Quinoa Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Scientific Name: Chenopodium quinoa

Properties: Anti-fungal, Antibacterial, Anti-cancer, Antioxidant, Anti-ageing, Anti-viral, Anti-inflammatory, Nutritive, Superfood

What is Quinoa?

Quinoa is an ancient grain native to Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Peru. It is related to Swiss chard, spinach and beets and is a complete source of plant-based protein. There are three types of quinoa: whole grain white, red and black quinoa. ¹Quinoa is a versatile alternative to many traditional starches such as pasta or potatoes. ¹ Additionally, quinoa is gluten-free which makes it an excellent option for those suffering from celiac disease or a gluten intolerance.³

Quinoa Health Uses and Health Benefits

In addition to being a high source of protein, quinoa is also high in fiber, magnesium, iron , DV folate and omega-3 fatty acids.¹,³ Because of this, quinoa is considered a nutritional powerhouse. With so much important nutritional value, quinoa health benefits are plenty. Here are some of the top quinoa health benefits:¹,²,³,⁴

Powerful antioxidant containing phytonutrients and high concentration of two flavonoids called quercetin and kaempferol
Provides substantial anti-inflammatory support to help control conditions such as obesity and other inflammatory diseases
Offers heart healthy fats to prevent and reduce the risk of heart related conditions such as heart disease and hypertension
Consists of a high amount of fiber which helps to regulate blood sugar levels and can therefore help to prevent and treat diabetes
Promotes satiety or feeling of being full and can therefore help with weight loss
Lowers levels of total cholesterol while helping to maintain levels of HDL (good cholesterol)

Due to such high levels of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, quinoa as cancer prevention is an important natural treatment to consider in repairing and healing cells. This may specifically apply to helping decrease inflammation in the digestive system in order to treat colon cancers.¹,⁴ Quinoa health benefits make it an effective treatment for multiple conditions. Here are some of the top quinoa uses as a natural remedy:

Heart Disease: Due to the anti-inflammatory benefits of quinoa, this ancient grain can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Diabetes: Quinoa is thought to help support diabetes by controlling and reducing blood sugar levels with its high fiber content.
Cardiovascular Disease: Quinoa can help to protect the health of blood vessels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease because of its anti-inflammatory benefits and ability to lower total cholesterol and maintain good cholesterol.
High Cholesterol: Quinoa is thought to help maintain levels of HDL, the good cholesterol. At the same time it helps to lower total cholesterol levels, including LDL, the bad cholesterol that leads to a risk of heart disease.
Colorectal Cancer: Quinoa is thought to potentially be an effective treatment for colorectal cancer because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits that can support health in the digestive tract.
Hypertension: Another one of the top quinoa uses is helping to reduce hypertension or high blood pressure. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant health benefits, quinoa can help lower hypertension and and promote better heart health.

Quinoa Side Effects and Precautions

There are no known quinoa side effects at this time. Because it doesn’t belong to the plant family that contains wheat, barley, rye or oats, quinoa is not thought to be a common allergenic food.¹

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