Is It Ok to Eat Quinoa Every Day?

Quinoa is a seed of an edible plant. It is known as ancient wheat. It looks similar to grains, comes in various colors (black, red, yellow, and white), and is nutty in taste. However, it is not a true grain. This crop has been cultivated for about 5,000 years, and there are 120 known varieties of quinoa.

It contains a higher amount of protein than true grains. It is also high in fiber and has all the nine essential amino acids that our body requires, which makes quinoa one of the best non-animal food sources of complete protein. It is also known as a nutritional powerhouse because it contains magnesium, copper, and other essential vitamins and minerals. It contains a host of compounds known to fight metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity.

As quinoa has several nutritional values and is gluten-free, quinoa has become one of the most consumed health foods in the world and is known as golden grains.

There are several ways to eat quinoa. It can be paired with any protein, made into salads, etc. The ways to eat quinoa are as follows:

• Quinoa must be rinsed before cooking to remove a bitter aftertaste.
• It can be prepared like we cook rice, by using two parts of water to one part of quinoa and simmering it for 25-30 minutes till it gets fluffier.
• It can be roasted and can be popped like popcorn. You can use quinoa flakes or flour to prepare delicious dishes.
• It can be added to salads and bread.
• Quinoa can be substituted for rice in stir-fries and sushi.
• There are many recipes for pasta, salads, soups, and desserts in which quinoa can be substituted with other grains.

Eating quinoa can make a person feel fuller for longer hours. Moreover, its consumption reduces levels of blood fats after a meal called triglycerides. This may promote weight loss. A 2017 study stated that consumption of 50 g of quinoa daily may lower triglycerides in obese individuals and may reduce the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes).

Because it is relatively high in protein and protein keeps you full for longer, quinoa may help you to keep a healthy weight. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support this.