MAKE IT A KEEN BREAK

Even the smallest changes in your diet can make a huge difference in your overall health and provide you with a natural source of energy that puts your morning coffee to shame. I’m talking Quinoa for breakfast instead of that muffin or egg sandwich.

Quinoa  (keen-wah) is growing in popularity because of its extensive health benefits. This ancient grain has remained largely unchanged for thousands of years, and was known to the Incas as "the mother of all grains."  The most common versions available are white, red and black quinoa.

The truth is, quinoa is actually not classified as a grain. It is a non-grassy plant used in much the same way as cereals, and can be milled and ground into flour. Quinoa provides essential vitamins, minerals and fiber, which helps to regulate the digestive system and keeps you fuller and more satisfied. In contrast, most of what we consider a normal breakfast essentially provides us with simple carbohydrates that provide little nutritional value.

Quinoa is gluten-free and contains iron, B-vitamins,magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, vitamin E and fiber. It is one of only a few plant foods that are considered a complete protein and comprised of all essential amino acids. It also contains a healthy dose of fatty acids. The high protein to carbohydrate ratio compared to other grain products is the reason NASA considers it to be an ideal food for long duration space flights.

Adding quinoa into your diet could reduce the risk of:

· Cardiovascular disease

· Type 2 diabetes

· High blood pressure

· Colon cancer

· Obesity

Quinoa is gluten free but provides a higher amount of antioxidants than other grains used in a gluten-free diet. Most gluten-free products are made up of corn, rice or potato flour are lacking in the nutrients that products incorporating quinoa can provide. Quinoa is also considered to be a better organic choice because it has a naturally bitter coating called saponin that keeps insects away without having to use pesticides.