[Mangoman]

Packed with protein, loaded with fiber, and older than Peru, quinoa is one of the most nutritious foods on the planet

Read more at Men's Health: http://www.menshealth.com/nutrition/...#ixzz25t7mhmpI


Francisco Pizarro might have known a thing or two about New World conquest, but he would have made a lousy nutritionist. After toppling the Incan empire in 1532, the Spanish conquistador filled his ships with potatoes and corn--destining them to become major players in the European diet--while leaving a third crop to wither. Turns out, the fields Pizarro neglected to harvest were filled with the world's most nutritious grain: quinoa [pronounced KEEN-wah].

"Quinoa is a true wonder food," says Daniel Fairbanks, Ph.D., a professor of plant and animal science at Brigham Young University. "It has about twice the protein of regular cereal grains, fewer carbohydrates, and even a dose of healthy fats." Plus, it's considered a "complete" protein, which means that, like meat, eggs, and dairy, it packs all of the essential amino acids your body needs to build muscle.

Unfortunately, not much has changed in the almost 500 years since Pizarro pillaged the Incas. More than ever, nutritionally inferior foods, such as corn, potatoes, rice, and wheat--especially the refined versions--fill our plates, while quinoa gathers dust on grocery-store shelves. And that's a shame, because besides being great for you, quinoa is the rare culinary triple threat: delicious, easy to prepare, and ultraver-satile. Ready to harness the full power of this superfood? Here's everything you need to know to make it a staple at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The User's Guide to Quinoa

Quinoa has an addictive nutty flavor, cooks up quicker than rice, and can be used to make pilafs, risottos, salads, soups, and even desserts. The downside: Few men know where to find it, let alone how to prepare it. Typically, you can locate quinoa in the rice aisle or the health-food section of your grocery store. You can also stock up at edenfoods.com.

As for preparation, the simplest way is to cook quinoa like pasta: Fill a large pot or saucepan with water, and bring it to a boil. Add just about any amount of quinoa, turn the heat to low, and cook until tender, about 20 minutes. Drain the water and allow the quinoa to cool.

Cook up a big batch and store it in Tupperware in your refrigerator, and you'll have a ready-to-eat side dish--like rice or pasta--that goes with just about any meal. (To warm, microwave it for 60 seconds.) Or you can be far more creative. For instance, quinoa can be used to...

Power up your breakfast: Combine a cup of cooked quinoa with 1/2 cup milk and 1/2 cup frozen blueberries, and microwave for 60 seconds. This makes a great alternative to oatmeal.

Redefine dessert: In a blender, puree two very ripe bananas with 2 cups whole milk. Combine the mix with 2 cups cooked quinoa, 1/2 cup raisins, a tablespoon of sugar, and a teaspoon of cinnamon, and simmer for 10 minutes. If you're celebrating, add a glug of dark rum at the last second. Creamy and sweet, it's a healthier version of rice pudding.
...more recipes @ link...

...has anyone ever tried this food before??

[BashBeissedat]

Good info...EXCEPT for the "microwave it" part.

[Mangoman]

Good info...EXCEPT for the "microwave it" part.

...i hear ya rambler...the more i read about microwaves, the less i use mine.

i think i will try to find some quinoa at the grocery store this weekend. and some more recipes!

[bonyrek]

quinoa is good. We make it from time to time. Its not my favorite texture wise, but its a decent replacment for grains like Rice or pastas like couscous.

I dont know if I'd call it the bestest superest food ever, it does have some draw backs like Omega 6's and Phytic Acids and if you are sensative to rough fiber, it may give you some minor issues.

Its certainly worth trying though. If you like it, no reason NOT to add it in place of empty grain carbs.







I really miss couscous

[layevymed]

Meh, the writers at mens' health must have an agenda not conducive to health to recommend microwaving. I'll stick to avocados for my superfood.

[PheliarearY]

my favorite variation is quinoa with lime juice, black beans, corn, and tomatoes, very good!

[Mangoman]

Meh, the writers at mens' health must have an agenda not conducive to health to recommend microwaving. I'll stick to avocados for my superfood.

just because they recommend microwaving doesn't mean you HAVE to microwave it. it would be foolish to discount the whole article due to a single point such as that.

