Manataka American Indian Council
Quinoa
has been produced in South America since 3000 B.C., and although the
Spanish conquistadors all but eliminated the existence of quinoa in an
attempt to destroy the
South American natives and their culture,
quinoa is still an important seed crop for human consumption in the
Andean region of South America.
Quinoa is able to grow in the severe cold and high altitude of the "altiplano"
region of the Andes.
Although quinoa is considered a grain, it's technically the seed of a
plant related to the beet, chard and spinach plants, and has been
classified as a pseudo-cereal. Quinoa can be substituted for almost any
grain in any dish from soup to salad.
The major quinoa producing countries are Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador, and
although North American farmers are growing quinoa, they have been
unable to match the quality of the quinoa grown in the Andean countries.
Nutrients
Quinoa is an excellent source of magnesium and manganese. It’s a
very good source of protein, vitamin B2, vitamin E, and dietary fiber.
It’s a good source of the minerals iron, phosphorus, copper, and zinc
Gluten Free
Quinoa is gluten free, and is a safe alternative for wheat/gluten
intolerant individuals, and celiac disease sufferers.
Weight Loss
Quinoa has been found to be more satiating than wheat or rice,
and may be exploited for it’s potential impact on eating behavior.
Malnutrition
A study by the Department of Applied Nutrition and Food Chemistry in
Sweden has demonstrated the effectiveness of quinoa as an infant food
for undernourished children.
Protein
Quinoa not only has high protein content, but the protein is of an
exceptionally high quality. It contains all the essential amino
acids, making quinoa an excellent protein source for vegetarians.
Quinoa is being considered by NASA as a crop for Controlled Ecological
Life Support System (CELSS) because of its high protein value and
unique amino acid composition. The CELSS concept will utilize plants to
remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and generate food, oxygen, and
water for the crew of long-term human space missions.
Nutrient Values of Quinoa per 100mg |
||||
|
Calories
120kcal |
Energy Value
503kj |
Total Fat
1.92g |
Carbohydrates
21.30g |
Sugars
3g |
|
Dietary Fiber
2.8g |
Protein
4.40g |
Sodium
7mg |
Zinc
1.09mg |
Potassium
172mg |
|
Iron
1.49mg |
Magnesium
64mg |
Copper
0.192mg |
Calcium
17mg |
Vitamin C
0.0mg |
|
Vitamin E
0.63mg |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
0.412mg |
Vitamin B6
0.123mg |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamin)
0.107mg |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
0.110mg |
Quinoa contains oxalate, and should be avoided by individuals with a history of kidney stones containing oxalate.
~Submitted by Gray Beard Vinson