For the last few years, we have seen quinoa making its way into the health food markets increasingly. Originally, the Inca called it the “mother seed” and considered it a sacred food. In fact, it has been known as a staple for various cultures for over 5,000 years. Today, we call it a “superfood” and are in high demand for vegans and beyond.

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is actually a seed, but often mistaken as a grain. It comes from a plant called the goosefoot. It is connected with beets, spinach and Swiss chard. Quinoa is found in salads, side dishes and increasingly in breakfast meals.

Healthy Benefits of Quinoa

When it comes to weight training, vegetarians and vegans should always include this in their diet. Quinoa is a complete protein source that includes all nine essential amino acids. In addition to protein, it also has twice as much fiber as grains. This seed is also a great option for people with gluten issues since it is not a wheat or grain.

When it comes to vitamins and minerals, this seed has it all. It contains iron, magnesium, riboflavin (B2) and manganese. These are all very important to include in our plant-based diets. Finally, it is complex carbohydrate and has a low-glycemic index.

This photo is courtesy of Vi..Cult… via Wikimedia Commons at en.wikipedia and it is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 Generic license.