For the last ten years or so, quinoa has been in the health trends. Often referred to as a superfood because it is rich in fiber, carbs and proteins, and it contains copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, potassium and calcium…sounds good.
- The calcium is great for bones
- Manganese and copper help fight cancer
- Magnesium is hugely important for over 300 enzyme processes: to make fuel/ATP, to relax muscles, to clean up neurotransmitters, etc, etc
- Amino acids like lysine are important for tissue growth and repair
- Both soluble and non soluble fiber — good for healthy bacteria, stool transit, regulating weight
- Prevents heart disease and diabetes
- High in anti-oxidants
- Iron for the hemoglobin and brain health
So it sounds good…but there are cons to the superfood…as always …
It can cause problems in the digestive tract — diarrhea, vomiting
- Can cause skin irritations: eczéma, hives, itchiness, bloating, gas
- Can cause inflammation
- Can cause asthma
- Can interfere with various medications
- The oxalates, saponins, tannins and phytic acid can all reduce magnesium and calcium, iron and zinc absorption
My system doesn’t like quinoa from the taste down through the gut…listen to your body and follow what it tells you. Don’t just follow food trends. Science is an ever evolving understanding of our world…and what works for one person doesn’t necessarily work for the next.
Here’s to your health.