Quinoa is a potential food that improves the quality of life of its consumers. It includes a great nutritional capacity and incredible benefits, together with a wide diversity of uses and a low production cost.
It is native to South America and constitutes an alternative with many peculiar benefits, which are due to its high nutritional value and medicinal properties. It is consumed directly (raw or inflated in water) like any other cereal and also added as an ingredient in many recipes.
In the following article, we will address the great benefits that quinoa provides for our body.
What benefits does quinoa have for our body?
Quinoa or Chenopodium Quinoa , is an extremely kind grain that has the ability to be added to our diet and provide endless healthy benefits to our body, because it is considered a grain that is extremely close to nutrition standards. human.
To highlight: It is also the only food that has all the essential amino acids , vitamins (such as A, E and B1), minerals (mainly calcium, phosphorus and iron) and trace elements.
Based on everything previously mentioned, its qualities and benefits will be mentioned and described below , allowing its recognition and benefit.
1. Regulates cholesterol and blood sugar
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) , quinoa has among its benefits the ability to reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) in the body and at the same time raise HDL cholesterol levels (good cholesterol). ) , due to its fiber content and omegas 3 and 6 in its composition.
Note: The amino acids that predominate in its structure (isoleucine, valine and leucine) participate in regulating and maintaining a balanced glycemic index present in the blood.
2. Increases brain functions
Quinoa has a key component called glutamic acid, which is crucial for the process of energy production and learning processing, memorization, and neural plasticity.
Glycine is another of the amino acids present in the composition of quinoa. This influences beneficially, acting as a neurotransmitter and regulator of motor functions.
3. Stimulates intestinal transit
The high fiber content it provides is quite significant. It can even be expressed as 6% of the total weight of the grain. The intake of quinoa is then aimed at stimulating the bacterial flora and improving intestinal transit, also allowing the reduction of the existing risk of developing colon cancer.
Note: Quinoa is an excellent alternative to improve intestinal problems, especially constipation.
4. Promotes weight loss
The principle of this benefit is produced by binding the dietary fiber present in the grain with fat and cholesterol in the body, which produces a reduction in these values and an imminent response of weight reduction for the consumer.
5. Improves physical performance
As we previously mentioned, the components of quinoa, especially its high protein content, allow a positive influence on the body’s energy, which improves physical performance.
To highlight: The consumption of quinoa produces an increase in muscle mass , making it a perfect ally for athletes.
6. Reduces migraine and stress
Among the components and their interesting benefits, tryptophan stands out . This is another of the essential amino acids present and is a serotonin neurotransmitter, which is why it is used successfully in stress, depression, impulses, anxiety and insomnia.
Note: The presence of tyrosine acts in the same way and it is therefore that quinoa is considered a food with both nutritional and therapeutic benefits.
7. Promotes skin and hair health
Studies carried out by Zalle and De Lucca in 2006 demonstrate and demonstrate how the application of quinoa leaves and seeds is beneficial for skin and hair conditions .
8. It is suitable for vegans and celiacs
Quinoa is a gluten-free cereal grain . And not only for this reason it is suitable and beneficial for celiacs, but studies carried out by the team from King’s College London , have verified that the consumption of quinoa can regenerate tolerance to gluten .
To highlight: The benefits and nutritional quality of the grain allow it to be a food of high biological value to be added to the vegan diet. It is a complete, nutritious and healthy food.
Key Findings
- Quinoa is a grain with great medicinal benefits and a high nutritional content to contribute to our body.
- It can be consumed directly, raw or inflated , depending on the preference of the person and the recipe that is included.
- Its large number of benefits lies mainly in its high biological level proteins and the amino acids that make it up.
- It is a great contribution of energy that allows the increase of physical performance. It also favors the brain functions of motor activities and learning and memorization processes.
- It is an extraordinary complete, nutritious, healthy, beneficial and kind food. In short, it is a functional food.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.