Cooking with Quinoa For Dummies
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Quinoa is a nutrition-packed super food. It possesses a variety of important vitamins and minerals and shares the best characteristics of whole grains, even though it's not actually a whole grain itself. Because of all the good things it offers, quinoa has earned its place as a staple in healthy diets. Here’s why:

  • It’s gluten-free. Never had it, never will.

  • It’s one of the most complete sources of plant-based protein and has all nine essential amino acids.

  • It’s high in both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber helps you to feel full, and insoluble fiber helps to clean out your system.

  • It’s easy for most people to digest.

  • It’s a rich source of vitamins B-1 (thiamin), B-2 (riboflavin), B-6 (pyridoxine), and B-9 (folate).

  • It’s high in polyunsaturated fat (the good kind) and low in the saturated fat (the bad kind).

  • It has twice the amount of calcium you find in whole wheat.

  • It’s full of cancer- and cardiovascular disease-fighting antioxidants.

  • It’s an abundant source of many vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and magnesium.

In fact, quinoa, even when ground into flour or pressed into flakes, retains all of its nutritional components.

About This Article

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About the book author:

Cheryl Forberg's work as the nutritionist for the NBC show The Biggest Loser is viewed by millions. A James Beard Award-winning chef and New York Times bestselling author, Cheryl is the go-to source for healthy cooking, from soup to nuts — literally. She delivers expertise in all she does — whether as an inventive chef or a trusted nutrition advisor.

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