Quinoa

Most people have never heard of quinoa, although it is considered a complete protein source. Widely and incorrectly assumed to be a grain, quinoa is related to leafy green vegetables such as collard greens and spinach. With roots in South America and once referred to as "the gold of the Incas", quinoa has many valuable nutritional and health benefits, which make it a type of nutritional superfood all by itself.

With more and more people realizing the value of considering food as medicine, the nutritional benefits of quinoa are being rediscovered. The protein that it possesses includes every one of the nine amino acids needed in order to qualify as a complete protein source.

In quinoa, nutrition such as the following vitamins and minerals are also found:

• Vitamin B2
• Vitamin B3
• Vitamin E
• Potassium
• Copper
• Phosphorus
• Iron
• Lysine
• Zinc
• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Manganese
• Tryptophan

Immediately upon learning of quinoa's nutritional value, the health benefits it offers begin to crystallize.

High in magnesium, which helps tense blood vessels relax, quinoa is helpful in natural cures and home remedies for the treatment of migraine headaches. Besides its use as a headache remedy, however, quinoa also has the following health benefits:

• Slows artherosclerosis (particularly in postmenopausal women)

• Protects against the development of heart disease

• Provides strong antioxidant protection

• Is a great source of fiber

• Helps prevent the development of gallstones

• Helps prevent childhood asthma attacks
• Lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes

• Helps balance blood sugar

• May help lower cholesterol

• May help fight cancer

Quinoa also performs as a prebiotic, which nourishes the good bacteria needed for healthy intestinal function.

As a light and very versatile food, quinoa can be enjoyed in a variety of different recipes from soups to salads or even by itself. Most find that it is easy to digest, though fresh quinoa should be rinsed thoroughly and soaked for several hours to make digestion even easier.

Reactions to quinoa are rare. However, because it contains oxolates, those who intentionally restrict oxolates in their diet are advised to also avoid quinoa.

In quinoa, nutrition as well as protein missing in meatless diets, make it a preferred food choice for many vegetarians and vegans. Because it is gluten-free, it is safe for people who have been diagnosed with a gluten intolerance. As the ancient Incas discovered long ago, quinoa nutrition provides complete nutrition that most everyone can, and should, enjoy.