Quinoa -- Is it all that it is cracked up to be?

guest — Sun, 09 Dec 2012 23:04:18 GMT

Quinoa is becoming maintream among many health-conscious athletes, many of whom are vegetarians or vegans. They may choose to eat quinoa because it is said to be a protein-rich grain. (Technically speaking, quinoa is a seed, but we eat it as a grain-food.) Quinoa is also touted as containing all the essential amino acids.

But as you can see in the chart below, quinoa is not really a protein powerhouse. Be sure to eat it along with tofu, beans, yogurt or other protein-rich foods to reach the target of 20 to 30 grams protein per meal.

Quinoa is also expensive: $6 per pound, as compared to brown rice at $1.50 per pound.

Here's how some grains compare:

Grain	1 cup cooked	Calories	Protein	Fiber	Iron
Pasta, white	2 oz. dry	200	7 g	2 g	2 mg
--whole wheat	2 oz. dry	200	8	6	2
Rice, white	1/3 c dry	225	4	1	2
Rice, brown	1/3 c dry	225	5	2	1
Quinoa	1/3 c dry	200	8	5	3

If you are a quinoa consumer, please let me know your reasons for choosing quinoa.

Thanks!

Blog Posts From Active Expert: Nancy Clark RD CSSD Tagged With grains

Quinoa -- Is it all that it is cracked up to be?