Concept in Definition ABC

Quinoa is a plant, specifically a cereal, that belongs to the gender Chenopodium and the family of the Amaranthaceae. The quinoa seed is consumed as if it were a cereal and as for its composition It is made up mainly of carbohydrates and to a lesser extent by protein and unsaturated fats, in turn containing omega 6 and omega 3 acids. In addition, it has a high fiber content, as well as a series of micronutrients such as calcium, zinc and phosphorus and vitamin B and E. These characteristics make quinoa considered by FAO as a highly valued cereal with great nutritional potential.

Main health benefits

As it does not contain gluten, quinoa is ideal for people with celiac disease. Its high fiber content makes it very suitable for the treatment of hypoglycemia associated with anemia or for problems related to constipation. On the other hand, nutritionists advise consumption in those who suffer from diabetes or to maintain levels adequate cholesterol. Likewise, its properties make it a highly recommended food in the diet of athletes or in those cases in which you want to lose weight. We must not forget, on the other hand, that the minerals it contains make it a perfect food to feed the brain healthily.

An unknown food in our days but already consumed by the Incas

Quinoa is a little known cereal and only in recent years has it begun to be consumed with some regularity. However, there is evidence that the Incas consumed it regularly and, in fact, considered it the mother grain, since it was the most important element of their feeding.

Quinoa in the kitchen

Before cooking the quinoa in a dish it is necessary to wash it very well with abundant Water and then simmer it with water or broth, using three parts of liquid and one of grain. The recipes with this cereal are very varied, since it can be used as a first course, as a side dish and even as a dessert.

Among the hundreds of possible recipes, we could highlight the following: quinoa cookies (very suitable to give Energy at breakfast), quinoa salad, with vegetables, meat soup combined with yucca and quinoa, rabbit with quinoa, quinoa with cocoa, in the form of croquettes, with arugula, with rice and chicken or in the filling of avocados, among many others possibilities. In this sense, it must be remembered that both vegetarians and vegans value quinoa very positively, since it provides the same calories as meat.

Photos: iStock - marilyna / malerapaso