Trying different varieties of food from around the world can be interesting way to discover some new and exciting flavor that can be incorporated in your diet. However, if you are on a health trip, it is important that you ensure that the food you pick has good health benefits.
When we say food with good health benefits, do you wonder which foods fall under this category?
There are many foods that are both, healthy and tasty. If you fill your plate with fruits, green vegetables, quality proteins, and other whole foods, what you get is a meal that is versatile, colorful and healthful.
What is Quinoa?
Quinoa is one such world’s most popular health food. This plant species is grown as a grain crop for its tiny edible seeds. Originally, this plant comes from South America, where it has been a staple crop for thousands of years.
Considering its health benefits, Quinoa is now grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, India, Canada, Italy, Peru, and Bolivia.
It is gluten-free, high in protein and contains ample amounts of all the amino acids. It also contains a high amount of antioxidants, fiber, Vitamin E, Vitamin B, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium.
Let us check some amazing health benefits of Quinoa.
Promotes Weight Loss
Intake of wheat, rice, and oat can cause overeating. Whereas, the alternatives of these that include quinoa and amaranthus does not lead to overeating. So, if you are on a weight-loss journey, consuming quinoa can help you lose weight quickly and in a healthier way.
Improves Heart Health
The heart can be said the home of a body. And quinoa contains soluble fiber making it the wonder food for your heart. This superfood helps the liver in extracting cholesterol from the blood.
Therefore, including quinoa in your diet will lower the level of bad cholesterol that is responsible for coronary heart disease.
Quinoa also contains good proteins and carbs with a low glycemic index. It also contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants. All these play a major role and the healthy functioning of the heart.
Improves Skin Health
Quinoa is a rich source of Vitamin B that helps treat age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles. It reduces the deposits of dark melanin in the skin to treat issues related to pigmentation. Quinoa contains vitamin B12 that interacts with other vitamins to maintain a healthy skin complexion.
The antioxidants in quinoa fight the free radicals that are responsible for early ageing. The tyrosinase inhibitors enzymes in quinoa decrease pigmentation and the associated problems. The riboflavin in vitamin B2 improves skin elasticity and treats acne.
Quinoa being a whole grain is a superfood for diabetes. It contains fiber that does not raise the sugar level in blood. The magnesium and potassium present in these edible seeds also help in lowering the blood sugar. The other qualities present in quinoa does a good job of keeping the sugar level in check.
According to studies, when quinoa is included in the diet it helps in managing type 2 diabetes and hypertension associated with it. This being a complex form of carbohydrate, breaks down in the body much slower, allowing the blood sugar to be stable.
Improves overall body system
The insoluble fiber present in quinoa helps in improving the digestive process and aids in healthier bowel movement. This, in turn, helps reduces the risk of bloating, constipation and gas.
As quinoa contains a similar amount of calcium present in the dairy products, it becomes an important addition in the diet for bone health, brain and nervous system. For people who are allergic to dairy products, quinoa can a great alternative.
With all the nutrients present, quinoa is undoubtedly one of the healthiest superfoods existing in the world today. Besides the stated benefits, it helps in tissue repair and growth, promotes longevity, treats anaemia, fights cancer, fights inflammation, etc.
Including quinoa in your diet can promise you good health and good life.