I never even knew what quinoa was about a year ago and now it’s become part of our weekly menu. Here is what it looks like before it’s cooked.
And this is after (you can cook the same way as rice in a rice cooker).
I got the following information from www.lifestyle.iloveindia.com
- Quinoa is rich in protein content. In fact, it is a complete protein as it contains all the essential amino acids, especially lysine, which is required by the body to grow and repair tissues.
- It has high content of manganese in it, which acts as antioxidant in the body and helps it get rid of dangerous cancer cells and other diseases.
- The seed proved to be a good source of magnesium, which provides relief from migraine headaches, relaxes blood vessels, and decreases the risk of hypertension.
- Riboflavin present in quinoa reduces the frequency of migraine attacks, by producing energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells.
- The presence of potassium and magnesium in quinoa prevents clogging of arteries and hence, relieves stress on the heart.
- Quinoa has low content of saturated fats and cholesterol, making it an ideal food for every health conscious consumer.
- It is a good source of calcium, which is extremely important for the growth of healthy teeth, bones and skin.
- The grain is a boon for people who are allergic to wheat and are suffering from Celiac disease, as it is gluten free.
- Quinoa is a wonderful source of fiber for the body, which aids easy elimination and toning of colon.
- The food is rich in carbohydrates, an efficient fuel for energy production required by children and athletes.
- It is a good source of insoluble fiber that helps avoid gallstones, especially in women who are more prone to them.
- The high content of copper present in it helps in oxidizing glucose, produces skin coloring agent melanin and acts as catalyst in the formation of hemoglobin.
There are so many great quinoa recipes out there, so I thought I’d share a few. If you use my weekly meal plans then you’ve probably noticed that I put quinoa on there every week. It’s because it’s so dang healthy!!!
Here’s a great looking dish from the Fat Free Vegan Kitchen
Here’s some yummy looking soup from Laylita’s Recipes
You can even use it to bake with, here are some delicious looking muffins from Cooking With Kimberly
I usually just have it plain, but I really need to start spicing it up a bit. You can get a 4 pound bag of gluten free organic quinoa at Costco for only $8. I think thats a pretty great price because I was just looking at places online to buy it and I saw prices for organic quinoa up to $60 for a 9 pound bag.
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I've heard about it, but never tried it. It looks like steel cut oats. Similar tasting?
I've been meaning to try it ever since I stumbled across a few recipes that call for it! Thanks for the push in the right direction. I want to try quinoa and black beans – yummmm
We love quinoa! Those foods look awesome! We get the massive quinoa bags from Costco.
I have never heard of it! But my gosh it seems like a superfood. Definitely want to check it out. Do you find it at a regular grocery store or is it more of a health food kind of store purchase?
Hi Crystal,
I agree with you 100%. Quinoa is pretty awesome. It's so versatile, yet so simple to cook. My whole family loves it.
Naomi
This was very interesting! I´m going to try it out!
I do love quinoa! I'm off grains right now, but feel like there are enough benefits to bring it back!
I have it all the time! I like my indian food on top of it actually!
I've heard so much about quinoa but I shyed away from it just not knowing what to do with it. Thanks for this post! I'm definitely going to go get some now and try it!
jiye
pearlsandgreentea.blogspot.com
I love quinoa and make it up every week too! I love that it's a complete protein and can blend into so many things from oatmeal to salads!
Thanks for the tips. My friend gave me her Quinoa before she moved and I didn't know what to do with it. I had no idea you could cook it in a rice cooker. Thanks for the recipes.
I'm totally obsessed with Quinoa!!!!
Crystal, thank you so much for the excellent post about Quinoa! I've only had it a few times, but have enjoyed it and have been eager to try it in some new recipes. The one's you provided look wonderful. I'm especially intrigued by those muffins!
Happy Holidays!
Kindly,
Jenn
Crystal we LOVE LOVE LOVE Quinoa is our household 🙂
Check out this blog…she has some great recipes breakfast, luch, & dinner using quinoa!
I recently started eating quinoa and love it! Thanks for sharing all the good info on it!