Post: 6 benefits of adding quinoa to your diet

Quinoa – pronounced ‘ keen-wah ’ (everyone mispronounces it, don’t worry) – is one of those health foods that’s just everywhere. It’s become a staple, not just in salads sold in M&S , but of health-minded eaters up and down the country. Why? Well, because it’s packed full of nutrients. Wait, what is quinoa again?

Quinoa, which originated from the Andean region of South America, is a nutritious grain-like seed. It’s rich in protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals, and can be incorporated into loads of meals – from salads to swapping it out for rice to add a bit of variety to your food.

‘Overall, quinoa is a really nice healthy balanced grain to include in your diet,’ says registered dietician and director of City Dietitians Sophie Medlin.

So, if you’re wondering whether it’s worth adding quinoa to your diet, we’ve rounded up some of the health benefits of the grain… What are the benefits of eating quinoa?

1. It’s high in protein

Looking to up your protein content so you can make gains at the gym ? Quinoa is a fantastic choice for a plant-based food product that is high in protein .

You might be used to relying on lean meats, fish or eggs for your protein intake. But swapping out your usual carbohydrate of choice for quinoa is an easy way to boost your protein intake, with Medlin explaining that ‘quinoa is a higher protein-carbohydrate than rice.’ Related Story 18 best protein powders for women in 2024

2. It contains all of the essential amino acids

Amino acids are essential to the ways in which our bodies function, supporting vital functions such as building proteins, hormones and neurotransmitters.You’ll generally find amino acids in foods such as meat and fish, which means it can be difficult for people who follow a plant-based diet to find foods that contain amino acids. However, quinoa contains all of the essential amino acids.‘This is really useful for vegans who can be deficient in certain amino acids,’ Medlin says, adding: ‘most plant-based sources of protein only contain some types of amino acids.’ […]

6 benefits of adding quinoa to your diet