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Vegan? Gluten free? Low GI? Quinoa Fits in Everywhere!

A look at dietary models around India and how the super food quinoa fits into them. Regardless of the special diet you follow – here's how Quinoa makes it better.

We humans all have a dissimilar inclination and sometimes predisposition towards our food. Some people are hardcore and dedicated non vegetarians, some are committed towards being vegetarian and some pursue a vegan lifestyle. A vegan abstains from accepting any food which is acquired from another living source, including milk and milk products.

Let’s take a look at different and divergent dietary models pursued and how the super food quinoa can be conveniently used for them.

1) Gluten Free and Quinoa

A Gluten free diet is one which refrains inclusion of any food or its products which have the protein gluten. The diet is necessitated in disorders like celiac disease. Those with celiac disease cannot digest the protein gluten in any food which leads to damage of the GI tract lining leading to pain.

This diet is also adapted by people who are allergic to gluten, leading to rashes, joint problems or fatigue.

Gluten–free diet removes any foods that contain gluten, including wheat, rye, barley and semolina. Oats are allowed if they labeled as gluten free.

The interest in quinoa has peaked due to the non-existence of gluten in quinoa while still providing a better composition of protein than any other grain could provide and additionally providing a much better value of minerals and vitamins. Quinoa is undoubtedly a better bargain for gluten free life.

2) Vegan lifestyle and quinoa

The prime purpose of people who advocate vegan diets is to protect or not hurt animals in any way therefore foregoing any products derived from animals – including milk and leather. Vegetarian and vegan diets can be healthy, but they can lack certain nutrients. It takes a painstaking effort to account for all nutrients such as proteins, calcium and iron to be balanced in a vegan diet.

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vegans are less likely to develop heart disease, cancer, diabetes, or high blood pressure than meat-eater. Consuming larger volumes of fruits and vegetables, vegans receive greater amounts of the antioxidants and phytochemicals associated with good cardiovascular health and reduced risk for cancers.

Quinoa is thus a boon for all Vegans as it the only grain, which has the best quality amino acids and protein comparable to that of non-vegetarian sources. Moreover the high antioxidant value, minerals and vitamins of quinoa, makes it a savior in the vegan diet.

3) Low GI diets and Quinoa

Low GI diets have been associated with decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and other metabolic syndromes.

Quinoa is the best remedy for diabetics because of its low glycemic index and high nutritional value – consequently it doesn’t spike the blood sugars – as compared to other cereals.

Diabetics and pre-diabetics are also advised to manage their weight. Compared to wheat, pasta and other cereals, the calories provided by quinoa is on similar lines but it is ideal as it is nutrient dense for the same portion value.

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