TLC Wellness Coaching
Connect Here:
  • Home
  • About
  • Free Discovery Session
  • Resources & Ebooks
  • FAQs
  • Events
  • Blog
  • Coaching Packages
  • Contact

The Health Benefits of Quinoa

10/7/2016

 
With all the buzz about quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) in the last decade, the odds are that you have tried it. Did you feel like it lived up to all the hype? This naturally gluten-free whole grain has a very mild, nutty flavor, so for flavorful quinoa you must add plenty of seasonings. Eating 3 servings of whole grains every day can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity.
​
Quinoa is packed full of nutrients, so it is considered a superfood. Plus it is one of the least allergenic grains, so it’s great for those with wheat allergies.
Quinoa is packed full of nutrients, so it is considered a superfood. Plus it is one of the least allergenic grains, so it’s great for those with wheat allergies.
Quinoa is so packed full of nutrients, it is considered a superfood!

​Quinoa is a Complete Protein

Quinoa is a complete protein, containing all nine of the essential amino acids. This makes it is a good protein source, especially for vegans. One of the amino acids it contains is lysine, which is not found in other grains. Lysine is essential for tissue growth and repair. A serving of quinoa contains as much protein as an egg, but more carbs. 

​Quinoa is Fiber-Packed

​Fiber lowers cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure, thereby reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes. Fiber also helps alleviate constipation and hemorrhoids. Eating a high fiber diet can also help you lose weight because it helps you feel full for longer and high fiber foods are less calorie dense. Because it is high in fiber, it is slowly digested, making it a low-GI food.

​Quinoa Contains Iron

Our blood needs iron to be healthy and to carry oxygen through our body, to our muscles, and to our brain. Iron keeps your brain functioning properly by supplying oxygen to it. The brain uses about 20% of the body’s oxygen in order to work optimally. Iron also helps our body maintain its temperature.
Quinoa contains a high level of healthy fats, including oleic acid and omega-3s.  The omega-3 fatty acids it contains are important for heart health.
The healthy fats in quinoa also help people with asthma

​Quinoa is High in Healthy Fats

Quinoa contains a high level of healthy fats, including oleic acid and omega-3s.  The omega-3 fatty acids it contains are important for heart health. They help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels. They also help reduce inflammation in the lungs, so are very beneficial for those with asthma. This systemic reduction in inflammation throughout the body leads to a decreased risk of chronic diseases.

​Quinoa Contains Magnesium

​Magnesium is essential for many bodily functions. It helps your body turn carbs into energy, so it helps keep you energized. Magnesium also helps relax your blood vessels, so it reduces both blood pressure and migraines. Magnesium helps control blood sugar, so it helps reduce type 2 diabetes. Furthermore, magnesium aids in detoxification and the formation of healthy bones and teeth.
 Quinoa’s other antioxidants help reduce inflammation, which are a risk for chronic disease.
Quinoa contains more antioxidants than other grains

​Quinoa Contains Antioxidants

Quinoa contains more antioxidants than other grains. The main antioxidants that quinoa contains are called flavonoids. These have been studied for a couple decades and have been found to have many disease reducing benefits. They help reduce the risk of multiple types of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and osteoporosis. These antioxidants also help reduce insulin resistance, and over time the risk of type 2 diabetes. Quinoa’s other antioxidants help reduce inflammation, which are a risk for chronic disease.

​Quinoa is High in Riboflavin

​Riboflavin (B2) is needed for energy metabolism in the brain and muscles. It also helps with energy production in the cells.
Quinoa contains a natural pesticide that gives it a bitter taste. Always rinse it properly before cooking to remove the bitter taste. Always store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.
Always store quinoa in an air-tight container

​Quinoa Tips

Quinoa contains a natural pesticide that gives it a bitter taste. Always rinse it properly before cooking to remove the bitter taste. Always store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.

If you would like some coaching to help you lead a healthier, more energetic life through healthy eating, contact me today for a FREE Nutrition Discover Session!
Get My FREE Discovery Session

​Quinoa Recipes

Here are a few great quinoa recipes I've gathered for you from around the web. Make one today and then let me know how you liked it!

​How to Cook the Best Fluffy Quinoa
Crispy Tofu Tacos with Vegan Lime Crema
Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa
​Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
​One Pan Mexican Quinoa

Comments are closed.
    Picture

    Tonya Cruz

    I am a Duke Integrative Medicine trained Health Coach located in Charlotte, NC. I hold a B.S. and M.A. in Wellness Management. I have a passion for health and for helping others achieve the healthy life they desire.

    Archives

    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    May 2016
    January 2016
    April 2015
    January 2015
    November 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014

    Categories

    All
    Aging
    Air
    Allergies
    Antioxidants
    Anxiety
    Arthritis
    Beauty
    Blood Pressure
    Cancer
    Children
    Cholesterol
    Clutter & Organization
    Depression
    Diabetes
    Digestive Health
    Disease Managment
    Emotional Health
    Energy
    Environment
    Exercise
    Fertility
    Food Labels
    Fruit
    Goals
    Health Coaching
    Heart Health
    Herbal Remedies
    Holiday
    Hormones
    Immunity
    Inflammation
    Inspiration
    Kidney Health
    Menopause
    Nutrition
    Optimism
    Pain
    Pets
    Pollution
    Recipes
    Relationships
    Rest
    Sexual Health
    Sleep
    Spirituality
    Stress
    Vegetables
    Water
    Weight Loss

    RSS Feed

    Visit TLC Wellness Coaching's profile on Pinterest.
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.