If you are looking for a diet plan with low carbs, consuming quinoa can be a very good option. In this article, we will know in detail what Quinoa is, its health benefits, and its side effects.
Quinoa was first cultivated in South America. But now it is being grown in India as well. Quina is known scientifically as Chenopodium quinoa. You may have heard of quinoa before, but you may not have heard of its diverse and powerful benefits. Quinoa is also a superfood and super grain. It is one of the most popular health foods in the world. Quinoa is a flowering plant that belongs to the amaranth species. It is an annual plant grown for its edible seeds. Its seeds are gluten-free. It is an excellent source of protein (a complete source, as it contains all nine essential amino acids). It is also rich in fiber and many minerals. Therefore it is an essential part of any diet plan with low carbs.
Different Types of Quinoa
There are about 120 different types of quinoa in the world. But the three most common types that are widely used are white, red, and black.
1. White Quinoa
This variety is known as ivory quinoa. You can commonly find it in grocery stores. This variety takes the least time to cook. Therefore many people looking to lose weight use it in their diet plan with low carbs.
2. Red Quinoa
This type is mostly used for dishes such as cold salads. Red quinoa, s compared to the white one does maintain its initial form and structure even after cooking.
3. Black Quinoa
This type of quinoa also retains its unusual color even after cooking. It takes the longest time to cook and has a sweet taste.
Benefits of Quinoa
Plenty of protein, iron, fiber is found in quinoa. It is used more in the morning breakfast. According to research, it has anti-septic, anti-cancer, anti-aging properties. Due to the fiber content present in quinoa, it is a very good diet for weight loss and for treating constipation. This fiber prevents fatal diseases like heart disease and cancer. Being rich in antioxidants, this food is great for skin and hair health. We know that quinoa is a superfood and it helps us to lose weight fast. It also forms a good part of the diet with low carbs. Quinoa has many health benefits apart from just weight loss. In this part, we will study some of the best-known benefits of quinoa.
Quinoa Protect from Osteoporosis
Most people think that only people over the age of fifty should be concerned about bone health. But it is not so, everyone should be concerned about bone health. Quinoa is rich in magnesium and is very beneficial for bone health. This mineral is helpful in the formation of bones. Quinoa is rich in protein (1 cup has 9 grams of protein). More importantly, it contains all nine essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce on its own. According to other studies, the magnesium and manganese present in quinoa also help prevent osteoporosis.
Quinoa promotes weight loss
Instead of working out in the gym for hours, if you improve your weight loss diet, it can help you lose weight. Consuming quinoa in breakfast for a diet plan with low carbs. It can prove to be even more beneficial for reducing weight. Quinoa is high in fiber. It contains much higher amounts of fiber than grains and seeds. However, a large portion of the fiber in quinoa is insoluble. One cup of quinoa will give 2.5 grams of soluble fiber. In addition, quinoa contains 20-hydrocodone, which is known to help with weight control. Research has shown that this compound burns more calories, resulting in weight loss.
Quinoa maintains heart health
Being rich in soluble fiber, quinoa is a wonderful food for your heart. Quinoa stimulates your liver to remove cholesterol from the blood. If you use quinoa in food, then it reduces the level of bad cholesterol. Which means it reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Quinoa is rich in fatty acids, 25% of which is in the form of oleic acid. It is a heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acid. In addition, it contains 8 percent ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), an omega-3 fatty acid found mainly in plants.
Quinoa for Skin benefits
As you know quinoa is rich in B vitamins and nutrients that help treat age-related problems by reducing the dark melanin in the skin. Vitamin B12 in quinoa interacts with other B vitamins to maintain skin color. Quinoa also contains tyrosinase inhibitors which is an enzyme. It reduces pigmentation and skin-related problems and Vitamin B present in quinoa help in treating acne. Quinoa is also a good source of vitamin A. It delays the aging process and at the same time, it keeps your skin youthful by reducing fine lines. It improves the elasticity of the skin and also treats acne.
Cure for inflammation
The fiber in quinoa comes from butyrate. It is an essential fatty acid that locks down genes linked to inflammation. The B vitamins in quinoa lower the levels of homocysteine (a hormone linked to inflammation) in the body. Quinoa also contains compounds called saponins, which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Quinoa protect against cancer
According to Harvard University, consuming quinoa daily in a diet plan with low carbs can save your life. According to one study, consuming a bowl of quinoa daily can reduce the risk of cancer.
As you can see that Quinoa is an important part of a diet plan with low carbs and also gives us many other health benefits.