Source: Wikipedia
Updated 10/27/2023
Incas of the Andes had a "mother of all grains," quinoa. Their emperors by tradition sowed the first seeds of the season(1). Really, it's a pseudocereal(1,2); is more in the same family with spinach, Swiss chard, beets(2), and amaranth; is free of gluten(1); isn't typically an allergen; and even has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (the latter two helping reduce the risk of cancer). However, oxalate content may be an issue for some. "[H]igh altitudes, thin and cold air, hot sun, salty or sandy soil, little rainfall, and sub-freezing temperatures"(2) to coastal regions in South America have grown it; though different varieties tolerate cold, etc. better than others, it grows in many places like a weed(1). Pigments in the plants may produce "orange, pink, purple, tan, and black quinoa"(2). [However, standard commercially-available seed grains are most commonly white and resemble round rice.] Over 70 countries grow it today from Kenya to India to Europe to the US. In the US, the climate of the Puget Sound area of Washington State resembles that of a long-time quinoa-growing region, the coast of Chile. Southern Idaho's Snake River Plain, considered, high-altitude, also has a special-bred variety(1).
Quinoa contains greater "protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and dietary minerals"(1) including folate, zinc, and phosphorus than a lot of grains. Protein content, however, has a special advantage over more common grains: it has adequate amounts of amino acids lysine and isoleucine to make its protein complete. Protein and fiber intake and reducing inflammation are factors in managing blood sugar and otherwise helping prevent or mitigate type 2 diabetes. There are also E vitamins, essential fatty acids, and healthy monounsaturated fats. Despite fat content, quinoa doesn't oxidize as much as would be expected(2).
Bitter-tasting saponins are phytonutrients(2) coating the seeds of quinoa and cause the plants to require minimal protection from birds(1). They are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich(2), yet are mildly toxic and may be a mild respiratory, gastrointestinal, or eye irritant. Most quinoa has had saponins washed out. Saponins are used in South America as clothing and washing detergent and, in folk medicine, antiseptic for skin injuries(1).
Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Quinoa." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, October 27, 2023. Web October 27, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa.
2. 7549wpczar. "Quinoa." TruthWiki: Get the Real Story. TruthWiki: Get the Real Story. Nine years ago. Web October 27, 2023. http://www.truthwiki.org/191/.
Incas of the Andes had a "mother of all grains," quinoa. Their emperors by tradition sowed the first seeds of the season(1). Really, it's a pseudocereal(1,2); is more in the same family with spinach, Swiss chard, beets(2), and amaranth; is free of gluten(1); isn't typically an allergen; and even has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (the latter two helping reduce the risk of cancer). However, oxalate content may be an issue for some. "[H]igh altitudes, thin and cold air, hot sun, salty or sandy soil, little rainfall, and sub-freezing temperatures"(2) to coastal regions in South America have grown it; though different varieties tolerate cold, etc. better than others, it grows in many places like a weed(1). Pigments in the plants may produce "orange, pink, purple, tan, and black quinoa"(2). [However, standard commercially-available seed grains are most commonly white and resemble round rice.] Over 70 countries grow it today from Kenya to India to Europe to the US. In the US, the climate of the Puget Sound area of Washington State resembles that of a long-time quinoa-growing region, the coast of Chile. Southern Idaho's Snake River Plain, considered, high-altitude, also has a special-bred variety(1).
Quinoa contains greater "protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and dietary minerals"(1) including folate, zinc, and phosphorus than a lot of grains. Protein content, however, has a special advantage over more common grains: it has adequate amounts of amino acids lysine and isoleucine to make its protein complete. Protein and fiber intake and reducing inflammation are factors in managing blood sugar and otherwise helping prevent or mitigate type 2 diabetes. There are also E vitamins, essential fatty acids, and healthy monounsaturated fats. Despite fat content, quinoa doesn't oxidize as much as would be expected(2).
Bitter-tasting saponins are phytonutrients(2) coating the seeds of quinoa and cause the plants to require minimal protection from birds(1). They are anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich(2), yet are mildly toxic and may be a mild respiratory, gastrointestinal, or eye irritant. Most quinoa has had saponins washed out. Saponins are used in South America as clothing and washing detergent and, in folk medicine, antiseptic for skin injuries(1).
Sources:
1. Wikipedia contributors. "Quinoa." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, October 27, 2023. Web October 27, 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa.
2. 7549wpczar. "Quinoa." TruthWiki: Get the Real Story. TruthWiki: Get the Real Story. Nine years ago. Web October 27, 2023. http://www.truthwiki.org/191/.
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