Quinoa is all the rage, right?
This ancient South American seed is a whole grain, and increasingly it's a household word too!
There's a good reason for this.
It boasts more protein than most other grains, but there are others that have even more nutritional benefits.
Here are 5 of my favorites.
1. Teff
Teff is a tiny grain no bigger than a poppy seed. It grows in Ethiopia, and has a delicious nutty taste.
It contains lots of protein and iron, and has more calcium than any other grain. It also relieves PMS symptoms and can help you lose weight!
You can buy teff as a whole grain or as flour. It’s often found in cookies, breads and cakes. You can also boil, steam or bake the grains.
2. Amaranth
Amaranth is a Mexican plant with beautiful red flowers, but its seeds are what makes it special.
They’re high in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. It’s the only grain that has Vitamin C, and it lowers cholesterol too.
It can be popped like corn, made into a breakfast cereal like oatmeal, and in Mexico it’s mixed with sugar or honey and eaten as candy. Try boiling it in water and sprinkling it on salads, or add the seeds to batters or soups.
3. Kaniwa
Kaniwa sounds like quinoa, but it’s not the same.
It’s from the Andes in Peru, is much smaller than quinoa, and it contains even more protein, iron, and fiber.
It’s crunchy and delicious, and its antioxidant power helps fight your risk of heart disease.
Kaniwa stays fresh for a year in a sealed container, and can be used as a side dish or for breakfast by mixing one part seeds with two parts water and cooking for 15 to 20 minutes. It can also be ground into flour.
4. Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a nutritional powerhouse that’s delicious too.
It has:
- 50% more vitamin B than wheat
- 90% of the protein in dairy
- and 80% of the protein in eggs.
It has high levels of flavonoids, which help lower cholesterol. It also contains high levels of magnesium, which helps lower blood pressure.
Use it like rice or quinoa, or eat it as a breakfast porridge.
5. Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are tiny brown seeds that have more Omega 3 fatty acids than any other plant.
They can help you lose weight, cut your sugar cravings, balance your hormones and lower cholesterol.
They’re high in fiber and protein and low in carbs, and they’re gluten free.
They’ve been shown to help with menopause, and have been used instead of hormone replacement therapy.
Flax seeds are easy to add to your diet – just throw a couple of spoonfuls in your breakfast smoothie, or mix them into the batter when you’re baking.
They also add a nice crunch when you stir them into yogurt! To get the most from the seeds, grind them in your coffee grinder before eating.
Yours in Health,
Danette
P.S. Please share this with your friends and I always love to read your comments below.
