Quinoa: An Outstanding Superfood

 

Quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) has the highest nutritional
profile and cooks the fastest of all grains. It is an extremely high energy grain and has been grown and consumed for about
8,000 years on the high plains of the Andes Mountains in South
America. The Incas were able to run such long distances at such a high altitude because of this powerful grain.

Characteristics:

• Gluten-free; easy to digest
• Ideal food for endurance
• Contains all 8 amino acids to make it a complete protein
• Strengthen the kidneys, heart and lungs
• High in B vitamins, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium and Vitamin E
• Has a protein content equal to milk

Uses and Preparation:

When quinoa is cooked, the outer germ surrounding the seed breaks open to form a crunchy coil, while the inner grain becomes soft and translucent. This double texture makes it delicious, versatile, and fun to eat.

To save time, cook a lot of quinoa at once, and eat it as leftovers. Quinoa can be reheated with a splash of soy or nut milk for breakfast porridge; you can add dried fruit, nuts, and cinnamon for a sweet treat. Add finely chopped raw vegetables and dressing for a cooling salad, or add chopped, cooked, root vegetables for a warming side dish.
Store dry, uncooked quinoa in a cool, dry, dark place in a tightly closed glass jar for up to one year.

Before cooking, quinoa must be rinsed to remove the toxic (but naturally occurring) bitter coating, called saponin. Saponin, when removed from quinoa, produces a soapy solution in water. Quinoa is rinsed before it is packaged and sold, but it is best to rinse again at home before use. Place quinoa in a grain strainer and rinse thoroughly with water.

Try this delicious recipe, Avocado with Quinoa:

Ingredients:

• 70g Quinoa
• 150ml boiling water
• 1 avocado
• ½ chopped tomato
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp chopped spring onion
• Juice from ½ lime
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sour cream
• Plantain chips (optional)

Directions:

1. Cook the quinoa in boiling water for 20 min more or less. Leave it to cool off.
2. Peal and mash the avocado. Mix with tomato, quinoa, cilantro, spring onion and lime juice. Add salt and pepper to taste.
3. Put the mix into a recipient to serve like a “flan” type (see picture). Add sour cream on top and plantain on the side to serve.

THE BLOG

To get some additional recipes and health tips, remember to subscribe to my blog to receive it in your inbox!

GET EVEN HEALTHIER!

If you have any questions about how you could benefit from health coaching, please schedule a free initial consultation with me. During this session, we will discuss your health and lifestyle to determine how I can best support you in achieving your goals.

Virginia

Share:

Share Your Thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *