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food
quinoa
nutrition

definition

quinoa:

QUINOA (pronounced “KEEN-wah”), is a grain-like fruit that comes from the Andean Mountain regions of South America. Quinoa's origins are truly ancient. It was one of the three staple foods, along with corn and potatoes, of the Inca civilization. Quinoa was then, and still is, known with respect as the mother grain.

Quinoa contains more protein than any other grain; an average of 16.2%, compared with 7.5% for rice, 9.9% for millet, and 14% for wheat. Some varieties of quinoa are over 20% protein.

Quinoa's protein is of an unusually high quality. It is a complete protein, with an essential amino acid balance close to ideal. It makes an excellent food to combine with, and boost the protein value of other grains or legumes such as soy.

Quinoa is a rich and balanced source of vital nutrients. Besides its unique protein, quinoa also provides starch, sugars, oil (high in essential linoleic acid), fiber, minerals, and vitamins. While no single food can supply all life-sustaining nutrients, quinoa comes closer than any other food, be it from vegetable or animal sources.

Quinoa is light, tasty and easy to digest. Quinoa flour is low in gluten and can be used as a substitute in baked goods with great results.

Quinoa’s small, pale yellow seeds can be cooked and eaten in place of rice, coucous, bulgar, or other grains. The seeds are covered with a bitter tasting resin that is easily rinsed off BEFORE cooking. The subtle, nutty taste makes it ideal for serving with vegetables, poultry or fish. It can be cooked ahead of time and used in salads, soups or stews.

Ayurvedic:

Chinese:
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naturopathic:
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biochemical: high in protein, potassium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, tryptophan, and tyrosine
» form: whole, dry
» portion: 1 cup
» calories (kcal): 637
» weight (g): 170
» water (%):
» protein (g;%): 22.3;16.2
» fat (g;%): 9.86;14
» carbohydrates (g): 117;72
» unsaturated fatty acid (g):
» saturated fatty acid (g): 1.0
» calories from fat (%):
» cholesterol (mg): 0
» dietary fiber (g):
» vitamin A (RE):
» vitamin A (IU):
» vitamin B1 (mg): 0.337
» vitamin B2 (mg): 0.673
» vitamin B3 (mg):
» vitamin B6 (mg):
» vitamin B12 (mcg):
» vitamin C (mg):
» vitamin E (IU):
» folic acid (mcg):
» pantothenic acid (mg):
» sodium (mg):
» potassium (mg): 1258
» calcium (mg): 102
» phosphorus (mg): 697
» magnesium (mg): 357
» iron (mg): 15.7
» zinc (mg): 5.6
» copper (mg): 1.4
» manganese (mg):

Agriculture Handbook #8
Airola, p. 293
Jensen, pp. 204-5
Johari, p. 119
Lu, p. 96
Ni, p. 45
Thom, p. 42-43


footnotes