Superfoods from the Andes

What are SUPERFOODS?

They are as the word suggests Super Foods, super healthy foods. They are highly nutritious which means that including them in our diet will have influence positively our health and wellbeing. Their nutritional profile would have, en plus, a large number of vitamins, minerals, fats, amino acids, antioxidants. Here we have a look at superfoods from South America.

White Quinoa

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is rich in essential amino acids, vitamin B2, E and A, and contains more iron than any other grain. Quinoa is grown and eaten by the pre-Inca cultures 6000 years ago. The Incas considered it magical because of its high nutritional value.

Red Quinoa

It has nutty flavour, slightly earthy. When cooked, it expands to about 3 or 4 times its size, and has a light, fluffy texture. Use it to replace white potatoes, white rice or other refined grains as part of your breakfast, lunch, healthy treat or supper!

Black Quinoa

It was called 'the gold of the Incas' as it was believed to increase the resistance of the Inca warriors. Quinoa has a light fluffy texture when cooked, and its mild flavour makes it an alternative to any grain.

Amaranth

Amaranth is a plant native to the high Andes of Peru and is one of the most beautiful grains. It contains phenolic acids, carotenoids and flavonoids. The antioxidants present scavenge and neutralise free radicals and help our bodies eliminate them.

It comes from a plant that can reach up to 3 meters high and is the family of the
amaranthacea that has around 800 species change depending on their environmental and regional conditions. Amaranth is used mainly as a seed and flour and we can find it in gluten free cereals, flour and biscuits.

Chia

It is a rich source of B vitamins, thiamine and niacin. Chia seeds are also a rich source of dietary minerals calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus and zinc.

Despite its small size, chia are full of important nutrients. They are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help raise HDL (the good cholesterol that helps protect against heart attack and stroke) cholesterol.

Chia seeds are also rich in antioxidants and full of fibre. Sprinkle over cereal, yogurt or use to make puddings.