Quinoa – an ancient superfood at the height of culinary fashion🌾

Quinoa is an ancient sacred grain that was cultivated by the Incas over 5,000 years ago. Today, quinoa is known and valued worldwide as one of the most nutritious plant-based foods. Why should you include it in your diet? Let’s take a closer look!

🔬 Composition and nutritional value

• Complete protein: Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids, including lysine, which is rarely found in plant-based foods. This is particularly important for vegetarians and vegans.
• Fibre: 100 g of cooked quinoa contains around 2.8 g of fibre. This fairly substantial amount helps improve digestion, supports gut flora, and also lowers blood cholesterol levels.
• Trace elements: By adding quinoa to your diet, you’ll also get plenty of iron (up to 4 mg per 100 g), magnesium, potassium, zinc and calcium. These components are vital for strengthening the heart, bones, brain and nervous system.
• Vitamins: Quinoa contains highly beneficial B vitamins (B2 and B6 are particularly important), whilst vitamin E, found in large quantities in this wonder grain, is a powerful antioxidant that helps slow down cellular ageing and, consequently, has a rejuvenating effect on our body.

💚 Health benefits

• Maintains blood sugar levels: Thanks to its low glycaemic index, quinoa does not cause sharp spikes in blood glucose, making it suitable for people with diabetes.
• Antioxidants: Quinoa contains quercetin and kaempferol – powerful plant compounds that combat various forms of inflammation and oxidative stress. And what is oxidation? Oxidation in the body is a form of ageing, and as quinoa is excellent at combating oxidative processes, this once again proves the rejuvenating effect of this unrivalled superfood on our bodies.
• Weight loss: The high protein and fibre content in this incredible food helps us feel fuller for longer, which ultimately supports a reduction in overall calorie intake – and weight loss too.

🥗 How can you incorporate quinoa into your diet?

• Add this grain, either raw or cooked, to vegetable salads – cold or warm, as appropriate.
• Use it instead of rice or couscous in side dishes – this will make digestion much easier for your stomach, which will inevitably have a very positive effect on you.
• Try adding quinoa to your sweet breakfasts alongside fruit, nuts and honey.
• Add this superfood to soups, stuffed vegetables and bakes – instead of rice, for example. It offers both variety and real health benefits.
• Quinoa flour can be used with confidence in baking – there are plenty of options, you just need to get started.

📌 Cooking tip:

Before cooking, it is essential to rinse the quinoa under cold water – this removes the saponins, natural substances with a bitter taste. If you plan to eat this grain raw, you can even soak it for a short while. To cook it, use a 1:2 ratio (1 part quinoa, 2 parts water), then simmer for about 15 minutes over a low heat until fully cooked.

Conclusion: quinoa is not just a trendy modern product with a rich ancient history, but a unique, tasty and very healthy addition to your diet, which is perfect for both adults and children. Don’t put it off – be sure to buy this wonder grain soon and give it a try!