RD FIT LIFE

  • My Philosophy
  • Books
    • Books By Me
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Sides
    • Snacks
    • Beverages
  • Fitness
    • Arms
    • Back
    • Cardio
    • Chest
    • Core
    • Legs
  • Foodie Facts
    • Helpful
    • Hinder
  • Travel
    • Abroad
    • United States
  • Brain Food
    • Stress Relief
  • Contact Me

The Benefits of Quinoa

October 9, 2015

quinoa 2

Quinoa comes from South America around Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador.  Humans began cultivating it around 3,000-4,000 years ago.  These seeds are high in protein (for a grain) and contain essential amino acids that are beneficial to our health.

Quinoa can be found in many colors, but there are three common colors you’ll see in most grocery stores.  An earthy white color, a rich clay red color, and black.  I’ve been asked, “what are the differences in red/white/black quinoa?”  So here is what I have noticed.

White quinoa is very susceptible to heat.  It tends to swell quickly when cooked and can become mushy fast.  I would prefer to let it soak in water to soften and use in cold dishes.

quinoa 1

Red quinoa is my favorite.  It tends to hold its texture and form when cooked.  It also adds a nice color to the dish.

quinoa

Black quinoa can be a bit sweeter when cooked and will still maintain its texture and form.

Personally, I prefer the red quinoa due to the color contrast it adds to my dish and how well it holds form when cooking.  Plus in my local grocery stores and health food stores, I can only find red, white, or tricolored mixtures.  So I tend to stick with red.

The nutrition content is very similar among all quinoa no matter the color.  So lets take a look at what it contains.

QUINOA

SERVING: 1/2 CUP

CALORIES: 111

PROTEIN: 4 g

CARBOHYDRATES: 19.7 g

FIBER: 2.6 g

FAT (mostly poly/mono): 1.8 g

*Contains: Potassium, Calcium, Iron, Zinc

If you would like to add more quinoa to your diet, try out my new quinoa soup recipe HERE!

Please feel free to spread the word about quinoa by using the social media icons below!

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Helpful, Sides

Welcome!

AvatarI’m Tamar, a registered dietitian living in Alabama, fascinated by food, fitness, and travel. My goal for this blog is to help people learn more about how to live a long, healthy, and peaceful life to the fullest. Read More…

Please follow & like!

Name

Email


Looking For Something Specific?

Check out My Book!

Archives

  • January 2019
  • January 2018
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • April 2016
  • February 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015

Categories

  • Abroad
  • Arms
  • Back
  • Beverages
  • Books By Me
  • Breakfast
  • Cardio
  • Chest
  • Core
  • Dinner
  • Helpful
  • Legs
  • Lunch
  • Sides
  • Snacks
  • Stress Relief
  • Uncategorized
  • United States

© 2021 · Blog Design by Bloom.