Quinoa has a unique nutritional value and is one of the grains which can replace meat and milk. Let me explain how. Let’s dive into the nutritional facts about quinoa to understand better.
- The Carbohydrate content of quinoa seeds ranges between 49% and 68%.
- Protein Content of quinoa grains is higher than other cereals. When we talk about protein it includes essential amino acids. About 10 amino acids are essential like lysine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, histidine, and methionine, all of which are present in quinoa. The composition of amino acids in quinoa is good enough to replace milk in your diet.
- The fat content of quinoa seeds varies between 2 and 9.5%, this indicates the total fat content. Let’s discuss the lipids separately. Unsaturated fatty acids make up 87%–88% of the total fatty acids of the seed.
- Lipids essential fatty acids such as oleic acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid are present in the oil from the quinoa seeds which we consume.
VitaminsRiboflavin Vit B2, α-Tocopherol Vit E, and carotene it A are substantially more in quinoa. Thiamine, Folic acid, and Vit C are similar to what is found in other cereals too.
Minerals, high content of calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc are found at concentrations greater than that in most grain crops. These micro constituents enhance the immune function, assist in cell repair, calcium absorption, and transport, help the metabolism of fatty acids for human health, and plays a role in cancer metastasis too.
- Antioxidants are higher in quinoa. It has naturally occurring antioxidants
which may play an important role in inhibiting both free radicals and oxidative chain reactions within tissues and membranes.
In conclusion, we can be sure that the nutritive values present in quinoa when consumed with other cereals in proper quantities will be a good option for vegans.