What You Should Know About Quinoa!

Looking for a great tasting substitute for brown rice, whole wheat pasta, or oats? Then you should try Quinoa (Keen-wah).  

It is rich in protein.  Although Quinoa resembles a grain, it is actually related to leafy green vegetables such as collards and spinach.

Just recently people are beginning to recognize the nutritional value of Quinoa. According to http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?dbid=142&tname=foodspice, this ancient grain was once considered, “The Gold of Incas”.

One ¼ cup of Quinoa provides:

·         Manganese-  47% of Daily Value Needed (DVN)

·         Magnesium- 23%  DVN

·         Iron- 22% DVN

·         Copper- 16%  DVN

·         Phosphorous- 16% DVN

·         Calories- 158

Quinoa has a slightly crunchy texture combined with a nutty grain-like flavor. It is great when prepared warm with black beans, or cold in salads.

Health Benefits of Quinoa are as follows:

1.       Reduces Migraine Headaches (because of magnesium and riboflavin’s)

2.       Improves Overall Cardiovascular Health

3.       Antioxidant Protection

4.       Protective Against Breast Cancer

5.       Helps to improve Child Asthma

6.       Helps to prevents Gallstones

7.       Lowers the risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Cold Quinoa Salad

Pack of Frozen String Beans (cooked)

4 Cups Quinoa

1/3 Cup Fresh Parsley

1/3 Cup Mint

1 medium Onion

1/3 Cup of Balsamic Vinegar  

Steam frozen string beans until they are soft. Boil Quinoa in water or chicken broth according to boiling directions on the bag or box.  Add onion, balsamic vinegar, fresh parsley, and mint. Then serve.

For a more balanced meal add this Almond & Herb Baked Halibut.

Almond & Herb Baked Halibut

3 Pieces of Halibut

1/3 Cup Olive Oil

1 tablespoon Lemon Juice

½ Cup Sliced Raw Almonds

2 Garlic Cloves

¼ Cup Parsley

Combine all ingredients. Coat Halibut evenly, and cook for 15 min at 400, and then serve.

*Recipes are Compliments of the Dr. Oz Show*