[Mangoman]

here's some nutritional info in quinoa...

http://vegetarian.about.com/od/healt...tion-Facts.htm

Quinoa is a great food not just for vegetarians and vegans, but for anyone looking to lower their cholesterol or add fiber to their diet. Do be aware, however, that there are several different kinds of quinoa, so their nutrient content will vary slightly.Protein in Quinoa:

One of the best reasons to enjoy quinoa is because it has a high-protein content, which makes it a greatcholesterol-free and low-fat source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. According to the USDA nutrient database, 1 cup of cooked quinoa (185 g) contains 8.14 grams of protein. To put that in reference, the recommended daily protein intake is about 56 grams for most men and 46 for most women. See also: Six Sources of Protein for VegetariansFat in Quinoa:

Quinoa is naturally low in fat, but as a seed, it does have a small amount. One cup of cooked quinoa provides 3.4 grams of fat. By comparison, 185 grams cooked lean ground beef provides 33 grams of fat. Whoa! See also: Fat-free vegan recipesCalories in Quinoa:

Quinoa is relatively low in calories. One cup of cooked quinoa provides 222 calories. But of course, watch what you add to the quinoa, as it's in the cooking process that most of the calories and fat will be added,depending on how you prepare it. See also: Low-calorie vegetarian recipesOther Nutrients in Quinoa:

Quinoa is a great source of iron and fiber for vegetarians and omnivores alike. One cup of cooked quinoa (185 grams) provides 15% of the recommended daily intake of iron, and 5 grams of fiber, which is 21% the recommended amount. Quinoa is also an excellent source of magnesium, with 118 mg per cup, cooked. According to the USDA nutrient database, one cup of cooked quinoa provides:

39.41 mg carbohydrates
31 mg calcium
2.76 mg iron
318 mg potassium
13 mg sodium
2.02 mg zinc

[Averti$ingGuru]

sounds like a good thing to grow.

but can i buy the seeds on Amazon, i wonder ?

http://www.amazon.com/Bobs-Red-Mill-.../dp/B000EDG3UE

http://www.amazon.com/Eden-Organic-Q.../dp/B002133Z56


YES I CAN !!

( oh no, this is beginning to sound like an Obama commercial. )

[googlopharm]

I love quinoa! My favorite recipe has lots garlic, parsley, and either butter or olive oil. Actually that sounds like ingredients in most of my recipes.

[I9dydJrX]

my favorite variation is quinoa with lime juice, black beans, corn, and tomatoes, very good!

Ha ha, mine is lime juice, black beans, tomatoes and cilantro. I stir some quinoa into batches of chile too.

[Lhiistyssdds]

I love quinoa! My favorite recipe has lots garlic, parsley, and either butter or olive oil. Actually that sounds like ingredients in most of my recipes.

Same here! Garlic rocks!

Henny and I love quinoa, but haven't bought it lately... time for another store run.

[jeraveike]

I don't trust Jew magazines like Men's Health. When was the last time they wrote an expose on the Monsanto Corporation? What about BPA and flouride?

[Dndjzirw]

Been eating quinoa for several years. It's like rice, except it has more protein, is a complete protein by itself, and has more fiber and minerals in it. Quinoa translates to the "Mother Grain" in the quenchua tongue, named such because it was the only grain they had that was a complete protein without adding anything.

[Pheboasmabs]

I found that it combines with other foods well as any flavour seems to permeate the quinoa well and creates a great taste.

[Mangoman]

I don't trust Jew magazines like Men's Health. When was the last time they wrote an expose on the Monsanto Corporation? What about BPA and flouride?

hoarder, there are many sources of good info regarding quinoa, apart from MHM...do a little searching, you may find it interesting.

[Mangoman]

I found that it combines with other foods well as any flavour seems to permeate the quinoa well and creates a great taste.

sounds to me like it may be a healthy alternative to TVP?

[MartZubok]

it looks a lot like couscous although that is made from semolina. Will have to see if I can find any round here and try some.

[gugamotina]

my favorite variation is quinoa with lime juice, black beans, corn, and tomatoes, very good!

i like it just about the same way but use red onion instead of the corn.

Hey i was in Leadville not long ago!!

[nmnrIjGB]

When you eat quinoa, you can see that you're truly eating a "whole" grain. (Quinoa is really a seed, but it acts more like a grain.) But did you ever wonder how far removed a piece of bread is from a kernel of wheat? Here's an insider's look, courtesy of Kendall McFall, a flour-milling instructor at Kansas State University.

Step 1. A combine harvests the wheat and removes the whole-grain kernels from the stalks. The kernels are then transported to the mill.

Step 2. At the mill, corrugated rollers break open the kernel and scrape the carb-loaded endosperm away from the bran--the high-fiber outer husk—and the vitamin-rich germ.

Step 3. After the rollers pulverize all parts of the grain kernel, they're fed through sifters, which separate the larger bran and germ particles from the endosperm.

Step 4. The bran and germ are routed into different machines for further processing while rollers smooth the remaining endosperm fragments into a fine powder, or flour.
For Refined Flour

Step 5A. The endosperm flour is enriched--as mandated by federal law--with thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, folic acid, and iron. The flour may also be bleached at this point.
For Whole-Wheat Flour

Step 5B. The powdered endosperm, bran, and germ particles are combined in the same proportion as was present in the whole kernel to create whole-wheat flour. It is not enriched.

Step 6. The flour is packaged and ready to be made into bread.





Gotta love gubvbermint tyranny