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Tribune News Service

It only took about 7,000 years, but quinoa has finally arrived in the mainstream.
Better late than never for the ancient whole grain first cultivated in the Andes region of South America. The nutritional powerhouse packs protein and carbohydrates – two essential macronutrients the body needs in large amounts.
In the 2010s, quinoa started to turn from a trendy so-called superfood to a pantry staple. The United Nations declared 2013 “the international year of quinoa”.
According to the UN, only eight countries were growing quinoa in 1980. By 2015, that number was 95.
Eating quinoa is one of the many ways to get protein from non-animal sources, said Dr Maya Vadiveloo, an associate professor of nutrition at the University of Rhode Island in the United States.
Overall, people should aim for a dietary pattern rich in a variety of fruit and vegetables, with whole grains, non-tropical oils and proteins that are mostly plant-based, while avoiding sugary drinks and most ultra-processed foods.

Eating quinoa “is a nice way to increase plant-based protein and whole grains simultaneously”, she said.
One cup of cooked quinoa boasts 39 grams (1.4 ounces) of carbohydrates and eight grams of protein. Carbs are “the preferential fuel for our brain”, Vadiveloo said. Protein, meanwhile, helps you feel fuller longer. It is also important for strengthening bones and building muscle.
“As people are shifting toward more plant-based foods, there’s a misconception about how much protein people need,” Vadiveloo said. Many people think their diets do not have enough, not realising they can get protein not just from meat or eggs but from sources like quinoa, nuts, seeds and legumes such as beans, peas or lentils.

Individual protein needs vary, so the US Department of Agriculture offers a calculator on its website to help people figure out how much they need.
Essential amino acids, B vitamins
Quinoa, which comes in red, black and white varieties, is classified as a pseudocereal – seeds from non-grass plants used like cereal grains. It is often treated like rice, and it can make a great base for poke bowls or protein bowls. It also can be served as a side dish.
Like rice, quinoa is naturally gluten-free, Vadiveloo said, making it a carb option for people with coeliac disease. Carbs, particularly from nutrient-dense sources such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains, should account for 45 per cent to 65 per cent of daily calories in a well-rounded diet, she said.
As a protein, quinoa is a source of all nine essential amino acids that the body needs to function. People must get them from food because the body does not produce them.
As a whole grain, quinoa is a good source of several B vitamins that play a key role in metabolism and a healthy nervous system, as well as dietary fibre, which can lower the risk for heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

As healthy as quinoa can be, Vadiveloo said it is important to eat a variety of whole grains.
“There’s benefits to eating whole grains, and quinoa is just one of them,” she said.
From soups and meat loaf to salads
To make quinoa more flavourful, Vadiveloo suggests cooking it in a low-sodium broth or adding onion or garlic. Quinoa can be used in a wide variety of recipes, from soups and meat loaf to salads and muffins.
If the soft, somewhat chewy texture of quinoa is a deal-breaker, whole grains like brown rice, buckwheat and oats share many of quinoa’s health benefits.
“If you don’t like quinoa, there are plenty of other whole grains to try,” Vadiveloo said. “I’d keep encouraging people to find things that they like and find different ways to prepare it.”
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Quinoa is one of the many ways to get protein from non-animal sources. The whole grain is also packed with carbs, essential amino acids, B vitamins and fibre. Photo: Shutterstock

Dr Maya Vadiveloo is an associate professor of nutrition in America. Photo: University of Rhode Island 

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Lifestyle

Health & Wellness

Health

Food & Drink

The whole grain is packed with protein and carbs, essential amino acids, B vitamins and fibre – and can be used in a wide variety of recipes


The whole grain is packed with protein and carbs, essential amino acids, B vitamins and fibre – and can be used in a wide variety of recipes.


Healthy eating

Veganism and vegetarianism