Quinoa Nutrition

So just What is Quinoa? That is the question most people ask me when I mention how much I love to eat Quinoa in all of my meals. I discovered it back in 2008 when I was reading a health magazine. I was immediately fascinated by the idea of a super food. I wanted to try it out so I went on a mission to find some.

The only problem I had back then was actually finding some Quinoa. I checked almost every grocery store around and was unable to located any. Then one day I went into a Sprouts, which is a health food grocery store, and I found some Quinoa in the bulk bin section of the store.

I had no idea how much I was going to enjoy eating Quinoa. I didn't have any idea of what it was, but now I am extremely happy that I found out. Quinoa originates from the Andes in South America, most often found in the countries of Peru and Bolivia, but is now grown in the United States in Colorado as well. The Incas were the first people known to use this nutritious seed in their diet. It was so important to them that every year the king would plant the first seeds of the season with a golden plow share. I have always been fascinated by the Incas and their culture, so when I found out this was one of the most important staples in their diet, I was really excited to try it out.

Quinoa nutrition is something that everyone should consider adding to their diet. Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) is usually confused as a grain, but it is actually a seed that originates from the Andes mountains. It was one of the most important resources for the Inca civilization until the Spaniard conquered them and forbid them to harvest it. The seeds come from flower clusters on a plant that grows about 2 meters high. The leave can be eaten as well, similar to spinach which comes from the same plant family. The white Quinoa is the most common, but it can also come in red.

Vegan have chosen to eat Quinoa because of it's high protein content. A serving of Quinoa contains more protein than that of an egg. Not only is it packed with protein, but it contains complete protein with 9 essential amino acids. Lysine is one of those amino acids that is essential for repairing the body. Quinoa also has plenty of calcium for stronger bones and teeth, Iron and phosphorous and a high amount of vitamin B2.

Quinoa also contains complete carbohydrates that are slow burning in the body, which means that when you eat it you won't experience a sugar spike in your blood. This is ideal for diabetics as it is easier for them to maintain the proper blood sugar levels for longer.

Quinoa is called a super food because that is exactly what it is. It keeps you full longer, providing you with more energy through out the day. It is packed full of nutrition to keep your body healthy and your mind sharp.