Quinoa, pronounced KEEN-wah is incredibly nutritious. It‘s a grain crop, but it is basically a seed that is often eaten as a grain. One of the only grains that is a complete protein. It contains all nine amino acids essential for human nutrition. This kind of complete protein is rarely found in plant foods, but is much more common in meats. Quinoa is renowned for containing healthy amounts of protein, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and a slew of other vitamins and minerals. Additionally, it’s low in cholesterol and sodium. Happily, it doesn’t contain any gluten. Win, win, win!
Quinoa comes naturally in a variety of colors, but the most commonly available are red, black and white quinoa. Taste and nutrition is similar in all the colors.
In a previous blog we talked about pregnant and nursing moms eating plenty of protein and calories for growing a healthy baby and later on for breastfeeding. So check out this awesome tasting and healthy Keen for Quinoa and Shrimp Salad recipe. It’s a winner any time of the year!!