Quinoa as a Healthy and Lower Carb Alternative to Rice

Quinoa as a Healthy and Lower Carb Alternative to Rice

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If you are looking for a lower carb alternative to rice, quinoa may be the way to go. Eating quinoa as a regular part of your diet can certainly replace rice and boost your nutrition, while reducing your carbohydrate intake.

Protein

Quinoa is packed with protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. It is also believed to be easier for the body to digest quinoa than most other plant-based proteins. Milk has a similar protein structure, which the body is designed to utilize. The intolerance that some people have for milk is actually caused by the difficulty breaking down the lactose in the milk, not the protein structures. Giving your body a bunch of fuel to run on throughout your day requires protein, and quinoa is the way to go, and keep going.

Essential Fats And Vitamins

Quinoa is a good source of Omega 3 and Omega 6, the essential fatty acids our body and brain needs to function correctly. You'll also find quinoa to be a rich source of Vitamin E. You'll recognize these healthy components in just about every age-reducing cream you see in the drugstore. Add to the list the all important antioxidants, folate, and B vitamins that you'll get and you have a healthy powerhouse in quinoa.

Minerals

Quinoa is particularly high in manganese and is also a good source of magnesium. These two minerals combined helps support a healthy immune system and synthesize fatty acids and cholesterol. Quinoa also has increased levels of iron and copper which are basic necessities for healthy blood supply. You'll also find phosphorus, zinc, and even a little calcium thrown into the mix.

Lower Carb

A cup of cooked white rice has about 44 net grams of carbs (that's total carbs minus dietary fiber.) A cup of cooked brown rice has about 41 net grams of carbs. Compared to rice, a cup of cooked quinoa at about 34 net grams of carbs. If you replace rice with quinoa in your favorite recipes routinely, over time you will be saving quite a bit.

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