Quinoa page

[kmodell]

Hi all,

My question concern how our digestive systems do with Quinoa. I am Paleo and the Quinoa I have indicates that it is Gluten and Wheat free. I know how nuticious it is and was wondering if it is allowed and if not, why?

Thanks.

[carlh]

Lots of threads on this topic - feel free to poke around those for some immediate satisfaction.

[Chaohinon]

My opinion on quinoa is that it's vastly overrated, but also not nearly as dangerous as some paleos would make it out to be. It's perfectly fine assuming you're not severely intolerant to plant proteins and are fairly active. Just make sure to rinse it, and don't make the mistake of viewing it as a protein source.

That said, starchy roots - potatoes, sweet potatoes, cassava - are far superior and more nutritionally dense carb-sources.

[JoanieL]

It's not "not Primal," and technically, it's not a grain. But as noted, it's not a nutritional super hero (especially if you eat meat). I use it very occasionally as a topper to stir fry type meals. I put a tablespoon or two in for the last 15 min (or cook it up first in my rice cooker and then add it). It adds a bit of nuttiness and crunch.

Look at it this way. If you were holding a bowl, and once you filled that bowl, you couldn't eat anything else for the day, would the nutritional value of quinoa make it worthy to put in that bowl?

[jtgeo]

I like quinoa as a substitute for couscous which I really miss. It takes curry and other strong flavors well. Combined with peppers, onions, mushrooms, other veggies, and of course meat, it is pretty good. But gotta watch how much as it is higher in carbs.

[Chris_H]

I don't eat it. I made it one time and no one in the household really liked it (I thought it was ok, but nothing to write home about). So we have never bought it again.

[vespersonicca]

It's ok occasionally. We have a nut-quinoa-dried fruit mix we put on yogurt with some almond butter perhaps once a week for breakfast to change it up a bit. When I get a bad craving for mac'n'cheese then I sub quinoa for the pasta. Be sure to rinse it!