Quinoa: a chenopod by any other name

Quinoa has been the buzzword, and the “It”  food, both for its healthy properties and as a center of the plate feature in gluten-free diets.

It is not a grain; rather, it is a chenopod, related to beets and spinach.

When NASA scientists were searching decades ago for an ideal food for long-term human space missions, they came across an Andean plant called quinoa. With an exceptional balance of amino acids, quinoa, they declared, is virtually unrivaled in the plant or animal kingdom for its life-sustaining nutrients.

And we at FuegoMundo could not be happier about the building buzz around quinoa. We feature quinoa in several combinations on our menu, including The Health-Nut, Veggie Lover’s Stir Fry, and the Quinoa Veggie Salad. Or, order it as your side to accompany any of our delicious wood-fire grilled entrees.

The Health Nut: Baked Plantains, Quinoa, and vegan Black Beans
Veggie Lover's Stir-Fry

Quinoa is the Prom Queen of the plate, to be sure. But why all of the fame and popularity?

We can give you some appealing facts…

You’ve probably heard that you should eat whole grains, but try the gluten free grain-like seed called “quinoa” instead of wheat. Quinoa provides more amino acids, enzymes, vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytonutrients than most other grains!

  • Complete protein. Quinoa contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required by the body as building blocks for muscles.
  • Magnesium helps relax your muscles and blood vessels and effects blood pressure. Quinoa contains high levels of this vital nutrient.
  • Fiber. Quinoa is a wonderful way to ensure that you consume valuable fiber that eases elimination and tones your colon.
  • Manganese and copper. Quinoa is a good source of these minerals that act as antioxidants in your body to get rid of dangerous cancer and disease-causing substances.

Quinoa can be your superfood: regulating your blood sugar, enhancing elimination, and keeping your heart healthy. Add this “mother grain” to your diet and enjoy the health benefits of quinoa, just like the Incas did thousands of years ago.

For more information, see

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/20/world/americas/20bolivia.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=quinoa&st=cse&scp=1

and, this terrific web post by our friends at Body Ecology.

http://bodyecology.com/articles/quinoa_benefits_guide.php

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