Healthy Benefits of Quinoa in your Diet

Perhaps the question should be, what isn’t quinoa good for? This ancient gluten free grain has earned the title of superfood for good reason: it is an extremely high-quality source of long-lasting energy; it promotes healthy muscle, cell, bone and tissue growth, thereby boosting the body’s natural defences; it helps improve digestion and gut health; it supports heart health by lowering cholesterol; it regulates blood sugar levels, and it even contributes to stronger hair and smoother, younger-looking skin.

In addition to all the above, quinoa is good for weight loss, too! It is rich in protein, which increases metabolism and reduces appetite. Quinoa also has high fibre and resistant starch content, which produce heightened feelings of satiety. What’s more, this gluten free grain has a low glycaemic index, meaning its energy is released more gradually into the bloodstream, keeping blood glucose levels steady and avoiding subsequent sugar cravings.  

So what makes quinoa so good for you? First up, quinoa is one of the only non-meat foods to be a complete protein, meaning it provides all nine essential amino acids that the body needs and cannot synthesize on its own. It is this high-quality protein content that supports healthy cell, tissue and muscle growth, and helps the immune system stay strong by forming antibodies. Quinoa is also higher in dietary fibre than other grains, which is connected to better digestion, a healthy microbiome and well-balanced blood sugar. 

Added to that, quinoa is incredibly mineral rich. It is an excellent source of manganese (which helps your body utilise food more efficiently), magnesium and potassium (good for bone health and lowering blood pressure), phosphorus (good for hair and skin care), iron (superb for blood flow and brain function) and calcium (key to muscle and bone growth). On the vitamins side, it is brimming with B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12 and has one of the highest folate contents among grains) and has decent amounts of Vitamin A and E. If that weren’t enough, quinoa has high levels of the anti-inflammatory oleic and alpha-linolenic acids, which are associated with reduced cholesterol and blood pressure, and important antioxidants (including flavonoids), which help the body ward off free-radical damage. 

Quinoa is not short of health benefits. But what really sets it apart from other gluten free grains are its benefits in the areas of well-being and beauty, especially its contribution to healthy weight, hair and skin. 

1. Weight loss 

While most foods may have one of several weight loss properties, quinoa has four – rich in protein, fibre and resistant starch, with a low glycaemic index – so it is extra effective. Even better, quinoa is incredibly versatile and simple to cook, making the inclusion of it in diets hassle free. All in all, quinoa is the perfect painless weight-loss partner. 

2. Hair 

The premium protein and mineral content in quinoa have made it a key ingredient for hair care. The essential amino acids strengthen and protect hair follicles, aiding growth, and even help to repair damaged hair and split ends too. Meanwhile, calcium, iron and phosphorus can help prevent dandruff by keeping moisture sealed in the scalp. 

3. Skin 

For skin, it is quinoa’s vitamin and antioxidant content that make the big difference. Vitamin A aids the reduction of fine lines, producing younger-looking skin. Antioxidants prevent free radicals from damaging skin cells and causing them to age prematurely. To top it off, vitamin B12 reacts with all the other B vitamins to maintain a radiant complexion. 

By swapping your regular flour for quinoa flour, you will get all the amazing health benefits of quinoa in your breads, cakes and pastries, too – essentially doubling the goodness you can get out of this gluten free grain. So roll, knead and shape your way to healthier skin, hair, circulation and digestion with quinoa-flour-based loaves, muffins and cookies. Just mix quinoa flour into your favourite recipes for gluten free bread and biscuits to get started.