Benefits of Quinoa for Losing Weight

Originating in South America, Quinoa has been around for a long time but only in recent years has gained more widespread popularity as a health food.

This amazing nutritious grain is packed with plenty of protein, vitamins, and minerals, and a great food source to help in losing weight. In fact, another added benefit of this grain is that it is gluten-free and perfect for those individuals who are allergic to wheat, or on a gluten restricted diet. Quinoa  contains no sugar,  and therefore  makes a great food choice for diabetics, or anyone who is trying to reduce their sugar intake.

How can Quinoa help you lose weight?

• Low in Calories

Quinoa is surprisingly low in calories, where one cup serving of cooked Quinoa is only 155 calories, and contains only 3 grams of fat.

• Stay Full Longer

Since Quinoa is a rich source of protein, this grain can keep you satisfied and feeling full longer, helping to deter any in-between meal binge eating, which can pack on extra calories and weight.

• Contains No Sugar

The low glycemic index of Quinoa makes this super food a great choice for losing weight. Since Quinoa has a low glycemic index, it won’t spike blood sugar levels. In fact, when your blood glucose is lower, you’re less likely to crave more sugar or carbohydrates, which can help with weight loss.

• Rich in vitamin B12

Quinoa is a potent source of vitamin B12 which is essential for increased energy that can help speed up your metabolism and burn excess calories. A deficiency in vitamin B12 and other essential vitamins and iron, can hinder your body’s ability to burn energy effectively, slowing down any weight loss.

• Help Reduce Abdominal Fat

Some research studies have linked dieters who included more whole grains than refined grains in their diets with a decrease in belly fat, compared to those individuals who only ate refined grains. Whole grains, including Quinoa, can be part of a healthy diet to avoid unwanted weight gain.

Directions for Cooking Quinoa

• If you are using one cup of Quinoa, you can soak it first for about five minutes to remove any residual saponin, bitter, resin-like coating on the seeds, that may still be on them. This, of course, is an optional step since most saponin residue should have been removed in processing before shipment to the stores.

• Next, drain and rinse off the water with a fine strainer, and put the strained Quinoa in a cooking pot.
• Add 1 ½ cups of water to the Quinoa in the pot.
• Add ¼ teaspoon of salt (or omit if on salt restricted diet)
• Cover and bring to a boil.
• After it comes to a boil turn down to simmer.
• Cook for 15 minutes
• Remove from heat and let Quinoa set with lid on for a few minutes.
• Use a fork to fluff Quinoa when done.
• Eat Quinoa by itself, or add to other ingredients

Quinoa can be used in a variety of meals and dishes to provide a healthy food source. For example, a nutritious breakfast meal could include a cup of cooked Quinoa, a few tablespoons of raisins, dried apricots, or cranberries, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and one cup of low-fat milk, soy milk, or almond milk.

Simply heat all ingredients together in a small saucepan on low heat until the liquid is absorbed and you have a delicious and healthy breakfast to enjoy.