Quinoa is a herbaceous plant native to South America and for some years now very common in the kitchens of the most health conscious. It is gluten-free, provides a good amount of protein and is one of the few vegetables to possess all nine essential amino acids.
Here are ten properties that make it so "healthy":
- It is not a cereal but a pseudo cereal, basically a seed that is used as a cereal.
- It exists in three varieties: white, red and black.
- Contains important flavonoids such as quercetin and campferol (anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-tumor)
- Has much more fiber than other cereals (10-16g per 100g)
- It's gluten free
- It provides more protein than most other vegetables and all 9 essential amino acids
- It has a low glycemic index
- It is rich in important mineral salts such as iron and magnesium
- Recent studies have shown how it can help improve metabolism
- It is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals with a consequent anti-aging and anti-tumor action.
In 100 grams of raw quinoa we find:
368 kcal
6g Fat
64g Carbs
7g Fibers
14g Protein
47mg Calcium
5mg Sodium
457mg Phosphorus
563mg Potassium
4.5mg Iron
197mg Magnesium
3mg Zinc
