What is Quinoa?

First of all, if you’re wondering about pronunciation it’s pronounced “KEEN-wah“.

Next, if you’re looking for a highly nutritious carbohydrate, that’s not only going to help you stay lean, but will also maximize your energy levels, then you’re looking in the right place, quinoa really does have it all!  The taste and texture of quinoa is a bit like brown rice crossed with oatmeal. It’s fluffy, creamy, crunchy and somewhat nutty, all rolled into one.

The great thing is, it can be prepared in so many different ways, making it extremely versatile. Quinoa is commonly thought of as a grain, probably because of how we use it. But it’s actually a relative of leafy green vegetables, like spinach and Swiss chard. A cup of quinoa will give you around 127 calories, 2 grams of fat, 23.4 grams of carbohydrates (2 of those being fiber), and 4.5 grams of protein.

What is Quinoa? Unlike most grains, which contain an incomplete source of protein, you need to pair them with another food to make the meal complete, quinoa provides the full spectrum of nine essential amino acids. Quinoa is especially high in is magnesium, which is important for maintaining good cardiovascular health. Magnesium helps to relax the blood vessels, reducing the rates of hypertension, heart disease, or heart arrhythmias.

Quinoa does a wonderful job of boosting your antioxidant levels by being high in both manganese and copper, which help to promote a healthy immune system, and ensure that red blood cells remain in top condition. Since quinoa is high in fiber, it helps keep the digestive system running smoothly, and can also help reduce your chance of getting gallstones.

So, if you love your carbs, but would really like to find a healthier option to plain old white pasta or rice, quinoa is a great substitute for those higher-carb foods.