Is It Ok to Eat Quinoa Every Day? Weight Loss (2024)

  • What Is It?
    • What is quinoa?
  • How To Eat It?
    • How to eat quinoa?
  • Weight Loss
    • Can eating quinoa help to lose weight?
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Is It Ok to Eat Quinoa Every Day? Weight Loss (1)

Quinoa is a seed of an edible plant.

A study by the Harvard Public School of Health stated that eating a bowl of quinoa daily may reduce the chances of early death risk from cancer, heart disease, respiratory ailments, diabetes, and other chronic diseases by 17%.

Studies have reported that consumption of one serving of quinoa (about 40 g) meets an important part of daily recommendations (RDA) for essential nutrients and health-improving compounds. However, caution must be exercised because allergies to the proteins in quinoa have been reported to cause gut swelling and cramping.

There is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate dose of quinoa. Additionally, even if it is a natural product, it should not always be considered safe in any dosage. Therefore, consult your healthcare provider before initiating a quinoa-based diet.

What is quinoa?

Quinoa is a seed of an edible plant. It is known as ancient wheat. It looks similar to grains, comes in various colors (black, red, yellow, and white), and is nutty in taste. However, it is not a true grain. This crop has been cultivated for about 5,000 years, and there are 120 known varieties of quinoa.

It contains a higher amount of protein than true grains. It is also high in fiber and has all the nine essential amino acids that our body requires, which makes quinoa one of the best non-animal food sources of complete protein. It is also known as a nutritional powerhouse because it contains magnesium, copper, and other essential vitamins and minerals. It contains a host of compounds known to fight metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and obesity.

As quinoa has several nutritional values and is gluten-free, quinoa has become one of the most consumed health foods in the world and is known as golden grains.

How to eat quinoa?

There are several ways to eat quinoa. It can be paired with any protein, made into salads, etc. The ways to eat quinoa are as follows:

  • Quinoa must be rinsed before cooking to remove a bitter aftertaste.
  • It can be prepared like we cook rice, by using two parts of water to one part of quinoa and simmering it for 25-30 minutes till it gets fluffier.
  • It can be roasted and can be popped like popcorn. You can use quinoa flakes or flour to prepare delicious dishes.
  • It can be added to salads and bread.
  • Quinoa can be substituted for rice in stir-fries and sushi.
  • There are many recipes forpasta, salads, soups, and desserts in which quinoa can be substituted with other grains.

Can eating quinoa help to lose weight?

Eating quinoa can make a person feel fuller for longer hours. Moreover, its consumption reduces levels of blood fats after a meal called triglycerides. This may promote weight loss. A 2017 study stated that consumption of 50 g of quinoa daily may lower triglycerides in obese individuals and may reduce the occurrence of metabolic syndrome (a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes).

Because it is relatively high in protein and protein keeps you full for longer, quinoa may help you to keep a healthy weight. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support this.

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Medically Reviewed on 8/5/2022

References

WebMD. Quinoa: The Gluten-Free Super Food. https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/quinoa-the-gluten-free-super-food

WebMD. Quinoa. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1468/quinoa

WebMD. Why Is Quinoa Good for Me? https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/why-is-quinoa-good-for-me#1

WebMD. Health Benefits, Nutrition Facts, and How to Prepare Quinoa and Quinoa Flakes. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-quinoa#1

WebMD. Benefits of Quinoa for Low-Carb and GI-Friendly Diets. https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/quinoa-benefits-low-carb-gi-friendly-diets

Varli SN, Sanlier N. Nutritional and Health Benefits of Quinoa (Chenopodium Quinoa Willd.) J Cereal Sci. May 2016;69. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/301933573_Nutritional_and_health_benefits_of_quinoa_Chenopodium_quinoa_Willd

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Is It Ok to Eat Quinoa Every Day? Weight Loss (2024)

FAQs

Is It Ok to Eat Quinoa Every Day? Weight Loss? ›

Because it is relatively high in protein and protein keeps you full for longer, quinoa may help you to keep a healthy weight. However, there is no sufficient evidence to support this.

