Quinoa for weight loss: Advantages of including quinoa in your diet and top three recipes to try! | The Times of India (2024)

FAQs

What happens if I eat quinoa every day? ›

Quinoa has minerals like zinc, magnesium and iron which are essential for a healthy body. These minerals prevent the body from fatigue, insomnia, headache, muscle cramps, anemia, diabetes and many more. The high protein content in quinoa keeps you full for a long time and aids in weight loss.

It is very healthy due to its plant chemical contents that cause the secretion of appetite-suppressing hormones that curb your appetite. 25. Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

But even in this case there is a downside. Quinoa, in fact, contains a number of irritant toxic compounds for the intestines, which can cause inflammation, digestive problems and difficulty in absorbing nutrients.

Toss it in salads.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.

Some people are allergic to quinoa. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if quinoa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use of amounts higher than those found in food.

A cup of quinoa contains twice more protein and about 5 g more fiber than white rice. Quinoa contains fewer calories and carbohydrates than white rice. Unlike rice, quinoa fibers help to lower cholesterol and control blood sugar levels.

As mentioned above, Black Quinoa is low in calories and has high fiber content. Both these things can keep you full without gaining weight, resulting as a help in your weight loss journey. It is delicious, nutrient packed and a weight loss friendly grain.

Spanish colonists later dismissed quinoa as “food for Indians” and, because it was held sacred in non-Christian ceremony, for a time even banned it and forced the Incas to instead grow such European crops as wheat.

What are the side effects of eating quinoa? ›

Quinoa has nearly double the fiber of most grains. If your body isn't used to consuming a ton of fiber, and suddenly you double down on a quinoa salad, it could definitely throw you for a loop … and lead to diarrhea, gas, bloating, and discomfort.

Quinoa contains its own full set of essential amino acids. It is one of few complete proteins from plants and is packed with benefits for hair and skin. It aids in hair growth, helps repair damage (like split ends), and is gentle on color-treated hair.

Quinoa's got the carbs covered, so you'll likely want to add some additional protein (eggs, lentils, beans, tofu, chicken), a fat (olive oil, nuts, butter, cheese), and, ideally, some kind of fruit or vegetable (broccoli, berries, squash, spinach).

If you're serving it as a simple side, season it first. At the very least, toss it with salt, pepper, lemon or lime juice, and a drizzle of olive oil. To kick it up another notch, stir in chopped herbs, minced garlic, toasted nuts, or crumbled feta cheese, or use it in one of the quinoa recipes below!

To consume quinoa for weight loss, you can cook it into a sweet breakfast porridge with chia seeds, milk and fruit on top. Quinoa can also be popped like popcorn in a pan. Add some seasoning and enjoy it as a snack, or make your own granola or chiwda using popped quinoa.

In a small 2022 study in Nutrients, participants over 65 with blood glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL consumed quinoa for four weeks. The results indicated a significant reduction in glucose and slight weight loss.

Quinoa is an ancient South American grain that was largely ignored for centuries. Interestingly, it was only recently noticed by the rest of the world and hailed as a “superfood” due to its high nutritional content. It is now considered a specialty food by foodies and the health conscious.

Not only is it packed with protein and fiber, but it's also a complex carbohydrate meaning it digests more slowly in your body. So if you're like me and you hate feeling famished mid-morning, quinoa is a great thing to add to your daily breakfast routine.

Quinoa contains several compounds that may contribute to its inflammatory potential. These include lectins, protease inhibitors, and saponins, which may trigger inflammatory responses in some individuals.