Health Benefits of Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a young grass of the common wheat plant, Triticum aestivum, a subspecies of the family Poaceae.

Wheatgrass can be cultivated outdoors, but is commonly grown indoors on trays filled with potting mix. As the leaves grow, they eventually split. At this so-called “jointing stage” point, the wheatgrass has reached its greatest nutritional value and the blades can be snipped off, allowing for a second round of leaves to grow. After the second round grows to the point of splitting, the crop is usually finished, although a third round is sometimes possible.


For those of you who struggle to ingest wheat grass juice, have no fear! You too can experience the glory inherent in the superfood without pinching your nose and taking a swig. Wheatgrass is available in many different forms.

To make powder, tablets, or capsules out of wheatgrass, the blades are harvested, dehydrated at a low temperature or freeze-dried, and sold as a dietary supplement. Schnabel and his successors found dehydrating the wheatgrass at low temperatures to be the best and most beneficial way to dry out the wheatgrass, although today many producers claim freeze-drying is better for quality and taste. Freeze-drying removes all moisture by placing frozen wheatgrass in a vacuum and turning the ice into vapor. However, traditionalists argue that nothing can compare to the natural dehydration of wheatgrass as it grows slowly under natural conditions in glacial soils through the often-freezing temperatures and bright sunlight of winter, just as Schnabel had grown it. However, freeze-drying is far more convenient for producers and consumers alike.


Homegrown fresh wheatgrass can skip the drying process and be juiced directly after cut from the soil. Wheatgrass juicers are sold just about everywhere nowadays. Cut wheatgrass can be placed into an airtight container and survive about 7 to 8 days in the refrigerator.

Wheatgrass is rich in the following nutrients: 
Chlorophyll
Antioxidants like flavonoids and phenolic acid
Iron
Electrolytes including magnesium and calcium
Amino Acids
Vitamin A
Vitamin C
Vitamin E

Selenium


1. Treat Skin Diseases
Wheatgrass can be used to cure skin diseases such as eczema and psoriasis. There are several ways you can go about using wheatgrass for your skin. Pour wheatgrass juice into a few holes in an ice cube tray, freeze, and rub a cube across blemishes on your skin as well as on any scars or damaged areas. Alternatively, you could pour a cup of wheatgrass juice or powder into a warm bath and soak your body in the bath for at least 30 minutes. Your body will be cleansed and odor-free.

2. Lose Weight
If you have a few pounds to lose, wheatgrass may be the answer. This requires drinking wheatgrass juice or taking wheatgrass supplements, and it’s well worth it. Wheatgrass is effective in managing the thyroid gland, whose function is crucial in avoiding weight gain.

3. Reduce Food Cravings
Wheatgrass is loaded with so many nutrients that your body isn’t lusting for other foods to compensate for any lack of vitamins or minerals. This goes hand-in-hand with wheatgrass’ ability to help you lose weight, but it is also critical in your efforts to avoid unhealthy, sugar and fat-laden snacks. Take a wheatgrass supplement (or juice shot) each morning on an empty stomach and it may prevent overeating throughout the day.

5. Detox Your Cells
If you think a regular juice cleanse is the pinnacle of detoxification, you’re wrong. Wheatgrass may appear like a simple, dull grass, but it is actually among the most powerful natural detoxifying agents due to its high alkalinity. In fact, it has been said that just about one ounce of wheatgrass is equivalent in nutritional value to more than 2 pounds of leafy green vegetables. Talk about an alkaline overload!

6. Improve Immunity
Wheatgrass has exhibited the ability increase red blood cells in the body, which is why it is so effective in staving off disease and boosting immunity.

7. Stimulate Circulation
Wheatgrass has the ability to increase the amount of oxygen in the blood, making it a great way to stimulate circulation. In addition to taking a wheatgrass supplement, you could also use a cotton ball to rub wheatgrass juice around your face and neck to dilate blood vessels and allow more circulation to the surface of the skin. After applying, rinse off the wheatgrass and pat your face dry with a towel.

8. Improve Digestion
Instead of reaching for antacids to relieve heartburn or indigestion, introduce wheatgrass into your daily regimen and benefit from its vitamin B, amino acids, and enzyme content. From irritable bowel syndrome to ulcers, wheatgrass is a great tool to improving digestion. Wheatgrass even goes as far as cleaning your bowels of impacted matter and mucous.

