The traditional Incan grain Quiona has recently made it’s way into the US and is rapidly gaining popularity. The only big shock to anyone is that we didn’t heard about this nutritious food sooner. Mind you, quinoa is pronounced KEEN-wah and was prized by the Inca in Peru. Not only was it a staple of their diet for generations, it was also thought of as a sacred, god-like plant.

This grain is a complete protein which is one of the causes why it has been used for such a long time. Among other amino acids, quinoa also contains the essential lysine. Interestingly quinoa is full of this vital nutrient. Our bodies need various amino acids, the building blocks of proteins to create and preserve muscle mass. In our current diet, we get nearly all of our protein from animal products. Part of the reason why is because there are only a couple of vegetarian foods out there that possess all the amino acids our bodies need. That is why quinoa is considered a super food and is also often called the mother grain.

Being low in cholesterol and sodium and also providing a lot of soluble fiber is yet another big reason why giving this old grain a try may be a great idea. It also provides a lot of Iron, Magnesium, Phosperous, Manganese, Thiamin, Riboflavin, Folate, Vitamin B6, Vitamin E and Niacine. Basically is packed with vital vitamins and minerals at the same time still being remarkably low in calories. I am not surprised it made the “Super Food” list.

Since quinoa grain is rich in healthy fiber and protein and low in fat at the same time, it’s a great food to incorporate into just about any weight reduction program. Try having it instead of high-carb foods like pasta and white rice. Not only is it far healthier, it also won’t impact your blood sugar levels as much which helps keep down cravings later.

Not only is quinoa a very versatile grain - you can make breads, puddings, and pilaf like side dishes out of it or just serve it like a breakfast porridge - it is also gluten free, making it a great option for anyone suffering from celiac disease. Cooked quinoa can also be added to salads to give it some crunch and nutty flavor as well as making the salad more filling.

But why would you want to eat it? Here’s why you should give quinoa a serious chance as a grain in your healthy eating plan It can boost your heart health and is a great source of antioxidants which may prevent cancer. It also contains quite a big of lignans which help protect your heart. Add to that the fact that it is a whole grain; it isn’t surprising that it is thought to be quite healthy.

Do you want to give Quinoa a try? Take this simple quinoa muffins recipe as an example. Quinoa is also a gluten free grain, making it ideal for everyone living a gluten-free life style. As are these mouth watering gluten free oatmeal cookies you don’t want to miss.