14 Quinoa Nutrition Facts You Probably Don’t Know

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There’s no doubt that you have heard of quinoa; after all, it’s pretty much everywhere you turn! From quinoa fried rice to quinoa salads, it’s become an ingredient featured in many dishes and has become one of the most popular foods for those who are trying to improve their health and lose weight. But what exactly is quinoa and why has it become such a big deal?

Said to be a pseudo-grain, quinoa comes from South America and has been consumed for centuries. Today, it’s still considered a grain (a pseudo-grain, to be exact), though in reality, it isn’t a grain at all, but rather a seed; however, we eat it much like we eat other grains. Whether you call it a seed or a grain, quinoa is failed a superfood, and for good reason! Here’s a look at 10 awesome nutrition facts about quinoa.

1. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free

People who have Celiac disease cannot consume gluten, as their bodies cannot break it down. When they do consume gluten, they can experience a number of adverse reactions. Those who do not have Celiac disease but are sensitive to gluten can also experience negative effects when they eat products that contain gluten. However, gluten seems to be everywhere, and while it may have adverse effects on those who cannot tolerate it, gluten does offer health benefits.

Since quinoa is naturally gluten-free and has a texture that is similar to rice and other gluten-based products, it is a safe alternative to gluten for those who cannot tolerate it. Whether you have been diagnosed with Celiac disease, you have a gluten sensitivity, or you just want to cut gluten out of your diet, replacing rice, pasta, and other gluten foods with quinoa is something you might want to consider.