9. Treat Arthritis
Health experts believe wheatgrass is effective in treating arthritis. Chlorophyll is thought to benefit arthritis and wheatgrass contains tons of it! Chlorophyll fights inflammation, which is associated with joint pain.

10. Reduce Fatigue
When you experience fatigue, your body is likely deprived of rest and is dealing with a weakened immune system. Chlorophyll helps to increase oxygen supply in your body’s cells and tissues, contributing to cell regeneration, which heals the body and reduces fatigue symptoms.

11. Get Rid of Body Odor
Wheatgrass is a natural body deodorizer and regular consumption or application of wheatgrass can help to get rid of the stench naturally. Its juices have the ability to wash toxins from the mouth, skin, and body.

12. Treat Skin Wounds
By regenerating cells, wheatgrass juice can treat skin wounds and help them heal faster. Dab wheatgrass juice to the skin with a cotton ball and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and patting dry with a towel.

13. Prevent Tooth Decay
Gargle a shot of wheatgrass juice in your mouth for a few minutes and it will draw out toxins and re-mineralize teeth. Replace harsh mouthwash with wheatgrass juice. No, your teeth won’t turn green!

14. Cleanse the Liver
Wheatgrass is probably best known for its effects on the liver. The liver processes what the body ingests, and with its detoxifying properties, nutrients, and enzymes, wheatgrass is able to restore and revitalize the liver.

15. Treat Sunburn
Just as wheatgrass is able to treat wounds, it is also able to accelerate the healing process of burnt skin. Dab wheatgrass juice to the skin with a cotton ball and let it sit for a few minutes before rinsing and patting dry with a towel.

16. Stabilize Lipid Levels
Wheatgrass improves lipid levels, which means it’s a great tool for managing high cholesterol.

17. Clear Sinus Congestion
Consuming wheatgrass or snorting wheatgrass juice through the nose helps to clear the sinuses by pulling toxins and breaking up mucus.

18. Get Rid of Acne
Wheatgrass has the capacity to regenerate skin cells and is thus helpful for the complexion. Take a wheatgrass supplement daily or apply the juice straight to the skin to get rid of acne.

19. Prevent Cancer
Due to its potent detoxifying properties, wheatgrass works to keep the blood clean and oxygenated as well as the red blood cell count high. Cancer thrives in a low-oxygen environment, so the wheatgrass contributes to cancer prevention.

20. Fight the Common Cold
Steer clear of colds with wheatgrass supplements. If you aren’t keen on taking wheatgrass supplements year round, instead home in on the cold-weather seasons, where the chances of contracting the common cold is much higher.

21. Treat a Hangover
The abundance of alkalinity in wheatgrass offsets the acidity caused by alcohol consumption. Wheatgrass also hydrates cells, which can be dehydrated after a night of drinking.

22. Improve the Mood
Wheatgrass is rich in iron. A deficiency in iron can cause fatigue, which worsens mood and makes you feel blasé and unenthused. Wheatgrass turns the tide!

23. De-Stress
The vitamin B in wheatgrass is effective in helping you to overcome anxiety and achieve a better state of mental health. Many of us have stressful careers and family lives, so a little support is always welcome!

24. Fight Depression
Wheatgrass helps to keep your iron levels stable, which is particularly important for women. Iron deficiency is linked to apathy and depression.

25. Improve the Appearance of Nails
A glance at your nails can give you a pretty good idea of the state of your health. A lack of iron in your diet or poor circulation are often the main reasons why your nails are weak, have white spots, or are rough in texture and yellow or blue in color. Wheatgrass boosts circulation, allowing blood to reach the ends of your fingers and giving life to otherwise lackluster nails. Meanwhile, wheatgrass offers a substantial amount of iron to the body.

26. Ease Menstrual Pains
Irregular and painful menstrual cycles can be attributed to malnourishment of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Wheatgrass is so chockfull of nutrition, it helps to fill in the blanks where your diet hasn’t already. This includes helping you weather through “that time of the month” with more ease.

27. Combat Inflammation
Wheatgrass is exceptionally powerful in fighting inflammation, a condition that is closely linked to disease in the body.

