TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
What are the benefits of eating quinoa?
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
Quinoa (pronounce KEEN-wah) is classified as a superfood. (Shutterstock/File)
P
eru’s famous grain, quinoa, is currently in the spotlight following news that Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak had switched from locally grown rice to quinoa.
"I don't eat rice. I eat quinoa [...] It's protein-based, has less carbohydrates and sugar content, so it's better than rice," said Najib.
Putting all political arguments aside, Najib is actually right about the benefits of quinoa.
Read also: Six tips to make a salad for weight watchers
Pamela Teh Charlynn, a co-founder of ready-to-eat granola Nature Treats, told The Jakarta Post that quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) was classified as a superfood because the grain was packed with protein, minerals and Omega-3 fatty acids.
She also mentioned that quinoa was a gluten-free grain that can be used to replace carbohydrates.
Pamela, who is a cancer survivor, added that she consumed quinoa while undergoing chemotherapy, following her doctor’s recommendation.
“The nutrition in quinoa helps to build antibodies, [which is needed to fight cancer],” she said. (kes)
