The Quinoa Hype

Did you know that quinoa although cooked like most grains it is actually most similar to beetroots and spinach. Let me explain.  

Quinoa is a super food, just like beetroot and spinach. It is very nutrient dense and good for you in many ways. Here is a list of a few of the benefits (Ware, 2019): 

• Plant based source of protein (1 CUP OF COOKED QUINOA = 8.14G OF PROTEIN) 
• High fiber content (helps with digestion) 
• A good source of antioxidants  
• Good source of iron 

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So is the hype over quinoa for good reasons or simply because it is the new “fad”. I believe that it is totally worth it for many reasons. For one it is one of a few plants that contains compounds called saponins that keep insects away without the use of pesticides (this is what causes the bitter taste – simply rinse the quinoa and this will get rid of the bitterness). It is also a VERY versatile ingredient. Many people use quinoa in salads, but you can also use it instead of using rice in a dish.  

We are continuously finding new foods that are good for us and different reasons why. I think that this is great because it allows for variance in our diets. Some people may HATE rice but absolutely love the nutty flavor of quinoa, and that is great.  

Ware, M. (2019). Quinoa: Nutrition, health benefits, and dietary tips. Retrieved July 25, 2020, from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/274745