28. Get Rid of Bad Breath
Much in the same way wheatgrass works to neutralize body odors it also helps to get rid of bad breath.

29. Neutralize Infections
The chlorophyll in wheatgrass helps to fight off bacterial infections and bring the body into equilibrium, avoiding an overly acidic state that makes it susceptible to disease-causing bacteria.

30. Repair Damaged DNA
The amino acid chains in wheatgrass can be absorbed directly into the blood and promote cell metabolism. These amino acids provide material for the formation of the nucleic acids RNA and DNA. Damaged DNA can wreak havoc in your body, causing sterility, genetic abnormalities, and abnormal aging.

31. Improve Your Exercise Regimen
The high amount of oxygen in chlorophyll helps deliver more oxygen to the blood, which is particular helpful prior to strenuous exercise, when you want all the oxygen you can get.

32. Slow Down Aging
Wheatgrass is brimming with antioxidants, which help to neutralize free radicals in the body. Free radicals are essential what age us, from head to toe and from inside to out. Antioxidants help us to slow down the aging process and reveal a more youthful vitality in our appearance and mood.

33. Fight Radiation
In one study, wheatgrass extract proved successful in topically treating acute radiation-induced skin reactions. We are exposed to radiation on a daily basis, from our iPhones to iPads, and wheatgrass makes for a useful tool in offsetting overexposure. Like all other pollutants, radiation is equally vulnerable to wheatgrass’ detoxifying prowess.

34. Refine and Renew Bodily Tissues
Wheatgrass refines and renews bodily tissue by improving circulation, boosting the blood’s oxygen levels, and detoxing tissue cells from harmful toxins.

35. Flush Drugs out of the System
Flush your liver of over-the-counter and prescription drugs by consuming wheatgrass. Wheatgrass protects the liver from oxidative stress and helps to cleanse it of any foreign substances that come its way.

36. Stabilize Blood Sugar Levels
Wheatgrass has been shown to be a powerful anti-hyperglycemic agent. This makes it a fitting supplement for those with diabetes or who are trying to reduce blood sugar levels.

37. Be Smarter
The chlorophyll in wheatgrass fuels the body with oxygen. Oxygen is vital to many body processes, especially for the brain, which uses 25% of the oxygen supply. A better functioning brain means you can make smarter decisions and operate in a more diligent fashion in your day-to-day life.

38. Balance Your Diet
Just 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice is equivalent to 2 pounds of vegetable produce. If your diet is subpar, consider wheatgrass a necessary addition to your lifestyle. It fuels your body with the veggies it needs, only in a single shot!

39. Improve Oral Health
Rinsing the mouth with wheatgrass juice draws toxins out of the gums and improves oral health. Wheatgrass juice also treats bleeding gums.

40. Clean the Bowel (enema style)
If you conduct enemas on yourself to draw impacted matter out of the colon, add a shot of wheatgrass to the water in order to attract even more acidic waste and shepherd it out of the body.

41. Heal Skin Irritation
The high alkalinity of wheatgrass helps to comfort and soothe skin irritations. Both topical application of wheatgrass juice and consumption of wheatgrass supplements work well.

42. Get Rid of Dandruff
Dandruff thrives on a dry, unhealthy scalp, and topical application of wheatgrass juice can help to balance the pH of your scalp and ultimately repair it.

43. Enjoy a Better Douche
Remove odor down under with a wheatgrass juice douche. It will not only get rid of unwanted smells but also improve the overall health of your nether regions.

44. Improve Your Sex Life
A healthier lifestyle equates to increased libido and better sex. Regular wheatgrass supplements will have you feeling and looking your best, so you can get under the sheets with more confidence and stamina.

45. Wheatgrass Eliminates  Heavy Metals from the Body
Wheatgrass is popularly known for its ability to detox heavy metals from the body. Heavy metals are toxic and can interfere with bodily processes.

46. Diversify Your Gluten-Free Diet
Wheatgrass is gluten-free because it is harvested when young, before it ever has the chance to grow grains.

47. Boost Energy

Decreased energy is closely related to diet and often a result of nutritional deficiencies. 

