Читать книгу Allergy-Proof Your Life - Michelle Schoffro Cook - Страница 32

Quinoa, a staple of the ancient Incas who revered it as sacred, is not a true grain but rather a seed. Surprisingly, it is related to spinach and Swiss chard. If you’re not already enjoying this delicious food, there are many reasons to start. Because quinoa does not contain gluten, it is a good choice for anyone suffering from allergies. Unlike wheat, which is mucus forming, quinoa does not have the same mucus-forming properties. What’s more, most grains lack one or more of the essential amino acids, making them incomplete. But quinoa packs an amino acid punch: it is a complete protein and is rich in nutrients, including manganese, iron, magnesium, B-vitamins, and fiber. In studies, quinoa is a proven aid for migraine sufferers, likely due to its magnesium and riboflavin content. Magnesium helps relax muscles, and riboflavin helps reduce the frequency of migraine attacks and improves energy metabolism within brain and muscle cells; this is valuable if your allergies are linked to migraines or headaches. And like most whole grains, it lessens the risk for heart disease. Quinoa also contains the building blocks for superoxide dismutase—an important antioxidant that helps protect the energy centers of your cells from free-radical damage. This enzyme also helps reduce the risk of free-radical damage linked to allergies. As if that weren’t enough reasons to love this tiny seed, quinoa lessens the risk for heart disease and helps with heart arrhythmias.