Quinoa Nutritional Benefits

The quinoa are nutritional food or seeds from South America and they have been cultivated in the Andes mountain since the past 5000 years. The Incas in this region considered these seeds to be sacred and they were called the 'gold of the Incas'. Gold implements were used by the Inca ruler to plant these seeds. The quinoa (keen wah), is believed to give strength and energy to the warriors and people also used this for ceremonial or scared rituals. Although the Spanish conquerors destroyed these seeds when they were out to destroy the Incas, some of these seeds still grew in the wild and when in the 1980s their nutritional values were discovered, people started growing them again and now benefits are known across the world.

Nutritional Value of Quinoa

The Incas called the quinoa, chisaya mama or the 'mother of all grains'. Talking about the nutrition facts, it is rich in protein, iron, calcium amino acid, potassium and copper. They are also rich in vitamin E, lignans, phosphorous, selenium, manganese, zinc and fiber. These seeds are said to be the most nutritious food that one can get. Let us now take a look at the various benefits of this seed.

Health Benefits

• The tissues in our body undergoes constant wear and tear and in order to repair these tissues our body needs protein. The quinoa seeds are rich in protein which helps in repairing these tissues.
• They contain magnesium and riboflavin which helps in reducing hypertension and migraine pain. They also help the blood vessels to relax which in turn reduces constriction of the blood vessels and thus reduces stress.
• People who are suffering from asthma can also take in these seeds as they reduce the constriction of the blood vessels, and this clears the way for air to pass, thus making it easier for the person to breathe properly.
• If you are into sports or if your child lacks energy, then this seed can be included in the diet, as it is rich in carbohydrates which is required for producing energy.
• Sometimes, heart problems might arise due to blockage of blood in the arteries or veins. The quinoa contains potassium and magnesium which prevents the artery or veins from getting blocked. In turn, reducing the risk of exerting stress on the heart.
• Need healthy teeth and strong bones? Then consuming these quinoa seeds will help as they are a rich source of calcium. That's another benefit of quinoa. Also, if you are allergic to wheat, then you can easily have the quinoa as they are absolutely free from gluten.
• They also help in proper digestion, thus reducing the risk of formation of gallstones. It reduces the production of excess bile in the body which is the main cause of formation of gallstones.
• These seeds are also low in cholesterol, hence a person who is conscious about his weight or heart, can take this without fear.
• The high level of fiber in the seeds help in the toning of the colon and the high level of manganese act as antioxidant, and gets rid of the cancer causing cells and also other diseases.

These were the various quinoa nutritional benefits. Before eating these seeds it's better if you soak them in water for at least 15 - 20 minutes and then rinse them properly with cold water. This will bring out the best taste of these seeds.