48. Improve Your Smoothies
Add wheatgrass powder or juice to your morning, post-exercise smoothie for an extra health kick. Just add 1 teaspoon of wheatgrass powder of 1 ounce of wheatgrass juice to each serving. Try this green smoothie recipe as a start:

Wheatgrass Green Smoothie
Serves 1

Ingredients:        

1 ½ bananas, peeled, chopped, and frozen

Small handful of fresh spinach

1 teaspoon wheatgrass powder

2 Medjool dates, seeded

Dash of ground cinnamon

Directions: Place all the ingredients into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

49. Increase Fertility
P4D1 is a compound found in wheatgrass that impacts sperm cells and DNA, ultimately increasing fertility.

50. Improve and Create a More Discernible Palate
Wean off of unhealthy, nutritionally-devoid foods with wheatgrass. By balancing your body’s pH and satisfying your nutritional needs, wheatgrass steers you away from bad food cravings and doesn’t leave you craving for foods packed with sugar, excess fat, and preservatives. Wheatgrass trains your taste buds to start craving healthier foods and to appreciate subtle flavors more fully.

51. Reduce Appearance of Scars
Wheatgrass juice helps to rebuild damaged skin. Topically apply wheatgrass juice to the affected area and let sit for 20-30 minutes before rinsing clean.

Wheatgrass benefits History:

Wheatgrass consumption goes way back, some 5,000 years to ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. Egyptians held the wheatgrass’ leafy blades as sacred and honored them for their health benefits.

In the 1930s, American agricultural chemist Dr. Charles Schnabel worked hard to popularize wheatgrass by documenting its amazing nutritional benefits. One of his most famous studies centered on the livelihood and egg output of 106 hens. When Schnabel received the hens, they were sick and dying. Schnabel restored their health by feeding them a mixture of fresh cut, young oat grasses and greens. On July 31, 1930, his efforts proved fruitful – he got 126 eggs from 106 hens! Hens generally can only lay one egg per day and often they lay no egg at all, which is why Schnabel’s feat was so remarkable. Schnabel and his team compared wheatgrass to other nutrient-dense vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, and alfalfa, and found wheatgrass to be dramatically superior in improving the health of livestock. In the 1940s, Schnabel, now dubbed “Father of Wheatgrass”, debuted a wheatgrass powder on the market. By the 1950s, cereal grass tablets were America’s bestselling multi-vitamin and mineral supplements.

In the 1950s, Lithuanian-American nutritionist and whole-foods advocate Ann Wigmore began to juice wheatgrass. It is said that Wigmore turned her hair from dark grey to jet black in her late years by way of her wheatgrass-fueled dietary protocol. Later, Wigmore would form the Hippocrates Health Institute in Boston, where she would educate thousands on the benefits of wheatgrass and plant-based living.

Health benefits and usage of Lima beans

Health benefits of Lima beans
Sometimes called "butter beans" because of their starchy yet buttery texture, lima beans have a delicate flavor that complements a wide variety of dishes. Although fresh lima beans are often difficult to find, they are worth looking for in the summer and fall when they are in season. Dried and canned lima beans are available throughout the year.



The pod of the lima bean is flat, oblong and slightly curved, averaging about three inches in length. Within the pod are the two to four flat kidney-shaped seeds that we call lima beans. The seeds are generally cream or green in color, although certain varieties feature colors such as white, red, purple, brown or black. They are grown from a  glabrous herb that grows throughout the year. They are usually grown as annual crops. Binomially, lima pods belong to the Fabaceae family, in the genus: Phaseolus.

Benefits:

• Lima beans are important sources of plant proteins. 100 g beans carry 338 calories and provide 21.46 g or 38% of daily recommended intake of protein. In addition, lima are rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and plant sterols.

• They, fresh or dried, contain substantial amounts of dietary fiber (50% per100g RDA). Dietary fiber functions as bulk laxative that helps to protect the colon mucosa by decreasing its exposure time to toxic substances as well as by binding to cancer causing chemicals in the colon. Dietary fiber has also been shown to reduce blood cholesterol levels by decreasing re-absorption of cholesterol binding bile acids in the colon.

• Unlike soybeans, lima contain very small amounts of isoflavones. Isoflavones such as genistein and daidzein have been found to protect breast cancer in laboratory animals. However, they possess plant sterols (phytosterols) especially ß-sitosterol that help lower cholesterol levels in the body.

