Quinoa boomed into popularity a few years back, so by now most of us have at least tried it and kind of know how to pronounce it (it's keen-wa). This South American grain took our grocery stores by storm because it's been heralded as a superfood, but do you know why? It's pretty simple, really -- there are four main reasons.
1. When it comes to quinoa, it's all about the protein. For some of us, getting our fill of protein in a way that doesn't involve fatty red meats can be a challenge. And that's why quinoa is so great. Unlike the other grains we eat, a serving of quinoa (about 100 grams) actually provides us with 8 grams of complete protein. A complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids your body needs, and it's tough to find in vegetarian form. But quinoa fits the bill.
2. Protein aside, quinoa is also full of fiber. It has almost twice as much fiber as most other grains we eat. Fiber's important because it can help reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
3. Quinoa is high in minerals, too. The ones that most people don't get enough of, like iron and magnesium to name a couple. Iron is essential because it helps keep our red blood cells healthy. And magnesium is good because it promotes healthy blood sugar control.
4. It's naturally gluten free. This is a huge benefit to anyone with Celiac disease or those who are simply gluten intolerant.
There are many other great benefits to eating quinoa, but above are the four main pillars. Now that you know, don't you just want to eat a bowl? Here are the recipes you need to make that happen in the most delicious way possible.
Greek Quinoa Dinner Omelets With Feta And Tzatziki
Crunchy Quinoa And Dark Chocolate Brown Butter Granola
Whole Wheat Banana Quinoa Pancakes
Crispy Black Bean Quinoa Burritos
Honey Chipotle Chicken Bowls
Quinoa-Stuffed Eggplant With A Roasted Garlic Raita
Greek Goddess Chickpea And Quinoa Nachos With Pita Chips
Thai Chicken Quinoa Bowl
Kidney Bean And Quinoa Soft Tacos
Quinoa Salad With Mango, Snap Peas, Ginger And Lime
Quinoa Pizza With Meyer Lemon, Goat Cheese And Basil
Quinoa And Avocado Chimichurri Salad
Quinoa Breakfast Skillet
Enchilada Chicken & Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
One Pot Kale And Quinoa Pilaf
Sweet Potato Quinoa Cakes With Blackberry Salsa
Quinoa Tabbouleh With Chickpeas
Sweet Potato, Quinoa And Dark Chocolate Coconut Crumble Crunch Muffins
Crispy Buffalo Style Quinoa Sliders With Sweet Corn
Basil Parmesan Quinoa Cakes
Quinoa Salad With Charred Sweet Corn & Avocado
Quinoa And Mango Salad With Lemony-Ginger Dressing
Quinoa Crusted Baked Three-Cheese Zucchini And Eggplant Parmesan
Coconut Breakfast Quinoa
Yuzu Poppy Seed Quinoa Pancakes
Black Bean And Quinoa Enchilada Bake
Caprese Quinoa Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms With Balsamic Glaze
Quinoa Pilaf With Chipotle, Queso Fresco And Lime
Quinoa Cakes With Poached Egg And Parsley
Vanilla Bean Coconut Quinoa Pudding With Honey Drizzled Raspberries
Slow Cooker Quinoa Chicken Chili
Curried Quinoa And Asparagus Salad
Italian Quinoa Risotto Lasagna Casserole With Truffle Oil
Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Quinoa, Cranberries And Miso
Strawberry And Quinoa Parfait
Quinoa And Burrata Caprese Salad
Quinoa And Farro Salad With Pickled Fennel
Chipotle Quinoa Sweet Potato Tacos With Roasted Cranberry Pomegranate Salsa
Jamaican Jerk Chicken, Fried Plantain And Coconut Fried Quinoa With Macadamia Nuts
Quinoa Crusted Chicken Strips With BBQ Honey Mustard
Coconut Crusted Brie Stuffed Quinoa Bites With Sweet Cranberries
Quinoa And Cauliflower Chowder
Pretzel Bread Quinoa Stuffing With Garlic Butter Mushrooms
Asian Quinoa Salad
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