Benefits of Quinoa
Quinoa is a cereal of Andean origin, which has a greater amount of nutritional principles that provide benefits to our health.
Protects the heart
Quinoa contains nutritional principles suitable for the protection of the cardiovascular system: potassium, calcium, antioxidants and fatty acids whose profile is predominantly unsaturated. That profile of fatty acids, and the obvious absence of cholesterol as it is a plant food, quinoa is one more alternative to control the increase in blood cholesterol and the decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases. It also contains proline, an amino acid that acts as a cardiovascular protector.
Strengthens the immune system
Due to its high content of vitamins and proteins, quinoa contributes to the strengthening of the body and the immune system. It contains lysine, an amino acid that favors the formation of antibodies and improves immune function.
Antioxidant
It contains vitamin E, which has antioxidant properties and prevents lipid peroxidation, thus helping to keep the structure of cell membranes stable and protect the nervous system, muscle and retina from oxidation. In addition, it contains flavonoids that have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action.
Anti-stress
It has alanine, a source of energy for muscles, brain and nervous system; and glycine acts as a calming neurotransmitter in the brain and as a regulator of motor function. Tyrosine is another amino acid that is a precursor to dopamine and adrenaline, has an important anti-stress effect and plays a fundamental role in relieving depression and anxiety, among other functions.
Quinoa provides magnesium, whose deficiency alters the transmission of nerve impulses and causes irritability and nervousness. Other nutritional components with an anti-stress effect are: vitamins E, riboflavin (B2), folic acid (B9), minerals zinc and iron.
Strengthens the skin, hair, nails and joints
Due to its high biological value protein content, it can be a great ally for your hair, nails and joints. It not only hydrates, restores, strengthens, protects and adds shine to hair and nails. Rather, it contains proline, an amino acid that participates in the repair of joints, wound and ulcer healing, is a cardiovascular protector and is used together with lysine and vitamin C to prevent or limit cancer metastases.
This versatile seed contains in considerable quantities B vitamins and vitamin E with antioxidant functions that are favorable for the skin.
Provides energy
It is a very healthy source of energy, and due to its high protein and energy value it is ideal for people who carry out high physical activity. Its starch provides progressive muscular energy in resistance exercises, a virtue that enhances its branched-chain amino acids. In addition, its proteins ensure repair and development.
It enhances sleep quality
Quinoa contains carbohydrates that improve the availability of tryptophan (an immediate precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is why it is used successfully in cases of depression, stress, anxiety, insomnia and compulsive behavior). Quinoa is also rich in magnesium, calcium, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B, which are necessary for tryptophan to convert into serotonin and melatonin in the brain, promoting sleep.
Supports growth and development
Due to the high quality proteins and the micronutrients it has (potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron and calcium), quinoa guarantees growth and development in the child, helping the formation of bones and muscles, generating integral development. In addition, it contains arginine, an amino acid that is almost essential in infancy, childhood and adolescence as it stimulates the production and release of growth hormone, as well as helps to improve the activity of the thymus and T lymphocytes, participates in growth and muscle repair.
It helps control weight
It is a food low in fat and sugar, with a high fiber and protein content that has a very low glycemic index, so it provides sustained energy for a long time, avoiding high and low blood glucose peaks. It is perfect for maintaining a healthy diet, with all the necessary nutrients.
Quinoa helps reduce LDL cholesterol (or bad cholesterol) in the body and raise HDL cholesterol (or good cholesterol) thanks to its content of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Therefore, it is highly recommended for people who are overweight.
Helps control colon cancer
Several specialists indicate that regular consumption of quinoa helps prevent degenerative diseases such as colon cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. This thanks to its content of essential amino acids, proteins, fiber (soluble and insoluble), polyunsaturated fats and vitamins.
Its high content of insoluble fiber, helps to reverse constipation, since it favors digestion and improves intestinal transit, thus avoiding constipation, a symptom of colon cancer.
