Minggu, 30 September 2012

The Lowdown on Quinoa Nutrition Facts


For some time now, quinoa nutrition facts have been making rounds, enlightening people as to what a tiny seed like the quinoa can do for their health. People were apprehensive at first because not many believed that a seed could be a super food. Yeah, sure, you can maybe exchange it for grains because it's gluten-free but not a lot of people were sold with the preliminary quinoa nutrition facts that came out. But as with many things that start small, appreciation for the quinoa has started to grow, many thanks to the affirmations that quinoa nutrition facts got from various studies.


Understanding quinoa nutrition facts.

When you say that something is a super food, it essentially means that it is a lot of good for you. In the case of quinoa, quinoa nutrition facts show that it has protein, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants. It might not have vitamins but it surely has all other things covered to give you good health. It is particularly impressive for its protein content (quinoa is actually considered to be a complete protein) because it contains all of the 9 essential amino acids that the body needs for building muscle. It also has magnesium that relaxes blood vessels to promote lower blood pressure and fiber that encourages regular bowel movement to flush out toxins and keep your colon healthy. Studies done to prove quinoa nutrition facts have also revealed that the whole-grain form of quinoa is effective in the prevention and treatment of insulin resistance, diabetes, breast cancer, and atherosclerosis. Quinoa is also considered to be good for those with bacterial and fungal infections because it does not feed the fungi and bacteria in the body. Rather, it acts as a prebiotic and promotes the growth of good bacteria in the intestines. And because it is easily digested, nutrients in quinoa are also easily absorbed.

Making the most out of quinoa nutrition facts.

The only way you'll really be able to take advantage of the goodness that is quinoa, is if you'll actually include the seed in your diet. Fortunately, it should not be too troublesome to enjoy quinoa nutrition facts because quinoa is very easy to cook. In fact, it cooks faster than most of the other grains that you usually enjoy. You can even enjoy a puffed version of quinoa like cereal. No preparation. No mess. Just add milk. Quinoa is also a great add-on as a thickener for soups so if your family likes these types of dishes, you'll have an easier time slipping quinoa in your regular meals, and before long, everyone will be reaping the benefits of quinoa nutrition facts. If you're not sure what your family would like, you can try several of the many recipes you can find online that incorporates the use of quinoa. If one doesn't work, just try another one. Quinoa may taste different so it might take some getting used to. But when you do, you'll be glad to have tried quinoa because your family will be so much healthier.

Rabu, 12 September 2012

Butternut Squash and Apple Soup, a Healthy Recipe


Autumn has arrived in Charlotte and the weather is just perfect around this time. I often think why the weather is not the same year-round,and why are we made to bear harsh cold and heat conditions... but then, if you don't go through the harsh stuff you don't enjoy the good one! We may not appreciate it or enjoy it if we get it year-round.

The autumn harvest looks colorful with squashes, pumpkins and apples in abundance in the market. So I decided to make this warm butternut squash soup as it is healthy,delicious and just right for this kind of weather. I tried is for the first time, it was easy to make and came out really good, surpassing my expectations. The butternut, apples and onions are slowly cooked together and blended well with vegetable stock to form an amazingly aromatic soup. The soup comes out creamy and smooth in texture and goes well with all kinds of toasted bread. The warm soup is perfect when sipped in cold weather or on a rainy day and is sure to please your family...

Butternut squash is also known as Butternut Pumpkin in some parts of the globe, especially in Australia and New Zealand. It bears the same sweet and nutty taste like a pumpkin. It grows on vine. This fruit is used in variety of cooking. You can roast it, purred it for soups or mash it and use it in muffins. When grilled in whole and seasoned with spices, it gives amazing sweet and spicy taste

Ingredients

Butternut squash--1 (seedless,peeled and cut into pieces)
Apples--2 ( peeled and cut into medium size pieces)
Onion--1 (cut into pieces)
Ginger--1 tablespoon
Lemon grass powder--1 teaspoon (skip it if not available)
Cumin powder--1 teaspoon
Cinnamon--1 stick (crushed into powder)
Nutmeg powder--1/2 teaspoon
Vegetable stock--1 small can
Butter--2 Tablespoons
Sour cream as needed
Salt to taste
Recipe

Take a wide pan and melt the butter in it. Add the diced onions, all the spices and fry on low flame as you smell the aromatic spices fill the air. Add the butternut squash pieces, apple pieces, mix well and add salt. Cover it for 8-10 minutes till the ingredients get soft. Cook for another 5-6 minutes and cool it. Grind it in a blender and serve it warm in a soup bowl. Add a dollops of sour cream and serve it with bread sticks or bread.