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Written by Navneet Kaur, M.Sc. Nutrition & Dietetics

Diet

Quinoa : A Gluten Free Alternative?

Quinoa, a pseudocereal with a high nutritional profile, is native to South America. Let’s dive into what makes it a top gluten-free grain. 

Introduction 

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If we look at Quinoa's nutrition profile, it provides 13g/100g protein and 14g/100g fibre as per ICMR. It is also loaded with magnesium, iron, zinc, and B-vitamins. 

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Nutrition Profile

Being rich in protein, it can be easily included by vegans and vegetarians to meet their nutritional requirements and health goals. 

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Protein-Rich Source

Consuming a healthy amount of dietary fibre can have some advantages, including controlling blood glucose and cholesterol, helping with weight loss, and maintaining intestinal health.

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High Fibre Content

Quinoa digests slowly, which helps keep blood sugar stable and energy levels consistent. This makes it great for managing diabetes and sugar crashes.

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Low Glycemic Index 

Cook like rice, eat like royalty. Add it to salads, soups, breakfast bowls or even dosa batter. Just a tip, soak, rinse and wash quinoa well to remove the impurities. 

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Easy to Cook 

With all the health benefits of quinoa, another positive point is that it is gluten-free, which can be a boon for people with gluten sensitivity and intolerances. Quinoa could be your nutrient-rich saviour if wheat, barley, and rye upset your gut. 

Gluten Free 

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Quinoa contains prebiotic fibre, which helps support healthy gut bacteria and reduces inflammation, making it a win for digestion without gluten.

Gentle on the Gut

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Quinoa, a nutrient-rich grain, is versatile, too. You can use it in salads, prepare quinoa upma, make flour from it, prepare chapati, etc.

Versatile Grain

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Quinoa is a power-packed grain. With its rich nutrient profile and immense health benefits, it is a boon for people with Gluten Intolerance and gluten sensitivity. You can enjoy it as quinoa upma, chapati, quinoa pasta, quinoa noodles, or even salads.

Conclusion

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