According to the USDA, One Cup of Cooked Quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) contains 222 calories, 8 grams of protein and a wide array of vitamins, minerals and amino acids.
It is gluten free, which is a critical part of its appeal.
Important to note that complete nutritional understanding of Quinoa is just starting to take place.
What Is Quinoa and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
Quinoa is no longer just a food for hippies. It is very high in complete protein, and is in the cruciferous vegetable family.
It is easy to cook, and is easy to buy at Whole Foods, Safeway, Walmart, and any health store. (Just look for the Priuses parked out front.)
It is an ancient food that originated in South America and is just finding its way back into the modern diet.
What Is The Science and Nutrition Behind Quinoa?
Because of it's relatively new re-introduction, people are just now learning why it has had such a strong historical reputation as a "power food."
According to research study published in 2009, Quinoa "has remarkable nutritional properties; not only from its protein content (15%) but also from its great amino acid balance. It is an important source of minerals and vitamins, and has also been found to contain compounds like polyphenols, phytosterols, and flavonoids with possible nutraceutical benefits."
Because of the problems that many people are now having with digesting wheat and gluten, Quinoa makes an excellent alternative.
The whole gluten issue is something that is not well understood, yet reactions to gluten are extremely widespread and manifest themselves in different ways.
Some people get gut inflammation in the form of Celiac Disease. Others experience "body inflammation" which results in weight gain. Others experience skin rashes or skin inflammation whenever wheat products are consumed.
Many doctors think the Gluten issue is bogus. The millions of people suffering from gluten intolerance would respectfully disagree.
Awesome Quinoa Recipe
Quinoa has become a staple of the PEERtrainer kitchen. It is very filling and with the high complete protein content, just fuels you up.
Mediterranean Power Bowl
Quinoa is considered an unlimited food on the PEERtrainer Cheat System.
Related: Calories In Quinoa Pasta
