For many years, people were actually unaware of the presence of quinoa. But most of the world was unaware of its usefulness. In recent times, quinoa has gained wide popularity across the world. It is also considered to be a healthy diet component. Quinoa is widely embraced by gluten-free diet admirers. Quinoa is scoring high over gluten-containing cereals like wheat, rye, or barley.
There are few concerning factors about quinoa as well. Here, there is a small attempt to take a decisive insight into the tale of quinoa. Let’s find out Is Quinoa Gluten Free or Not?
Quinoa: Origin and Other Facts
Quinoa is frequently referred to by many as grain. But you will be amazed to know that this is not the truth. Quinoa is basically a pseudocereal that is mainly grown in the Andes. Pseudocereal is mainly used for describing non-grasses that play the role of a real cereal. Quinoa is supposed to be the safest plant protein choice that is unwilling to have gluten. Actually originated around countries like Bolivia, Peru, Chile, Ecuador, it is still widely produced as a staple crop in many South American countries.
Quinoa comes with an impressive nutritional value. It is rich in protein and contains as many as nine essential amino acids. Besides, it also has helpful minerals and Vit B.
Quinoa and Problem Associated With It
Though technically, quinoa is devoid of gluten but the processing often occurs in the same set up as used by other cereals. Thus, contamination is a vital area of concern. Recent studies reveal that the processed quinoa as randomly purchased by many from the supermarkets has enough gluten percentage which is damaging for gluten-sensitive folks. Sometimes people have difficulties in digesting seeds. As quinoa is also seed it has similar problems.
What should you do to avoid contamination?
As discussed above, processed quinoa has a high chance of contamination. So if you are willing to avoid this gluten disaster, stay careful during shopping. Don’t assume things without checking the labels of the packets. Make sure to buy the packets that are properly marked as gluten-free.
Easy to Prepare
Most of us are aware of the high nutritional benefits of quinoa. It is easy to cook. It is sweet and has a nutty flavour too. Combine quinoa with water or broth and simply boil it until the entire liquid gets absorbed. For further delicacy delight, add fresh veggies, meats, or eggs. For all these reasons quinoa has turned out to be rather popular in recent times.
For Healthy Food updates, follow Wat-Not on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram