Quinoa is popular among certain types of people, mainly those who love trying different foods. There are multiple benefits to consuming quinoa, so if you’re looking to transform your diet by adding something new, then quinoa might be the right choice for you. Since it’s so versatile and easy to combine with other kinds of food, it’s important to be informed before using it. So, here are some important things that everyone should know about quinoa.
1. It’s a very strong and adaptable plant
Quinoa thrives in various conditions, including aridity and humidity. That makes it a great plant to use since it can even expand during droughts. Maybe there’s a reason for that: quinoa is not actually a seed, but rather a protein-rich seed that stems from a vegetable that shares a family with spinach and beets. Because it’s such a resilient plant, that makes it a useful addition to your pantry, so if you’ve been feeling a bit tired from rice, feel free to switch things up with quinoa!
2. It’s nutritious and healthy
Eating quinoa can be great for your health since this seed is an amazing source of fiber (more than most of the other grains). Aside from fibers, quinoa is also rich in magnesium, vitamin E, calcium, and iron. So finding a way to incorporate it into your food prep process will surely be a great and healthy decision! Eating a diverse diet consisting of healthy fruits, vegetables, and lean meat is a sure way to feel fit and healthy, even after eating a full meal!
3. Protein matters the most
Here’s the deal: quinoa is actually one of the rare plants that are considered a complete protein. So next time you’re thinking about eating rice vs quinoa, remember that rice, although healthy, isn’t so rich in amino acids as quinoa. But, as we mentioned before, eating quinoa on a regular basis will definitely ensure you get enough proteins, which after all, matters the most. However, if you’re eating more protein, it’s advisable to exercise more often, especially if you’ve been planning to build muscle.
4. Quinoa is also gluten-free
Many people consider a gluten-free diet as a fad, but in reality, there are people who can’t eat and process gluten. Some of them suffer from Celiac disease, while others are just gluten-intolerant. Finding appropriate food might be challenging at times, which makes quinoa a highly desirable substitute for other grains that contain gluten. There are numerous recipes with quinoa that can be enjoyed even if you don’t have issues with gluten intake. Trying new stuff is the best way to keep yourself open-minded, especially when it comes to new types of food and ingredients.
5. It must be washed before use
This seed is naturally bitter, due to its coating called saponin. That coat is also used as a defense against insects and birds. Meaning, that quinoa doesn’t require pesticides to stay healthy. Luckily, removing this coat is easy: just rinse quinoa before cooking. Even though most of the quinoa is already pre-washed, it’s smart to give it a final rinse, just to be sure. Cooking quinoa is similar to rice: you’ll need two-parts liquid to one part dry quinoa, and it will be ready in about 15 minutes.
Quinoa is a healthy and resilient plant, and its crops don’t need pesticides, which makes it a great choice for those who wish to make their diets more healthy and diverse. Quinoa is rich in protein, so it’s also a useful option for people who work out often. Finally, before cooking it, it’s important to wash it under the sink so it will be tasty for consumption.