The Healthy Alternative To Macaroni

Quinoa has become a a staple in my kitchen as a healthy alternative to the starchy macaroni and noodle. I had never even heard of it while I was growing up but it has been cultivated in the Andean mountain regions of Peru, Chile and Bolivia for over 5,000 years.

This grain has been hailed as a superfood because of the many healing properties it contains. It has the highest protein content of any grain and is also high in the amino acids which make it a complete protein. What this means is that if you are on a high protein diet this is the perfect food for you.

Quinoa is a very good source of manganese. It is also a good source of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and phosphorus.

It is a great addition to your diet in the quest for successful aging. It contains the amino acid lysine, which helps with tissue growth and repair, the fiber it contains prevents gallstones, and the magnesium relaxes blood vessels preventing migraines, hypertension and heart attacks. It also has been known to help prevent Type II diabetes, has antioxidants,and healthy brain properties. Whew, that is some good stuff.

Quinoa:101

Dani explains the benefits of this nutritious Super Food!!

In the past, you could only find it in health food stores but now I can find it in many supermarkets such as Wegmans in New York and New Jersey. The shape is similar to tapioca pudding and has a nutty flavor and is so versatile I use it in many of my soup and salad recipes instead of macaroni and noodles.

How to Cook Quinoa

I have two favorite ways of preparing Quinoa that can use anything I have in the refrigerator and everyone enjoys them no matter how they turn out.

Soup – Cut and saute a little onion and add some potato. Add a green such as spinach or swiss chard and a ready made chicken broth and and about a half a cup of rinsed quinoa. Cook for about 15 minutes and you have a healthy soup for a winter day.

Salad – Cook a cup of quinoa. Add tomato, lettuce, cucumber, feta cheese, and marinated artichoke hearts. Pour Caesar dressing on it and you have a wonderful salad that contains everything you need for a great satisfying lunch.

Both of these recipes can be altered by adding or substituting any ingredients you like. Experimenting until you find your favorites is the key to mastering the recipes.

Try it you’ll like it.

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Tags: high protein diet, quinoa, Type II diabetes