What’s all this buzz about Quinoa?

Quinoa or Seemai Thinai in Tamil boasts of giving 14 gms of complete protein, per half cup, apart from 9 essential amino acids. Isn’t that reason enough? Quinoa has lysine, which helps the body absorb all that fat-burning calcium and also helps produce carnitine, a nutrient responsible for converting fatty acids into energy and helping to lower cholesterol. Quinoa is fibre rich hence keeps you fuller longer and helps to balance blood sugar.  Quinoa is also a storehouse of minerals like manganese, potassium, phosphorus, copper, zinc, vitamin E and B6, riboflavin, niacin and thiamine. It has calcium which helps build bones and is a great anti oxidant.  It has more calcium than cow’s milk, is an excellent antioxidant, and also rich in dietary fibre and iron. Quinoa is a very good source of magnesium and, therefore, said to be beneficial for people suffering from migraine headaches.

Pic Courtesy: Creativeandhealthyfunfood

Quinoa was originally grown 5000 years ago by the natives of South America. It used to be a supplement to Potatoes and Corn.

You can get Quinoa from any department store and can cook it just like rice in a rice cooker or pressure cooker.  

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