What is Quinoa and what are the health benefits of  Quinoa? They are the Chenopodium species and Quinoa was referred to as the ‘mother of all grains’ by the Incas for its health benefits. Quinoa has a history dating back to the Incas in the Andes Mountains over 5,000 years ago. A plant also used in ceremonial rituals. Spanish conquistadors in the 16^th century destroyed the fields to get rid of the Incas but survived in the wild. In 1980, two N. Americans came across this crop and started cultivating it in Boulder, Colarado. Grown in the mountainous region 13,000 feet above sea level it is a hardy plant that can survive extreme weather, poor soil and thin air. Each plant produces a cup of grains in rainbow colors. Quinoa is the miracle grain with several health benefits.  

Nutritional Value:

-High protein content (12-18%) and all the essential amino acids making it complete food.

-Has balanced set of essential amino acids for humans.

-Good source of dietary fiber and phosphorous.

-High in Magnesium and Iron content.

-Has high Saponin content hence needs to be processed before use. The high content of Saponin is good for use as detergent for clothing, washing, anti-septic for skin and injuries.

-Similar to rice in couscous and can be cooked and eaten the same way. It is healthier as a whole grain with low glycemic index.

Health Benefits of Quinoa:

1. High protein breakfast food mixed with honey, almond or berries.
2. Used as a wheat based and gluten free baking product in bread, muffin etc.
3. Germinated Quinoa with its enzymes and vitamin content has lot of nutritional value.
4. It is a complete protein with all the amino acids necessary for the body. Hence good for vegans and vegetarians.
5. High in Iron and Calcium and a good source of manganese, magnesium and copper as well as fiber.
6. Gluten free and hence very good for celiac patients and those who want gluten free diet.
7. The Glycemic Index studies show that Quinoa has low ranking GI and is excellent food for diabetics since it will release glucose slowly to the bloodstream.
8. Rich in Vitamin B and folate. Folate is good for brain function and helps to form cells.
9.  This can be taken by elderly people to improve memory loss, dementia etc.
10. The grain is easily digested when compared to other grains like wheat, rye and barley. This feature makes it attractive for patients who have celiac diseases.
11. Rich source of magnesium. Magnesium supports healthy blood vessels by relaxing them and improving elasticity. Reduces risk of heart diseases and other disorders such as migraine.
12. The folate and zinc found in the grains are essential minerals for the body.
13. Whole grains like quinoa are good for maintaining body weight and lowering risk of heart diseases, in addition being excellent for diabetics and cancer patients.

Quinoa and its health benefits make it one of the most nutritional grains to be eaten. Thanks to the Incas the new world has discovered this and is proving to be very beneficial too. So the next time you are in an organic store or in a supermarket make sure to pile on those Quinoa grains in your shopping cart. They are good for you.

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