◆ What is Quinoa?
■ Quinoa is a small, round-shaped grain that looks like lentil but is empty from the inside.
■ This type of seed is an alternative to wheat grains and rice Its advantage is that it contains very little carbohydrates and a high amount of protein and dietary fiber.
◆ So, what are Quinoa benefits?
- Quinoa has many benefits, such as:
■ Protects from heart disease.
■ Eliminates excess fat.
■ Protects from many cancer types.
■ Lowers cholesterol.
■ Reduce diabetes risk.
■ Prevents infections.
■ and many other health benefits.
◆ Quinoa is the only type of grain that contains nine essential amino acids that the body needs and cannot produce.
◆ It also contains manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and folate. In addition, it is rich in omega-3, plus, it has a delicious taste that is favorable to children
◆ Ok then, how can I eat it?
■ There are 7 ways to include quinoa in your diet :
1- Mix half a cup of boiled or steamed quinoa with some raw almonds, raw walnuts, a tbsp of light berry jam or a tbsp of honey and eat as a breakfast.
2- Eat 1½ cup of boiled quinoa instead of a cup of rice.
3- Prepare quinoa salad by mixing a cup of boiled quinoa, small pieces of cucumber, small pieces of green onions, small pieces of tomatoes, a little lettuce, then add some pieces of cottage cheese. Add some salt, a tsp of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
4- Add raw quinoa to the different soups you make
5- Use quinoa flour to prepare pastries or baked goods by replacing half the amount of regular flour in your recipe with quinoa flour.
6- Use raw quinoa seeds instead of rice when making stuffed zucchini and grape leaves.
7- Replace bulgur with boiled quinoa wher preparing tabbouleh.
◆ There are 2 types of quinoa in the hypermarkets:
- White Quinoa & Red Quinoa.
- You may choose to use either or a mixture since they have the same taste and benefits.
- DO NOT buy unpacked quinoa from the herbs shop (العطار).