Can I eat quinoa every day to lose weight? ›

Rich dietary fibre and protein increase metabolism, and that makes quinoa good for weight loss. Cooked Quinoa contains five grams of dietary fibre per cup. Eating high fibre foods is often the missing piece when a person is trying to shed weight.

Does quinoa help lose belly fat? ›

It is very healthy due to its plant chemical contents that cause the secretion of appetite-suppressing hormones that curb your appetite. 25. Quinoa: High in protein, quinoa keeps you full with its high levels of plant-based proteins. It decreases your appetite and promotes belly fat decrease.

Can too much quinoa be bad for you? ›

Quinoa has nearly double the fiber of most grains. If your body isn't used to consuming a ton of fiber, and suddenly you double down on a quinoa salad, it could definitely throw you for a loop … and lead to diarrhea, gas, bloating, and discomfort.

Will I lose weight if I eat quinoa instead of rice? ›

Quinoa has amino acid and protein, which white and brown rice lack. Thus, quinoa is a better option for people trying to lose weight. The amount of fibre in quinoa is more than the fibre in rice, which again makes quinoa a slightly healthier option. White rice and brown rice have fewer calories than quinoa.

Is quinoa or oatmeal better for weight loss? ›

Both oatmeal and quinoa are incredibly healthy ingredients that should be consumed as part of a well-balanced diet. They are both a great option for weight loss because they are both excellent sources of fiber, which means you'll feel full longer and need to eat less often.

Which type of quinoa is best for weight loss? ›

Low in fat

As mentioned above, Black Quinoa is low in calories and has high fiber content. Both these things can keep you full without gaining weight, resulting as a help in your weight loss journey. It is delicious, nutrient packed and a weight loss friendly grain.

How many times a week can you eat quinoa? ›

You can eat one-two cups of cooked quinoa in a day. You should avoid eating it if you experience stomachache, itchiness or vomiting after consuming it. A study by Harvard Public School of Health has reported that eating a bowl of quinoa daily is healthy and without any side effects.

What does quinoa do to your gut? ›

Studies suggest quinoa may improve gut health by enhancing the diversity of beneficial gut bacteria and reducing the inflammatory symptoms of conditions like colitis. Acting as a prebiotic, quinoa supplies the fuel for beneficial gut bacteria, allowing them to thrive.

Is quinoa a protein or carb? ›

Quinoa is considered a carbohydrate because it contains many carbs per serving. Although it contains some protein, the macronutrient distribution is closer to what you find in other grains and starches.

What is better than quinoa? ›

While both provide excellent sources of fiber and protein, farro tops the charts and offers almost double the value compared to the same size serving of quinoa.

What grains are best for weight loss? ›

The good-for-weight-loss whole grains are those, like brown rice, whole oats, unhulled barley, and buckwheat groats, that have not gone through the grinding, or processing, of their kernels into flour. These whole grains contain only about 500 calories per pound.

Is quinoa inflammatory? ›

While quinoa may cause inflammation in some sensitive individuals, it is essential to note that it has also been demonstrated to possess anti-inflammatory properties for many others. Factors such as genetics, existing health conditions, and dietary habits can influence how an individual responds to quinoa consumption.

Can I eat quinoa for breakfast everyday? ›

Not only is it packed with protein and fiber, but it's also a complex carbohydrate meaning it digests more slowly in your body. So if you're like me and you hate feeling famished mid-morning, quinoa is a great thing to add to your daily breakfast routine.

Does quinoa count as one of your 5 a day? ›

Quinoa and brown rice are classed as whole grains, And yes they are healthy food, but they are certainly not vegetables. It is suggested to have five servings a day. That could be one serving providing it is the correct portion size.

Is quinoa a healthy carb? ›

Cooked quinoa contains 70% carbs, making it a high carb food. However, it's also a good source of protein and fiber ( 1 ). Quinoa is rich in many minerals and plant compounds and has been linked to a variety of health benefits, including improved blood sugar management and heart health ( 2 , 3 ).

How many calories are in 1 cup of quinoa? ›

One cup (185 g) of cooked quinoa provides : 222 calories. 8.14 g of protein. 5.18 g of fiber.

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