Quinoa - what is it and what benefits does it have for the body?

What is quinoa?

Peruvian rice or quinoa is a plant native to South America which is classified as a pseudocereal. Although its seeds contain large amounts of starch, unlike other cereal products it is gluten-free. Quinoa seeds are very small and, when cooked, resemble fine groats such as semolina.

What benefits does quinoa have for the body?

The greatest advantage of Peruvian rice is its rich content of many valuable nutrients. People who want to maintain a healthy and varied diet can use quinoa to supplement their existing meals. This has incredible benefits for the body, especially in terms of maintaining optimal health. What nutrients do quinoa seeds contain?

Quinoa is primarily a valuable source of antioxidants from the flavonoid group. Substances such as quercetin and kaempferol help the immune system function properly and support the body in the struggle against harmful free oxygen radicals. This provides the cells with additional protection against oxidative stress that leads e.g. to an acceleration of the ageing process.

Another important benefit for the body is that quinoa is a source of complete protein. The protein contained in quinoa is extremely high in valuable amino acids, including a complex of exogenous compounds (including BCAA, tryptophan). Thanks to this, the addition of Peruvian rice can be helpful in maintaining muscle mass, as well as being a valuable alternative to animal products and dairy, e.g. in vegan and vegetarian diets.

It should not be forgotten that quinoa also contains valuable fatty acids. Above all, we are talking about linoleic, linolenic and oleic acids, which provide an incredibly high number of benefits for the body. In particular, these compounds provide valuable support for the lipid metabolism and the maintenance of optimal triglyceride levels.

The absence of gluten can be beneficial for people with gluten intolerance and those suffering from coeliac disease. Dieticians and nutritionists indicate that small portions of quinoa pose no risk of adverse gastrointestinal complaints.