While it may look humble, quinoa is one of the world's most nutritious and healthy foods. Pronounced "Keen-wah," this superfood is not only packed with fibre, vitamins and protein, but it can also help you lose weight!
Often referred to as a grain, quinoa is actually the seed of a plant related to spinach and swiss chard! Quinoa has a number of reported health benefits such as the ability to reduce migraine frequency through its high levels of magnesium.
Read below to find out how this superfood can help you shed the kilos and keep them off!
5 Ways Quinoa Can Help you Lose Weight
1. Low GI
Quinoa has a low glycymic index which means that it will leave you feeling fuller for longer and help curb the cravings. Quinoa is also a great choice for diabetics because it will not send their blood sugar skyrocketing.
2. Protein
Quinoa is packed with protein! Quinoa is considered a "complete" protein which means that, like animal products such as meat and eggs, this superfood contains a special combination of amino acids which helps build muscle. Because most plant-based products are considered "incomplete" sources of protein, quinoa is an important staple for vegetarians and vegans looking to tone up and lose weight.
3. Vitamins and Minerals
Quinoa is also a great source of iron, vitamin b, calcium, magnesium, folate, and fibre!
4. Lysine
Quinoa is rich Lysine, an amino acid which helps build and repair skeletal muscle tissue in the body. As a result, quinoa is a great compliment to your pilates and cardio workouts, aiding the body's recovery after exercise and helping to get you back out on the reformers sooner!
5. Internal Detox
Quinoa also acts an an internal detox, aiding the digestion of food. As such, quinoa can help reduce bloating, constipation and gas. Quinoa's high vitamin b and folate levels also assist the liver in eliminating waste (is there anything it can't do?)
To incorporate this fat-blasting food into your diet, serve quinoa instead of rice with your stir-fries or try making quinoa porridge for breakfast.
Also try these nutritious and easy recipes at home:
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