During the ancient Inca civilization, quinoa was widely grown and cultivated in South America particularly in the Andes mountain region. Quinoa has a structure which looks like wheat or rice but contrary to popular belief, quinoa is not a grain but rather a seed which originates from a plant called goosefoot. Unlike most grains which are stripped of their fiber-rich bran and vitamin-rich germ, quinoa are not thus keeping all its nutrients intact.

Many people have heard about the health benefits of eating quinoa but is quinoa good for weight loss? Fortunately, most food which are good for health are usually beneficial for losing weight because the simple reason is that healthy food are packed with nutrients and nutrients are what help the weight loss process. People on a weight loss routine should always try to eat nutritious foods as far as possible and eating junk foods only as a treat. Here are a few reasons why quinoa is good for weight loss:

Low in calories

Any food which is low in calories but nutritious and nourishing are great weight loss foods and quinoa is no different. One cup(185 grams) of cooked quinoa yields only 223 calories.

High in protein

Quinoa is packed with protein and contains all the nine essential amino acids which makes it a complete protein. In one cup(185 grams) of cooked quinoa, you get 8 grams of protein and anyone on a weight loss diet should include protein-rich foods as protein is low in calories, provides a sense of fullness, builds muscle and stimulates the fat burning process as well.

Rich in complex carbs

Although quinoa is high in protein, it's basically a carbohydrate particularly a complex carbohydrate. Complex carbs take more time to digest, thus keeping your blood sugar levels in check and restricting fat storage due to its sustained release of energy. Quinoa is definitely an excellent source of energy providing 39 grams of complex carbs in 1 cup(185 grams) of cooked quinoa.

High in fiber

Fiber-rich foods should be ingrained in any weight loss regimen and incorporating quinoa to your nutrition routine is more than welcome. One cup of cooked quinoa(185 grams) provides 5 grams of dietary fiber. Eating enough fiber on a daily basis regulates effective bowel activity thus preventing constipation which is bad for weight loss.

Rich in magnesium

Magnesium might not look that important in a weight loss plan but it does play a key role in your weight loss nutrition. Firstly, magnesium aids your body in better digesting, absorbing and utilizing carbohydrates, proteins and fats and in doing so, this helps you lose weight more efficiently. Secondly, magnesium is essential during the chemical reaction that is needed for insulin to shuttle glucose to your cells for energy. A lack of magnesium can be detrimental in that aspect because this will result in an increase in insulin and glucose and any excess glucose is stored as fats leading to unwanted weight gain. Thirdly, magnesium can act as a barrier for obesity genes to manifest themselves.

To resume, there is definitely a correlation between weight gain and magnesium. Quinoa is loaded with magnesium, in just 1 cup(185 grams) of cooked quinoa, you get 118 mg of magnesium.

Gluten-free

Foods containing gluten can impede weight loss particularly for people who have celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Unlike wheat-based products, quinoa does not contain gluten, so it can be the right food for some people with a certain condition.

Quinoa is usually eaten slightly crunchy, fluffy and creamy and there are several quinoa recipes that you can try like Quinoa Tabbouleh, Mediterranean Quinoa Salad, Quinoa Side Dish, Quinoa Chili and Curried Quinoa.