in reducing weight. Along with this, quinoa also helps in maintaining blood sugar level normal. To start a healthy diet, we first remember the name of Quinoa. Quinoa cannot be avoided by anyone because quinoa has so many benefits. Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is completely different from wheat and rice.

The benefits of Quinoa are so many that it is considered one of the healthiest grains in the market. Like rice, Quinoa is cooked in water. It is rich in many nutritious foods like minerals, vitamins, amino acids etc. You can read this article completely to get more information related to it.

What is Quinoa?

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Like other grains of India, wheat, rice, Sabudana or Sago, it is also a grain which has come to India from South America. In the last 2-3 years, this American grain named Quinoa has made its own place in the Indian market. In South America, quinoa is used exclusively to make cakes. Quinoa is gluten-free, contains 9 types of amino acids. You also get more protein by eating it. Quinoa also contains high amounts of potassium, magnesium and calcium. Are you on a weight-loss journey, then Don’t Eat These Foods if you are on a Fat Loss Journey or Dieting?

What are the Types of Quinoa?

This super grain comes in many types. Let us tell you that different types of quinoa have the same nutritious diet but they are different in appearance. From below you can find information about the type of quinoa.

1. White Quinoa

White quinoa is the most common quinoa used by most people. Its texture is the lightest and has a very delicate flavour.

2. Red Quinoa

This quinoa turns brown when cooked well. It tastes better than the quinoa above and has to be chewed so it is used for topping in salads.

3. Black Quinoa

It tastes sweeter than the rest of the quinoa. And this dark-coloured quinoa has a native flavour that is mostly a dish associated with meat.

Also, read Daily Habits that Can Help You to Keep Yourself Healthy.

The 12 Health Benefits Of Quinoa are:

1. Weight Loss

If you are looking for something that can help you lose weight, quinoa may be a good option for this. Quinoa has a higher fibre than rice or wheat, which reduces metabolism. When fibre is consumed, it takes more time and energy to digest. Due to prolonged periods of time, your stomach remains full and calories are burnt due to the extra energy. Both of these help you to lose weight.

2. A Natural Anti-Inflammatory

The most important compound produced in our body after quinoa is butyrate. It is an important fatty acid that helps prevent inflammation in the cell and tissue. The rest of the compound, such as saponin, is also produced by eating quinoa which comes naturally with anti-inflammatory properties.

3. Effectively Tackles Diabetes

Quinoa is rich in fibre and does not allow blood sugar levels to rise if it is included in the diet. The fibre takes time to digest, which reduces the metabolic rate. Due to reduced metabolism, the rate of absorption of sugar, carbohydrate, fat is also reduced. This allows the rest of the organs to produce the right amount of digestive juice. For example, Insulin, it helps in breaking down the sugar particles in the blood and also helps in lowering the blood sugar level. You have also been told earlier that quinoa is rich in fibre which reduces insulin resistance in the body, which also keeps blood sugar level low.

4. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

The problem of cholesterol among people is very worrying, especially for those who are associated with the risk of obesity and diabetes. It becomes a little difficult to find food that can keep you under control. When quinoa is consumed in the right amount when it combines with bile juice present in the liver followed by a jelly-like compound, what is it? It is a mixture of bile juice and cholesterol which is present in the blood. When these bile juices are released from the liver, the level takes more cholesterol so that more bile juice can be formed, which reduces the cholesterol level and also keeps the heart-healthy.

5. Increases Digestive Health

After knowing all the benefits of quinoa, there is no doubt that quinoa is beneficial for digestive power. Being rich in fibre, it helps in maintaining digestive power. Apart from this, Vitamin B also helps in keeping the digestive power healthy. Consuming vitamin B produces hydrochloric acid, which is a type of chemical that is present on the stomach wall and helps in the process of digestion.

6. Aids In Healing And Tissue Repair

This quality of quinoa is different from all other grains. A compound called lysine is found in quinoa which helps in tissue repair and quick recovery. Lysine is a type of amino acid that is not produced by the body, so it has to be consumed. Consuming the right amount of lysine produces collagen which helps the tissue to teak. In addition, eating quinoa makes all the body parts work well and also remain fine.

7. Prevents Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a type of disease that is associated with old age. In this disease, bones become weak and fragile, back pain and weight are reduced. A healthy diet can prevent this disease. Including quinoa in the diet does not cause bones to weaken prematurely because quinoa is rich in a nutritious diet. Quinoa is rich in magnesium and protein that help to keep bones strong. After this, we can say with no doubt that the inclusion of quinoa in the diet will strengthen the bones.

