THE COMPLETE QUINOA COOKBOOK
Written by Catherine Gill
978-1-57826-883-2, $20.00 paperback
978-1-57826-884-9, $12.99 eBook
Published by Hatherleigh Press.
Distributed through Penguin Random House.
Available wherever books are sold.
www.hatherleighpress.com
I enjoy preparing quinoa for my family’s meals, but to be honest, I didn’t know many recipes on what to do with it. The Complete Quinoa Cookbook has allowed me to explore quinoa in many different avenues, from breakfast to desserts. Here are some great reasons by Catherine Gill on why we should add more quinoa to our diet.
5 Reasons to Add Quinoa to Your Diet
You have probably heard about quinoa and its superfood-like health benefits but perhaps haven’t gotten around to figuring out how to prepare it or maybe skipped past it down the health food aisle in the grocery store. There are many reasons why this little seed, which appears like a grain similar to rice, should be a regular staple in everyone’s diet. From being a perfect protein to increasing your nutrient intake, the list can go on and on.
Here are 5 stand out reasons why you should give quinoa a try and consider it part of your regular meal planning.
1. Quinoa is a Perfect Protein
There aren’t many food items out there that are considered a whole or “perfect” protein. What that means is that it is considered a complete protein, containing all of the nine essential amino acids that our bodies need, but cannot make on their own.
2. Quinoa is a Superfood
Speaking of being super, this ancient grain is also considered to be a superfood as well. The reason for this classification is easy: quinoa is jam-packed with not just protein, but it is high in fiber and also contains lots of vitamins and minerals. It also has impressive amounts of magnesium, B-vitamins, potassium, iron, phosphorus, calcium, vitamin E, amongst others.
3. Quinoa is Low on the Glycemic Index
Since quinoa is a low glycemic index food, meaning your body uses its energy slowly and over time, it is recommended for people who seek diets that are lower in carbs or are looking for foods to add to a diet in order to lose weight and improve health. Some individuals who suffer from Type-2 diabetes, for example, are often advised by their physicians to consume fewer carbs and add low glycemic choices to their daily diets.
4. Quinoa is Gluten-Free
Quinoa is one of the grain-like seeds that many people think is a carbohydrate type of food like rice, but the key difference is that it is totally free of gluten. Many people have allergies to gluten or suffer from illnesses such as celiac disease which increases their need for alternate “grains” to eat. And for example, for some who previously enjoyed wheat-based cereals, they can simply grab cereal that’s made with quinoa.
5. Quinoa Contains Important Plant Flavonoids
Flavonoids are plant compounds, or are otherwise known as antioxidants, which have been shown to offer people with many health benefits including anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and even anti-cancer effects. Experts who study nutrients and flavonoids in foods have discovered high levels of two very vital flavonoids called quercetin and kaempferol are in quinoa. The antioxidant quercetin is so high in quinoa that it has more of the antioxidant quercetin that even cranberries do!
Wondering how to add quinoa to your diet or even how to prepare it? Check out the comprehensive guide to this powerful, superhero seed in The Complete Quinoa Cookbook.
About the Author
Catherine Gill is a writer, blogger, and holistic vegan chef who specializes in natural and health foods. She studied and found her passion in writing, literature, and social science in college. She runs the popular blog The Dirty Vegan since 2010, focusing on comfort-food-style vegan recipes that are fun, accessible, and healthy. She also ran Dirty Vegan Foods, a vegan bakery specializing in veganized versions of classic desserts. She has an active social media presence with over 28K followers on twitter (@TheDirtyVegan) and over 10K on instagram (@thedirtyvegan_official). She currently resides in New England with her husband, daughter, and rescue dog. She is the author of The Dirty Vegan Cookbook, The Complete Hummus Cookbook, and The Complete Quinoa Cookbook.
