Quinoa is becoming recognized in the 21st century as a “super food”. Nutritionists are singing the praises of its complete protein profile and the high vitamin count. The farmers who produce the grain in South America are getting organized and increasing the growing production through the excellent fair trade scheme. In the UK I think all the quinoa available is “fairtrade”.
So collectively we are eating more quinoa which is very good for us. But can you overeat on quinoa. Could it just be a fad and then we will discover that too much quinoa is bad for you. Well I think this is very unlikely for the following 3 reasons.
Reasons 1 – Quinoa is very filling
A standard serving would be 60 – 80 grams uncooked weight. This is plenty and you will find it very satisfying. If you were to double up the portion size I guarantee you would not be able to consume it all. The seeds are a bit like eating porridge in that they take a long time for your system to digest. You are not going to be hungry for a few hours after eating quinoa because of this.
Reason 2 – Quinoa is eaten with other healthy foods
When you cook and prepare quinoa it is automatic to use it with other healthy foods. That is the way it works. You would never mix it with sugary sweet foods or fatty meals such as a fry up. Where would you put quinoa in a fry up?? The foods you mix it with are fresh vegetables and fruit. This makes the best use of its features and benefits.
Reason 3 – Quinoa is not a fast food
You have to prepare it and put it in recipes to get the best advantage. It does keep for a couple of days in a refrigerator but you would still mix it with other things to eat it. It really is part of a statement about the way you eat and live your life. Eating any grains is going to improve your health and having them as part of your staple diet means that you will not overeat and get fat.
