In Ayurvedic text book Charak Samhita, 68 ahara kalpanas for maintenance of health and whole grains are important to the vegetarian diet. Most of these are the preparations of Shooka Dhanya (grains) as the principle food item.

Quinoa in Ayurveda:

Ayurveda recommends quinoa to combat problems related to Kapha dosha.

Quinoa is known as an ancient Andean grain but it is not a grain rather it is a seed which has become staple in many modern diets. It comes from a stress-tolerant plant known as an Amaranthacean which has been cultivated for 4,000-5,000 years. The botanical name of Quinoa is Chenopodium quinoa.

Since quinoa is a seed and not a grain, it has an ideal composition of nutrients. It is known as a functional food because it is a source of minerals, vitamins, fatty acids and anti-oxidants.

8 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa:

8 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa
  1. Weight Loss: Quinoa has insoluble fiber which helps to keep an individual fuller, longer and lose weight.
    • The fiber content in quinoa is responsible for weight loss.
    • Substituting wheat or rice with quinoa helps in providing more fiber and the protein content helps in reaching weight-loss goals.
  2. Bone Health: Quinoa is an important source of manganese. Manganese element is useful for the bones to perform necessary functions. It helps in assisting bone formation and prevents osteoporosis as well.
    • In addition to manganese, quinoa seeds also contain magnesium. Magnesium is helpful for increasing bone mineral density.
    • The bone density is crucial for the prevention as well as treatment of osteoporosis.
  3. Heart Health: Heart disease is rampant all over the world and quinoa seeds help in reducing risk factors like high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol because of the presence of certain nutrients.
    • Quinoa contains healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids such as alpha linolenic acid (ALA).
    • Alpha Linolenic Acid has a positive effect on cardiovascular health as it helps in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
    • These seeds are also a good source of potassium. There should be a proper balance of sodium and potassium to keep blood pressure levels in check.
  4. Diabetes Friendly: For diabetic patients, grains are not always the best choice because during digestion, they break down into sugar.
    • Since quinoa is a seed, it is a nutritious and healthy option for diabetic people.
    • The fiber content in quinoa is 5.2 g/cup. Therefore, it slows digestion and absorption of sugar in the bloodstream.
  5. Anti- Inflammatory Agent: Quinoa is rich in anti-inflammatory phytonutrients. These seeds are also a rich source of phenolic acid, polysaccharides and Vitamin E.
    • These constituents make it an effective anti-inflammatory agent which helps in preventing inflammatory disorders.
    • The presence of phytochemicals in quinoa has neuro-protective properties which help in decreasing cytokines and repairing damaged brain cells.
    • The squalene oil present in quinoa is known for its anti-inflammatory properties which can beat chronic inflammation.
  6. Anemia: Quinoa seeds serve as an ideal grain for those suffering from anemia.
    • Due to the presence of manganese and magnesium, it has an amazing property of being an energizer as well as a muscle relaxant.
  7. Fights Cancer: In various researches, it has been found that regular consumption of quinoa helps in preventing different types of cancer.
    • This is due to the presence of anti-oxidants which help in fighting free radical damage and protecting healthy cells.
    • So, it is suggested to eat sprouted quinoa.
  8. Deals with Digestive Issues: Being a gluten free grain, quinoa is a blessing for those who suffer from gluten intolerance.
    • Substituting quinoa to wheat and other wheat-based products is quite beneficial to those who are suffering from celiac disease or Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

How to use Quinoa in the diet?

There are various ways to add quinoa in the diet.

  • You can make khichdi with all the vegetables.
  • Quinoa is a perfect recipe for breakfast porridge and soup.

Quinoa seeds have a natural coat of saponins. This is a chemical that protects the plants from bacteria, fungi and viruses. Saponins have a bitter soapy taste so rinse it thoroughly in cold water before cooking.

Disclaimer:-

This article is not a substitute to the standard Medical Diagnosis or personalized Ayurvedic Treatment! It is intended only for Information!

For experts consultation, please write us at care@blessayurveda.com.

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