Image source: bbcgoodfood.com
Quinoa is a popular South American seed rich in fiber, proteins, and carbohydrates. It is considered a superfood and a must-eat food with a healthy and nutritious diet since it also contains iron, potassium, a high amount of calcium, and low sodium.
Quinoa can provide numerous health benefits and also cause some stomachaches and itchy skin to some people. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of taking this delicious seed.
Pros:
1. Rich in minerals: It contains various minerals like iron, manganese, magnesium, zinc, copper antioxidants, and phosphorus. Manganese and copper help fight cancer cells while magnesium helps in relaxing muscle and blood vessels.
2. Repair body tissue: It contains a high amount of amino acid lysine which is essential for growth and repairing body tissue.
3. Gluten-free: Quinoa is naturally gluten-free although there are some types of plant seeds that are contaminated with grains like wheat during processing.
4. Complete proteins: It is high in proteins from plant sources. It contains all essential amino acids needed by the body for muscle building.
5. Gut health: It is good for gastrointestinal health. It has gastro-protective effects against acute gastric lesions.
6. High in fiber: Quinoa is rich in fiber and it helps in preventing constipation, controlling blood sugar levels as well as reducing cholesterol levels in the body. Once you take it, you will feel fuller thus helping you maintain a healthy weight. It also ensures you have a healthy colon.
7. Heart health: It prevents heart diseases by reducing high blood pressure and diabetics. It is high in antioxidants that help fight many diseases.
8. Easy to cook: Quinoa is easy to cook and has a distinctive taste and appearance. It can be incorporated into your diet and easily digested giving you a light feeling in the stomach.
9. Improve brain function: The iron contained in the plant seed helps in improving brain function as well as the formation of red blood cells.
10. Weight Loss: Quinoa is low in glycemic index, rich in proteins, and fiber. This helps reduce the number of calories in the body contributing to weight loss.
Cons:
1. Side effects: The supplement can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, hives, eczema, stomach irritation, and itchiness on your body.
2. Cause inflammation: Taking quinoa can lead to some allergy or cause inflammation in the digestive tract, skin, and in your lungs.
3. Phytic acid: Quinoa causes phytic acid which is associated with several minerals and can interfere with the absorption of the seeds in the intestines.
4. Cause asthma: If you’re asthmatic, taking quinoa supplements you can experience shortness of breath, frequent coughing, and tightness of the chest.
5. Saponin allergy: The saponin chemical found in the outer coating of Quinoa is bitter and poses a health risk or triggers digestive irritation to some people. Although it has low toxicity levels, it only affects some people.
6. Interact with other medications: Quinoa can interact with some medications making them fail to deliver the needed benefits. If on any medication, consult your doctor before taking Quinoa.
7. Lower triglyceride levels: Quinoa can reduce triglyceride concentrations in people taking triglyceride-lowering medications.
8. Oxalate content: It contains oxalates that are caused by overcooked quinoa seeds. They can reduce the body’s absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium. The oxalate can also lead to kidney stone formation.
9. Pregnant women: It is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers since it affects the unborn child.
10. Bloating: Frequent use of the seeds can cause bloating or gas.