8. Prevents Anemia

Apart from magnesium, iron is also found in quinoa, which is a very important mineral. Let me tell you that it is very important to maintain the right amount of iron in the body. Iron helps in producing the haemoglobin in our body. Haemoglobin helps carry oxygen throughout the body. When the amount of oxygen in all the organs of the body is correct, all the organs work well, which reduces the chances of getting anaemia like a disease.

9. Rich In Quercetin And Kaempferol

Quercetin and kaempferol are found in quinoa which is plant compounds. Both of these compounds act as antioxidants, which is why quinoa has an antioxidant quality. It is very important to have antioxidants in the body which help in fighting free radicals. Free radicals, along with healthy cells in the body, spoil them, which can cause many diseases. But if there are antioxidants in the body, then it helps in fighting free radicals and protects the body from damage.

10. A Gluten-Free Grain

Quinoa is a very good option for those who want to eat gluten-free grains. It is much better than all the processed gluten-free grains found in the market that are ready to be included in your gluten-free diet.

11. Promotes Skin Health

There are many nutritious foods in quinoa, so it helps to keep the skin healthy. Quinoa is rich in antioxidants which helps in protecting the skin from the danger of free radicals. And also helps to maintain the right amount of moisture and nutritious diet in the skin.

Along with this, vitamin B is found in quinoa which helps in removing red spots and pimples.

12. Strengthens Hair Strands

The benefits of quinoa are also numerous for hair. Let me tell you that quinoa is used in many hair related products which is beneficial for hair. Quinoa contains a compound named Humactants which helps in nourishing and keeping hair full of moisture. Due to the presence of humectants, there is no dandruff, which keeps the hair clean.

What Makes Quinoa Gluten-Free?

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Let us first know what is gluten-free. Gluten is a common type of protein found in many grains such as wheat, rye, barley etc. Although the benefits of gluten are many. For those who have a gluten allergy, consuming gluten can cause problems indigestion.

Quinoa plays an important form here. This protein is not found in quinoa making it a super gluten-free grain. Along with this, many nutritious foods are found in it, such as minerals, vitamins, amino acids, which is better for those who are looking for gluten-free grains.

Quinoa Vs Rice

There are many things about what is better than quinoa and rice. Vitamin B is found in both and both act as antioxidants. In a dish made of rice, quinoa can be easily used instead of rice, because they also have almost the same texture. Rice dishes such as pulao, biryani or rice flour dish such as pancake can also be made with quinoa.

Apart from having the same quality, there is a difference between the mineral content in them. Quinoa contains iron and magnesium, which is a good option for improving healthy cell membranes and bone tissue. Along with this, the amount of iron in the body increases which helps in carrying oxygen throughout the body.

What are the Side-Effects Of Quinoa?

Along with getting information about the benefits of quinoa, you should also be aware of the disadvantages associated with it. Let me tell you that the loss of quinoa will happen only if you consume it irregularly. Let’s get the information about the loss of quinoa from below.

1. Weight gain

Our first advantage in the benefits of quinoa was to lose weight. But let us tell you that quinoa can also cause weight gain. How that You have already told that quinoa contains fibre. If the fibre is consumed in large amounts then it will not be digested which can lead to weight gain. Therefore, quinoa should be consumed in the right amount so that you get the results you want.

2. Kidney Stones

Oxalic acid is found in quinoa which reduces the benefits of quinoa. Oxalic acid is easily mixed with calcium, which increases the chances of kidney stones. Let me tell you once again that this will happen only by consuming a large amount of quinoa.

3. Can Cause Digestive Problems

Quinoa is found in high amounts of fibre. If the fibre is consumed in excess, it can cause problems indigestion such as gas in the stomach, diarrhoea, stomach blockage etc.

Conclusion

Quinoa can be used in many ways. Quinoa comes in different types, due to which you get a chance to eat many types of quinoa. Let me tell you that quinoa is the healthiest food to join the diet. But consume it only in the right quantity, because consuming it in large quantity can also cause its harm. So take special care of this before adding quinoa to the diet. What are you thinking after getting the most information related to quinoa? Now take advantage of this by adding quinoa to the diet.

Mitali Saikia
Mitali Saikia
Mitali s a social worker and writer. She's the aim of educating people about various aspects of nutrition and ensuring healthy eating habits.

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