Superfood Facts: Quinoa

I discovered quinoa 5 years ago and am always finding new ways to incorporate it into my diet. I recommend cooking up a big batch and using it throughout the week.

Some great quinoa facts:

• Pronounced Keen-Wah, this fabulous food is actually a seed, not a grain and related to the spinach family. It has been grown for centuries in South America, where it was a staple of the Incan diet.
• It cooks and tastes like a grain and is a healthy alternative to other grains/carbs in your cooking.
• Quinoa is a great source of both protein and fiber. It contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it a complete protein. It is also an excellent source of magnesium, copper, calcium, phosphorous and zinc.
• Quinoa is easily digested and gluten-free. 
• It is sold in three varieties, white, red, and black. They are all nutritionally identical, with red having slightly more fiber. 
• The best part about quinoa: it cooks in ONLY 10 minutes! 

Quinoa Links:

1. NPR: Quinoa, A Sacred, Super Crop
2. Livestrong: The 5 Things You Need to Know About the Health Benefits of Quinoa
3. The World's Healthiest Foods: Quinoa