Is Quinoa Gluten-free?

A popular substitute for grain, quinoa (pronounced as keen-wah) is actually a seed which can be used for cooking a variety of dishes. Quinoa belongs to the family of beets, spinach and Swiss chard. This edible food substitute is rare which has a high nutritional value and a delectable taste.

When cooked, quinoa usually looks like a grain, but in truth it is a seed. Many a time, people may wonder, 'is quinoa gluten-free'. Quinoa is an excellent substitute for wheat, barley and other grains that contain gluten. It is actually gluten-free with a number of health benefits and is also safe for consumption by people who suffer from gluten allergy.

As mentioned earlier, quinoa is the seed of a leafy plant which is similar to spinach. The seeds of the plant resemble millet. Growing in abundance in the continent of South America for over a period of five thousand years. Also referred to as ' the gold of the Incas', this grain was the staple food of the Incas tribe and was also an important part of their ceremonial rituals.

Flat and having a pointed oval shape, the quinoa comes in different colors like black, brown, red and yellow. Several recipes are made out of quinoa which is used as a substitute for grains containing gluten. After cooking, the seeds expand and have a creamy and smooth texture.

However, it is necessary to wash the seeds before cooking to remove the powdery residue. Quinoa can be had as a breakfast cereal and even used to cook a variety of dishes for lunch as well as dinner. This grain substitute is used in pilafs, stews, soups and even in bagels, bread and cookies etc.

Quinoa is processed to remove the bitter outer cover, saponin and packed in containers. You can avail this nutritious grain from various health food stores.

Quinoa is of highly nutritious value since it is a rich source of a number of nutrients required for the proper growth and development of the body. You can avail a number of benefits by including quinoa in the diet. Here are a few pointers on quinoa nutrition that tell if quinoa is good for you

• Being a rich source of proteins, quinoa supplements the body with the nine essential amino acids that help in the proper growth and development of the body system and also aids in tissue repair.

• There is also a high concentration of superoxide dismutase, which is an antioxidant. This helps the body get rid of infections and diseases, by fighting against the free radicals.

• Also high in fibers, both soluble and insoluble, including half a cup of cooked quinoa in the diet, helps prevent the occurrence of constipation. This is because the fiber provides bulk to the stools and facilitates easy passage from the colon for elimination.

• Individuals suffering from celiac disease can also benefit by the inclusion of quinoa in their diet. Since grains like barley, rye and wheat cannot be digested by the body and can also give rise to some unnecessary side effects, due to intolerance, quinoa is recommended.

Celiac sufferers are recommended quinoa as a grain replacement to avoid allergic reactions like bloating, iron deficiency anemia and persistent diarrhea.

• It is also a memory enhancer, since it is high in folate. People including quinoa in the diet have shown improved functioning of the brain and also at a lower risk of suffering from dementia, depression or memory loss.

• Other nutrients found in the quinoa seeds are calcium and magnesium. These two minerals are essential for the bone health and also for the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Magnesium in quinoa helps relax the blood vessels and reduce the risk of hypertension and blocked arteries. 

The intensity of migraine can also be brought down as a result of quinoa consumption.

This was all about the quinoa grain. You can avail this healthy grain substitute in supermarkets and health food stores in your neighborhood. Eat healthy stay healthy!