WHAT IS QUINOA GOOD FOR?

Quinoa is a gluten-free food, useful for the health of the heart and intestines. What is quinoa good for? Let us discover its properties and benefits.

What is quinoa?

Quinoa is the name of a vegetable food consisting of the seeds of a plant native to South America - Chenopodium quinoa. It is a plant belonging to the Chenopidacee family, which also includes spinach and beet. It is naturally gluten-free and is rich in protein, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber. 

Although it is not a real cereal, quinoa is classified in the III fundamental group of foods - foods especially rich in starch, calories, dietary fiber, some minerals, vitamins, and biological protein. Compared to most cereals, quinoa contains more protein, calcium, phosphorus, and iron. How much protein in quinoa? Proteins reach 14% of the total mass, a higher percentage than wheat, corn, and potatoes. 100 gr of quinoa provides 14,1 gr of protein. Do you want to know “What is quinoa good for?” Keep reading.

How to cook quinoa

Quinoa, although it is not a cereal, can be used to replace rice, couscous, millet, etc. There are several varieties and the most common are the red, white, and black ones. It is a very versatile and easy to prepare food. How to cook quinoa? You can choose three different cooking methods:

• Steam cooking. This is the best way to cook quinoa. Steam cooking will maintain consistency, color, and especially all nutritional properties.
• Cooking by absorption. This method is also used in other grains. Put twice as much water as quinoa (example: if you are cooking 70 gr of quinoa, you will need to use 140 g of water) in a pot, add the seeds and let the water absorb on a medium-low flame. Once all the water is absorbed, quinoa will be doubled in size and will be ready.
• Boiling. It is a method not recommended because this pseudo-cereal loses flavor if immersed in too much water.

What is quinoa good for? 

Nutrient, antioxidant, rich in fiber, minerals, proteins, and amino acids… Quinoa promotes metabolism and it is perfect for those who must follow a gluten-free diet, because it is naturally gluten-free, therefore, suitable for those suffering from coeliac disease. Do you ask yourself, "Is quinoa good for me?" or “What is quinoa good for?" Let us discover it together. Quinoa has numerous nutritional benefits.

• Anti-inflammatory properties. It is rich in antioxidants, such as kaempferol and quercetin, with powerful anti-inflammatory activity and useful to counter diseases related to cellular aging, such as cancers, type 2 diabetes, or autoimmune diseases.

• Useful for the digestive system. It is rich in insoluble fibers, useful for improving intestinal transit and regularity. The high amount of fiber promotes a sense of satiety, helps to lower cholesterol, and contributes to the well-being of the digestive system.

• Rich in amino acids. It is rich in protein and, compared to most plants, quinoa provides all nine essential amino acids that are amino acids that the body is not able to synthesize and that must be introduced with food.

• Combats mental and physical fatigue. It is rich in magnesium and iron and, therefore, is excellent to strengthen the body and combat mental and physical fatigue. Its high amount of magnesium makes quinoa recommended in the diet of those suffering from headaches or hypertension: magnesium helps to relax blood vessels.

• Against gastritis. It is a true ally of our circulatory system and is an energizing food, therefore excellent for those who practice sports. It decreases gastric acidity and is therefore an excellent natural remedy for those suffering from gastritis.

We answered together with you the question "What is quinoa for?", but that is not all. Do you know that inside the ProLon Original kit, in addition to all the delicious meals, you will also find the fantastic Minestrone and Quinoa Soup Blend? For more nutritional information, get in touch with our knowledgeable nutritionists.