Abstract
There has been a before and after with the "nutritional boom" experienced by quinoa, an ancient superfood, whose properties were already being used by the Incas, but whose benefits for the health and nutrition of athletes have been "exploited" until relatively recently.
THE DECALOGUE OF QUINOA
Let's start at the beginning, and for that we have to go back to the Inca civilization, when quinoa was considered the "mother grain" or "sacred grain" because of its great nutritional value. And now we know why.
- It is not a cereal, but the seed of the Chenopodium quinoa plant, from the spinach and chard family.
- It does not contain gluten and is a food suitable for coeliacs.
- It has a high protein value (16.5 g of protein per 100 g) and contains all the essential amino acids.
- It is rich in fiber, vitamins C, E and B, and minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron and silica.
- Quinoa grows in extreme conditions, it can withstand temperatures from below zero to 38ºC, humid or arid climates, rich or poor soils and can grow at altitudes of more than 3,000 m.
- Quinoa can be used to make flour for desserts, béchamel, porridges, Italian pasta, etc. The fermentation of the grains is used to make "chicha", a typical Andean alcoholic beverage.
- The grain must first be washed and cooked like rice, with twice as much water.
- Cooked in boiling water it is done in 12-15 minutes. You can also toast the washed grain in a frying pan to cook it as if it were paella.
- It has a nutty flavor, very easy to combine. It can be white, red or black.
- Quinoa is considered an invigorating, anti-inflammatory, healing, liver purifying food and helps to eliminate urinary infections. It has invigorating properties, already the Inca warriors used it to have energy and it is also an anti-inflammatory, healing, digestive food, prevents and improves urinary infections and helps to purify the liver.
The other great asset in favor and why many athletes have gone crazy and we have jumped (if we did not already know) to the "cart" of the passionate lovers of quinoa, is for its low fat content.
Instead, it provides carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins E, B and folates and minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, iron and silica. Vegetarians have long since discovered it as a good source of vegetable protein, which they say provides all the essential amino acids.
Autor: Administrador
December 13, 2022