• Fresh as well as dry lima are an excellent source of folates. 100 g dry mature beans provide 395 µg or 99% of folates. Folate, along with vitamin B-12, is one of the essential co-factor for DNA synthesis and cell division. Adequate folate in the diet around conception and during pregnancy may help prevent neural-tube defects in the newborn baby.

• Lima as well as thin butter beans are very rich sources of many B-complex vitamins, especially vitamin-B6 (pyridoxine), thiamin (vitamin B-1), pantothenic acid, riboflavin, and niacin. Most of these vitamins functions as co-enzymes in carbohydrate, protein, and fat metabolism.

• Furthermore, lima and butter beans are one of the excellent sources of minerals like molybdenum, iron, copper, manganese, calcium, magnesium. They hold (1724 mg) more potassium than red kidney beans (1359 mg), broad beans (1062 mg), black beans (1483 mg). Potassium is important electrolyte of cell and body fluids. It helps counter pressing effects of sodium on heart and blood pressure. Manganese is used by the body as a co-factor for the powerful anti-oxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase.

• The high fiber content in lima beans prevents blood sugar levels from rising too rapidly after eating them due to the presence of large amounts of absorption-slowing compounds in the beans, and their high soluble fiber content. Soluble fiber absorbs water in the stomach, forming a gel that slows down the absorption of the bean's carbohydrates. They can therefore help balance blood sugar levels while providing steady, slow-burning energy, which makes them a good choice for people with diabetes suffering with insulin resistance.

History

Although lima beans have been cultivated in Peru for more than 7,000 years, historians are unsure whether they originated there or in Guatemala. Soon after Columbus' discovery of America, Spanish explorers noticed different varieties of lima beans growing throughout the South America, Central America and the Caribbean. They introduced them to Europe and Asia, while the Portuguese explorers introduced lima beans into Africa. Since lima beans can withstand humid tropical weather better than most beans, they have become an important crop in areas of Africa and Asia. Lima beans were introduced into the United States in the 19th century with the majority of domestic commercial production centered in California.

Preparation and serving methods

Fresh lima beans are richly flavorful once cooked. As in other beans like edamame, broad (fava) etc, they too have wonderful “beany” flavor that melts like cream inside the mouth.

Dry lima beans generally soaked in water for at least 5 hours to make them tender. Soaking also help remove any anti-nutritional compounds.

To prepare, wash fresh green lima pods in cold running water. Refrigerated beans need to be dipped briefly in room temperature water to help them regain original flavor. To shell, snap the stem end towards string side and pull all along the length of the pod to detach the string. Split open and remove beans. Drop them into boiling salted water for 1 minute. Drain the water and plunge them in ice water. Generally, beans along with the husk used in cooking. You may also wish to detach its husk (thin cover around the bean), to pop out underlying bright green cotyledons, which are then used in cooking.

Selection and storage

Lima beans come in several forms; fresh, dried, small (baby beans), large, and in variety of distinctive color patterns. In the US markets, fresh green lima hit the market by July. Fresh-frozen, dried, canned, or roasted beans can also be readily available in the store across the US.

While buying fresh lima pods from the local vegetable markets, look for green, just mature, plump, and firm pods. You may also purchase fresh or frozen beans from the grocery. Avoid sunken, shriveled pods as the beans convert their sugars into starch. Similarly, dried or canned beans lack sweet flavor as they show deficiancy in vitamin-C and simple sugars. While fresh tender lima beans feature smooth, pale green color, their color changes to white or cream yellow once they dry.

Once at home, store unshelled beans in a perforated plastic bag and place inside the refrigerator set at high relative humidity. They stay well for up to a week or so. To enjoy, however, use them soon after the harvest.

Store dry beans in a cool, dry place placed in containers away from high temperatures and high humidity.

Safety profile

Eating raw or sprouted lima beans may cause stomach cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. Additionally, eating large quantities of undercooked beans release of cyanide (from cyanogenic glucosides), which can impair tissue oxygenation and cause severe illness.

