Earlier in the year, we presented a quick guide to the ‘must have’ health food of the year in our Quinoa 101 – but we’ve got to admit we didn’t realise that the United Nations had declared 2013 the ‘International Year of Quinoa’. Why?
It's in honour of the Indigenous peoples of the Andes who have maintained, controlled, preserved and protected quinoa for generations. The resolution affirms the need to “focus world attention on the role that quinoa biodiversity can play, owing to its nutritional value, in providing food security and nutrition and in the eradication of poverty.”
We’re not sure what having an international year means for food, but having discovered this, we thought it was time to re-visit quinoa's many incredible benefits with the top five reasons why it is the official international superfood of the year!
1. It fuels workouts and schedules
Cooked quinoa contains approximately eight grams of protein per cup and is one of the few ‘complete’ vegetarian proteins. That means it contains all nine essential amino acids a body needs.
Benefit: It helps you lift weights and stay awake in long meetings!
2. It promotes healthy digestion
A cup of quinoa contains a healthy serving of fibre and that’s good for digestion, it help lowers cholesterol and control blood sugar.
Benefit: It helps you maintain a healthy weight.
3. It’s nature’s multivitamin
To say that quinoa is nutrient-dense is an understatement. Quinoa is a good source of iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, folate and more.
Benefit: You may be able to ditch all those supplements.
4. It’s a GOOD carb
Because of quinoa’s high levels of protein and fibre, it’s better for you than other grains that more quickly convert to sugar in your body.
Benefit: It’s naturally low in calories.
5. It’s versatile and delicious
Quinoa is good for salads, curry, burgers, sushi, in porridge or muesli or with yoghurt.
Benefit: Use it with anything and everything.
Tip: Our weekend recipe will feature quinoa in a dish specially created by accredited practising dietitian, Kerryn Boogaard, for a high-energy, busy-mum lifestyle. Check back here on Saturday!
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