ABOUT QUINOA

This extremely nutritious pseudo-grain was originally cultivated on the high plains of the South American Andes Mountains. Although the wide variety of health benefits is just beginning to be studied and appreciated by modern western countries, the ancient Incan empire revered the grain as sacred and honored it with the name chisaya mama or "mother of all grains". Actually, quinoa is a seed-like pseudo-grain, and is related to beets and chard. Because it is not a member of the grass family, it is even considered appropriate during Passover, when traditional grains are forbidden.

BUYING & PREPARATION

There are many varieties of quinoa grown, but the most commonly available are white and red. Consider the white variety for a lighter, fluffier, and faster cooking alternative to brown rice. The red variety has a heartier feel, and slightly more pronounced flavor. It is delightful as a side dish to salmon or poultry dishes, and with summer vegetables, such as zucchinis and kale.

Soak for five minutes then strain before cooking in order to remove any residual bitter tasting saponins. Then prepare it just like rice--except it takes a fraction of the time! Combine two cups of filtered water for every cup of quinoa, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and continue to cook covered for 15 minutes or until water is absorbed. When it is cooked, the outer germ surrounding the seed breaks open and tiny white coils appear. Remove from heat and let stand for five minutes, then fluff with a fork.

It is important not to overcook quinoa, as it will become soft and mushy. To add flavor before cooking, roast rinsed quinoa in a saucepan over low heat until all the water has evaporated and the grains emit a faint, roasted aroma. Quinoa may also be ground into flour, and is used to make gluten-free quinoa pasta. Because the coil of the quinoa gives it its own crunch, it complements crunchy food well. Quinoa goes well with chopped celery, raw onion, fresh parsley, fresh mint, or raw bell peppers. Its neutral flavor will never distract from added fresh herbs and spices.

COOKING QUINOA

Browse Recipes Quinoa tabbouleh is just one example of the adaptability of this resourceful superfood. Try mixing quinoa into your favorite bean salad, pairing it with sliced avocado and crunchy bell peppers, or as a rice substitute with parboiled broccoli or kale. Quinoa is as versatile throughout the day as it is through the seasons. Take quinoa, warm milk or your favorite milk substitute; add a dash of cinnamon, a handful of sunflower seeds or almonds, and raisins or dried fruit for a warm breakfast cereal or a sweet afternoon snack. For patients recovering from illness, simple quinoa porridge helps revitalize and rejuvenate.

WHY EAT AN AYURVEDIC DIET?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. An Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body type and the specific imbalances you are working with at any given time. Ayurveda shows you your specific body type’s needs and what should be favored in your Ayurvedic menu. Watch as you eat less but feel more satisfied because what you are eating truly nourishes you. Since Ayurveda believes all disease begins in the digestive tract, food is your first medicine. By eating a healthy diet that’s ideal for your body, you experience optimal health.

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When I Eat Quinoa:

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I FEEL BETTER I FEEL WORSE I FEEL THE SAME

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Is Quinoa Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether Quinoa is a good fit for your body type. Time to complete: approximately 1 minute.

SERVING SIZE: 1/4 c

SPECIES: Chenopodium quinoa

FAMILY: Chenopodiaceae

MEAL: BREAKFAST, LUNCH-DINNER

PREPARATION: BOILED, SALAD, SIDE-DISH

EAT IN: SPRING, SUMMER

FOR OCCASION: CLEANSE, ON-THE-MEND

AYURVEDIC MEDICINAL BIOCHARACTERISTICS

What is the biocharacteristic theory of medicine?

INCREASES Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas) Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic. Learn More	EASY ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY LIGHT ABOUT LIGHT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Lightness is identified by reduced weight. LEARN MORE ABOUT LIGHT COLD ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow. LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD
TASTES The 6 Tastes Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below? Learn More	SWEET ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats. LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET
DOSHAS The Three Doshas / Body Types According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history. The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. Catabolic people tend to be easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic people tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic people are heavy, stable and grounded, but if they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Learn More	PACIFIES
HAS THE FOLLOWING	Tissue (dhatu): Muscle MUSCLE Muscle tissue (Mamsa Dhatu) includes muscles and ligaments. SEE ALL 'MUSCLE' FOODS / HERBS , Blood Plasma Lymph BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph. SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS Affinity: Energy Vitality, Heart Circulation Blood, Kidney Bladder Urinary, Muscle Health, Weight Loss Family: Chenopodiaceae

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Experiences are Personal

Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Here are the herbal actions of Quinoa:

Energy Vitality:

Builds Stamina

BUILDS-STAMINA

Promotes strength, endurance and resistance in the body. Rebuilds weak tissues after a time of depletion.

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,

Satisfies Stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

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,

Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

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,

Tonic

TONIC

A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.

SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:

Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

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Heart & Circulation:

Blood Tonic

BLOOD-TONIC

An herb that produces more blood cells in the body, or otherwise improves blood cell quality or hemoglobin content. Helpful for anemia and other types of deficiency.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Kidney & Urinary:

Kidney Tonic

KIDNEY-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the kidneys.

SEE ALL 'KIDNEY-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Strength, Muscle Health:

Muscle Tonic

MUSCLE-TONIC

Herbs that strengthen and tone muscle tissue. Helpful for people recovering from long term illness and debility, or after a sprain.

SEE ALL 'MUSCLE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Constituents:

Betaine

STRONG BETAINE

Used to reduce homocysteine in the blood, which supports proper liver function and prevents fatigue and blood clots. Improves muscle stamina and weight loss.

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, Folate,

Magnesium

MAGNESIUM

Helps muscles relax. Laxative.

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, Soluble Fiber, Zinc, Carbohydrate,

Phytates

PHYTATES

Phytates prevent absorption of nutrients. They are commonly found in all seeds, including nuts, grains, and beans. Sprouting greatly reduces phytate content, as well as long, slow cooking with vinegar.

SEE ALL 'PHYTATES' FOODS / HERBS

Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

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