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Quinoa is becoming more and more popular. It’s a great alternative to wheat and when you look at the copious number of health benefits, it’s bound to give anyone’s health a boost. Let’s find out what it can do for you. What is Quinoa? Quinoa is a grain native to South America and was a staple of the ancient Incan diet. The quinoa we enjoy today has been cultivated in these regions for approximately 5,000 years while older varieties of quinoa date back 9,000 years! These grains are gluten free and packed full of nutrients which is why it has been labelled as the ‘mother of all grains’. Quinoa is: Rich in essential vitamins – by eating quinoa you’re getting a host of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, iron and more. High in protein – it is a complete source of non-animal protein that contains all nine essential amino acids. Essential amino acid means your body needs it but can’t produce it. High in fibre. Gluten free. Contains antioxidants - quercetin and kaempferol Alkaline forming - so it helps stablise your blood pH. Low in calories and fat. Contains lysine – a rare amino acid not found in many other grains. How This Helps You So now you know some of the amazing features of quinoa but how does that translate to improving your health? Here are just some of the ways adding quinoa to your diet can benefit you: Reduces your risk of type 2 diabetes because it’s rich in complex carbohydrates so they are digested slowly and keep you fuller for longer. Helps maintain a healthy heart because it’s a great source of magnesium which is required for cardiovascular and blood vessel function. Alleviates migraines. The magnesium and B vitamins found in quinoa also relax blood vessels and reduces the onset of migraines. Aids digestion and constipation as quinoa is high in fibre. Keeps red blood cells happy due to its high iron content. Improves energy metabolism. B vitamins help your cells release energy and quinoa is rich in them. Whether you’re gluten-free or not, quinoa is an excellent addition to any diet. It’s nutrient-rich, and has the history to back it up. For more natural health tips visit our blog at: http://www.alkalife.com.au/blog
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