8 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Quinoa
Packed with nutrients. Quinoa is a grain crop grown for its edible seeds. Contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant compounds. The health effects of real foods go beyond the vitamins and minerals they provide. Higher in fiber than many grains, gluten-free and great for people with gluten intolerance, and a good source of protein are a few more items to pay attention too.
The composition of quinoaAids the weight loss process. The first reason to eating quinoa is that it’s a grain that contains fewer calories than your body needs to process it. A couple additional items to investigate are: eating quinoa provides iron, quinoa is high in fiber, antioxidants are extremely important for good health, perfect for people who are gluten intolerant, rich in antioxidants, or keeps the manganese levels up.
Can you eat too much quinoa?
Too Much Fiber Quinoa contains 10 g of dietary fiber per cup. Considering that the average adult is recommended to consume between 20 and 35 g of fiber daily, one cup provides a substantial amount. If your body isn’t accustomed to a lot of fiber in your diet, eating a lot of quinoa can lead to gas, bloating and stomach pain .
In fact, the Harvard School of Public Health recommends this for any quinoa that isn’t pre-rinsed, even if you are going to cook it. This is because the grains can contain remnants of bitter-tasting saponins, which acts as a natural pesticide. One way quinoa is palatable close to raw is when sprouted.
Does quinoa need to be organic?
Because quinoa comes with built-in, nasty-tasting saponin, farmers don’t need to do much in the way of spraying to repel pests. “Unless you insist on buying all organic foods, quinoa probably isn’t the best way to spend your organic food budget,” Harris-Pincus says.
A popular alternative to rice, pasta or couscous, quinoa is classified by the Whole Grains Council as a “pseudo grain”, as it is technically a seed, not an actual grain. But quinoa benefits are similar to those of a nutritious whole grain, and the culinary uses are on a par, as well.
“Saponins can cause acidity, bloating and gas, especially if quinoa is not washed properly before its consumption. Saponins can also make the taste of quinoa bitter and soapy, ” she mentioned.