Quinoa has been utilized as a superfood in the South American Andes since, at least, 3,000 B.C. The Incas, who relied on the seed to keep their people and armies formidable, regarded it to be the “mother of all grains.” This excellent superfood has been labeled “the gold of the Incas.” Even though it is broadly considered a grain, it is in fact the seed of the chenopodium plant, which is a relative of beats, spinach and chard.

It wasn’t until 1984 that the seed was imported to the United States. Since that time, it’s slowly and gradually obtained acknowledgement amongst health food aficionados as being a truly unique superfood. The small seed or grain is just about 2mm in diameter and it is really convenient. Incorporating it in your diet will supply you with fat loss help that’s geared toward enhancing your personal well being.

What makes quinoa a really healthy option is the protein it provides. The protein quality of the seed is considered to be comparable to the protein quality of milk. The reason being that it, not like most grains, consists of all of the eight essential amino acids that are needed for tissue growth and repair. Not only is the “mother of all grains” high in protein, but it’s also quite low in fat. Also, it has lots of manganese, which acts as a disease and cancer fighting antioxidant within the body. Other significant nutrients that it can provide you with are: magnesium, fiber, calcium, riboflavin, copper and potassium.

Because the seed is protein-packed, it provides vegetarians with an remarkable replacement for the proteins found in meat. In addition, it provides an alternative to those who’re allergic to wheat and that suffer from Coeliac disease. This is because the super seed is totally glutten free.

Quinoa can be prepared in many different ways. You can use it in hot breakfast cereals, chili, salads and casseroles. It may also be used to replace rice and other grains and to thicken soups.

Prior to cooking the seed, it’s very important for you to carefully rinse the seeds so that you can get rid of the saponin that coats them. Saponin may result in a sour taste and spoil your meal. Normally, it will have been thoroughly rinsed and washed prior to being sold, yet, it is still encouraged to clean it again prior to preparing to make sure that all of the saponin is removed. To clean the seed, just put it inside a strainer and rince it completely for a couple minutes.

Preparing the seed is extremely simple. It can be prepared and ready to eat in Fifteen minutes or less. When making it, use a ratio of 1:2, quinoa to water. 1. Add the seed and water to sauce pan 2. Bring water to a boil 3. Reduce heat and simmer 4. Cover and cook until water is absorbed (10-15 minutes).

One cup of raw quinoa will produce four cups of it cooked.

*The seed can be found in the natural foods area of any large food store. However, some stores may not have it. If that is the case, there are lots of options to order quinoa on the internet

For additional quinoa health benefits and preparation ideas, follow the link for further reading.