Like in other class of beans and some brassica group vegetables, lima beans too contain oxalic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in some vegetables, which, may crystallize as oxalate stones in the urinary tract in some people. Therefore, people with known oxalate urinary tract stones are advised against eating vegetables belong to brassica and fabaceae family. Adequate intake of water is advised to maintain normal urine output to minimize stone formation risk.

Quinoa Health Benefits

Quinoa http://goo.gl/K3Pqw7 , pronounced ‘keen-wa’ is a great wheat-free alternative to starchy grains. 
There are roughly 120 known varieties of quinoa, according to the Whole Grains Council. The most commercialized types are white, red and black quinoa. White quinoa is the most widely-available in stores. Red quinoa is more often used in meals like salads since it tends to hold its shape better after cooking. Black quinoa has an “earthier and sweeter” taste. You can also find quinoa flakes and flour.

Grown in South America (Peru, Chile and Bolivia) for thousands of years, quinoa formed the staple diet of the Incas and their descendants. In recent years, foodies in the UK and the US have heralded it as a superior alternative to bulgur wheat, couscous and rice. Though it often occupies a similar role to these grains in dishes, quinoa is actually in the same family as beets, chard and spinach.

This is the nutrient content in 1 cup (185 grams). This applies to cooked quinoa:

• Protein: 8 grams.
• Fiber: 5 grams.
• Manganese: 58% of the RDA.
• Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
• Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
• Folate: 19% of the RDA.
• Copper: 18% of the RDA.
• Iron: 15% of the RDA.
• Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
• Potassium: 9% of the RDA.
• Over 10% of the RDA for vitamins B1, B2 and B6.
• Small amounts of calcium, B3 (niacin) and vitamin E.

This is coming with a total of 222 calories, with 39 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fat. It also contains a small amount of omega-3 fatty acids.


Quinoa is non-GMO, gluten-free and usually grown organically. Even though technically not a grain, it still counts as a whole grain food.

Contains the plant compounds quercetin and kaempferol
The health effects of real foods go way beyond the vitamins and minerals we’re all familiar with.

There are thousands of trace nutrients in there, some of which are extremely healthy.
This includes interesting molecules called flavonoids, which are plant antioxidants that have been shown to have all sorts of beneficial effects on health.

Two flavonoids that have been particularly well studied are quercetin and kaempferol, and they happen to be found in large amounts in quinoa .
In fact, the quercetin content of quinoa is even higher than typical high-quercetin foods like cranberries .

These important molecules have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects in animal studies.

By including quinoa in your diet, you will significantly increase your total intake of these (and other) important nutrients.


Bottom Line: It contains large amounts of flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol. These are potent plant antioxidants with numerous health benefits.

Very high in protein, with all the essential amino acids
Protein is made out of amino acids. Some of them are termed “essential” because we can not produce them and need to get them from the diet.

If a food contains all the essential amino acids, it is seen as a “complete” protein.
The problem is that many plant foods are deficient in certain essential amino acids, such as lysine.
However, quinoa is an exception to this, because it contains all the essential amino acids. For this reason, it is an excellent source of protein. It has both more and better protein than most grains.


With 8 grams of quality protein per cup, quinoa is an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans.

Low glycemic index, which is good for blood sugar control
The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels.

It is known that eating foods that are high on the glycemic index can stimulate hunger and contribute to obesity.
Such foods have also been linked to many of the chronic, Western diseases that are so common today, like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Quinoa has a glycemic index of 53, which is considered low.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that it is still pretty high in carbs, so it is not a good choice for a low-carb diet.

Bottom Line: The glycemic index of quinoa is around 53, which is considered low. However, it is still relatively high in carbohydrates.

High in important minerals like iron and magnesium
There are many nutrients in the modern diet that people tend to be lacking in.

This is particularly true of some minerals, especially magnesium, potassium, zinc and (for women) iron.

Interestingly, quinoa is very high in all 4 minerals. It is particularly high in magnesium, with one cup having about 30% of the RDA.
The problem is that it also contains a substance called phytic acid, which can bind these minerals and reduce their absorption.
However, by soaking and/or sprouting the quinoa before cooking it, you can reduce the phytic acid content and make these minerals more bioavailable.

Quinoa is also pretty high in oxalates, which reduce the absorption of calcium and can cause problems for certain individuals with recurring kidney stones.

