If quinoa (pronounced keen-wah) isn’t already part of your diet, it’s time to get acquainted. “(Insert your name here), meet quinoa. Quinoa, meet (insert your name here).” Quinoa is a grain-like seed that traces its roots back to Incan times. Recently, it’s had a resurgence in popularity due to it’s superfood status and is showing up on restaurant menus and dinner tables across the country. This pinhead-sized micro miracle has many benefits, but its greatest claim to fame is the fact that it’s a plant-based complete protein. The long and short of complete proteins is as follows: our bodies require eight essential amino acids in the right proportions to repair and rebuild themselves. This harmonious balance is easily found in animal protein sources, but not as often in plants. Plant-based sources usually contain a few of the essential amino acids, but rarely all eight in the correct ratio. Quinoa is the exception and this is one of the many reasons it’s a vegetarian diet staple. And if the meat-eating omnivores still need a reason to love this seed, try these on for size: high protein content, healthy complex carbohydrates, good source of zinc and folic acid. Sold yet? Read more »
