With the nation imminently in lockdown, now more than ever is a time to look at our own health and what we are consuming which either helps or hinders our longevity. Trying new dishes in our kitchens and cooking with new ingredients is much easier. As such, trying a lesser-known grain, which health experts state is one of the healthiest grains on earth, could not only help to keep us healthier but also to boost our longevity.
Quinoa is a protein-rich superfood praised by the health conscious and could be key to avoiding a premature death.
Quinoa has long been praised for its health benefits and became a staple of fashionable diets such as the 5:2 in recent months.
Aside from being on-trend and low in calories, scientists believe eating a bowl of quinoa, whole grains and cereal fibres each day could reduce the risk of premature death caused by heart disease, cancer, respiratory ailments, diabetes and other chronic diseases by 17 percent.
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A study followed over 365,000 members of AARP, an organisation where members are aged 50 and over, for 14 years.
The team led by Dr Lu Qi found a diet high in whole grains was associated with an 11 percent reduced risk of death from respiratory disease, and a 48 percent reduction in the risk of diabetes.
They also discovered a high consumption of cereal fibres had a 15 percent and 34 percent reduced risk of death from cancer and diabetes.
Associate Professor of Nutrition, Dr Lu Qi, said: “Our study indicates that intake of whole grains and cereal fibre may reduce the risk of all-cause mortality and death from chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory disease.
“Our findings should motivate future studies especially clinical trials and experimental studies to further testify the beneficial effects of whole grains and potential effective components such as fibre and other nutrients and explore mechanisms.”
Quinoa is high in protein which helps a person feel fuller for longer which aids in weight loss.
The proteins in quinoa also offers a wide range of amino acids.
Amino acids are vital for supporting muscle development and immune activity, among other essential functions.
Quinoa is an excellent source of iron, folate, fibre and antioxidants making it the grain of choice for those looking to be healthier and boost longevity.