Bottom Line: Quinoa is very high in minerals, but the phytic acid can partly prevent them from being absorbed. Soaking or sprouting degrades most of the phytic acid.

Very high in antioxidants
Antioxidants are substances that neutralize free radicals and are believed to help fight aging and many diseases.

One study looked at antioxidants in 10 foods: 5 cereals, 3 pseudocereals and 2 legumes.
Quinoa had the highest antioxidant content of all 10.
Allowing the seeds to sprout seems to increase the antioxidant content even further.


Bottom Line: Quinoa appears to be very high in antioxidants, which are increased even further after the seeds are sprouted.

Safety

When boiling quinoa, the compound that coats the seeds (saponins) creates a foam. These saponins give quinoa a slightly bitter taste. It is best to remove any leftover saponins on the quinoa coat; thoroughly washing the seeds before cooking by putting them into a sieve and running them under cold water. Once you have rinsed it well, it can be cooked like rice. It will expand to several times the original size during cooking. 

Ethical considerations

Quinoa has generated much debate in recent years. Since experiencing a rapid increase in demand, the domestic cost of production has also risen sharply, with the local Andean population unable to afford it and imported junk food being more budget-friendly. Land that once grew a multitude of diverse crops are now dedicated quinoa fields. Our well intentioned health goals may unwittingly be driving unfavorable conditions for local growers. 

Healthy Benefits of Red Rice

Healthy Benefits of Red Rice

This russet-colored whole grain has a nutty flavor and soft texture, and goes well with most meats and vegetables or served as a pilaf or salad. Like brown rice, red rice is a good source of fiber. It can also help you meet your iron needs. Red rice makes a healthy addition to your diet.

Red rice is a kind of unpolished rice which has higher nutritional value compared to white rice or even polished rice. Cooking time is generally more than white rice and it has a nutty taste and more gratifying flavor. It is fiber rich content, Vitamin B1 & B2, iron and calcium. Because of higher nutritive content as well as health advantages of red rice, it is strongly advised for heart patients as well as diabetics. Additionally it is loved by health gurus as well as fitness fanatics since it’s high fiber content helps gain less weight. By consuming red rice, you can get the following nutrition and can even improve blood sugar levels. It’s the reason that eating red/brown rice provide better health benefits when compared to white rice. Explanation of the benefits of red/brown rice can be described in the following session.

Rich in fiber 
red/brown rice, red/brown rice or black rice has a high fiber content. As with the white rice contains only simple carbohydrates, red/brown rice contains complex carbohydrates that are good for health.

Controlling blood sugar levels 
red/brown rice has a low glycemic index. The glycemic index is a number that indicates the potential for increased blood sugar that comes from carbohydrates. With a low glycemic index, red/brown rice has a part in regulating blood sugar levels and insulin production. In addition, red/brown rice is a good source of energy that the body needs.


Making you feel full faster 
A study conducted in the British Journal of Nutrition found that eating complex carbohydrates, such as oatmeal, red/brown rice and potatoes, will make you full faster for hours and eat no more than 320 calories per day.

Contains antioxidants to counteract free radicals 
red/brown rice is a good source of iron or manganese. Mangan, who was instrumental in producing energy for the body is an essential component of the enzyme and is an antioxidant that can protect the body from free radicals that are formed when the energy produced. 

In addition, red/brown rice is rich in zinc, a mineral that helps accelerate wound healing and maintain the body’s immune system to function properly. Just as iron or manganese, zinc is also rich in antioxidants that protect the body from free radicals that can damage cells and tissues in the body.

Containing Vitamin B6 
By eating just one serving of red/brown rice, can meet 23 percent of vitamin B6, the amount needed for the functioning of the organ. This vitamin is needed to help balance the formation of serotonin, red blood cells and helps the production of DNA cells.

Lowering bad cholesterol levels 
red/brown rice is known to help lower bad cholesterol. By eating red/brown rice, it will help increase the level of good cholesterol. Therefore red rice can be a staple food and a good source of carbohydrates for health.

Good for bone health
Red rice is a superb source of magnesium, that is ideal for your bone health. Magnesium is a crucial nutrient needed to build healthy bones and magnesium deficiency can result in osteoporosis and low bone density later in life. It has been verified that regular consumption of red rice will help avoid and relieve joint problems.