Quinoa - "Mother of All Grains"
Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) is a protein-packed pseudo-grain cultivated by Andean indigenous peoples for over 5,000 years ago. Referred to as "mother of all grains" and held sacred by the Incas, it is said that the first seeds of the Quinoa planting season were traditionally sown by the Inca emperor using "golden implements".1 Unknown to the rest of the world at that time, Quinoa has become a popular and recognized superfood. Gluten-free and easy to digest, it contains all 9 essential amino acids rarely provided by botanical sources. Its high protein content is just one of its many benefits - packed in these tiny seeds are a host of health-benefiting compounds and nutrients.
Find out more about this nourishing superfood by reading on...
General Information
Quinoa is an annual herbaceous, flowering plant that belongs to the same botanical family as beets, spinach, and chard. Native to Peru, it is grown primarily for its seeds which were a staple in the Incan diet.
Quinoa seeds are about 2 mm in diameter and cream, red or black in color, depending on the variety. Covered by a bitter tasting covering, the seeds are processed after harvest to remove the saponin-rich covering and make them palatable. Cooked in the same way as rice and other grains, Quinoa is a very versatile ingredient, adding a mild nutty flavor and delightful texture while boosting the nutritional content of salads, side and main dishes.
Our organic Quinoa Powder can be added to nutritional supplement blends, functional foods and beverages to increase protein content and nutrient density.
Nutrients and Benefits
Quinoa is a whole grain that provides excellent amounts of protein and a number of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.
- Containing all nine essential amino acids, Quinoa is considered a complete protein. NASA has identified it as an ideal food for long space flights due to its high protein to carbohydrate ratio compared to other grains.2
- Quinoa's high fiber content helps improve digestion, maintain healthy blood sugar levels, and promotes heart health. It also helps increase satiety and metabolism, promoting a healthy weight.
- Relatively high levels of antioxidants quercetin and kaemferol derived from Quinoa may aid against free radicals.
- Good amounts of the healthy fatty acids oleic and alpha-linolenic acid help to support heart health.
- A cup of Quinoa provides over 10% of the RDA of vitamins B1, B2 and B6 as well as some vitamin E. The minerals magnesium, iron, potassium, calcium, phosphorus are also found in these nutrient-packed seeds.
Product Specifications/Applications
NP Nutra's Quinoa Powder (organic) is a mostly soluble, beige to cream powder that is certified Organic, Kosher and Food Grade, and is produced in an FSSC 22000 certified facility. Quinoa Powder (organic) can be used as a standalone dietary supplement and as an ingredient in functional foods, beverages, weight management and sports nutrition products.
Contact us for a free sample and further product information.
References:
1 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quinoa
2 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/274745.php
