Quinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seed. With twice the protein content of rice or barley, quinoa is also a very good source of magnesium, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin E and various beneficial antioxidants. This makes it one of the protein-rich foods and the world’s most popular health foods.
Quinoa isn’t a cereal grain, but a pseudo-cereal, meaning it is a seed which is prepared and eaten similarly to a grain. Known for being an important crop for the Inca Empire back in the day, they referred to it as the “mother of all grains” and believed it to be sacred.
Quinoa has been eaten for thousands of years in South America and the word quinoa, pronounced ‘keen wah’ seems to be everywhere these days. Quinoa only recently became a food trend, even reaching superfood status. You can find quinoa and quinoa products all over the world, especially in health food stores and restaurants that emphasize health and organic foods.
Here are a few benefits of regularly consuming quinoa:
• Quinoa contains all nine essential acids that we need to consume but our bodies cannot produce. This make this grain crop a great dietary choice for vegetarians and vegans.
• Quinoa helps reduce the risk of a number of health conditions because it is high in fiber compared with other grains.
• Quinoa contains quercetin and kaempferol antioxidants which are thought to protect against a range of chronic diseases including cancer.
• Because quinoa helps manage potassium levels, it has a potential protective effect against kidney stones.
Humboldt offers quinoa imports and exports, for more information on our range of health and organic foods, please contact us on 086 11 11 849 or send us an email at hello@humboldt.global.