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Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Food Grade

1/14/2015

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Wow! Here is one little thing to add to your daily regime that may make a big difference and it is sold at most heath food stores or on line...make sure it is food grade though! It has no taste whatsoever! smile emoticon 

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Food Grade

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) has been reported to absorb methyl mercury, E. coli, endotoxins, viruses (including poliovirus), organophosphate pesticide residues, and drug residues. DE is a natural organic colon cleanser and detoxifier. This cleansing and detoxification alone has a myriad of positive effects in the human body. Adding to this is the widespread deficiency in human dietary sources of what is called "the most important trace element in human health" - Silica, and how rich DE is in this substance, we begin to understand the basis of the health benefits that so many have attested to. Only a trace amount of the DE silica is absorbed into the blood stream, and just that amount is a substantial gain for the user.

The average human body holds approximately seven grams of silica, needing significantly more silica than even important minerals such as iron. Most people are, in fact, silica deficient. Among other things, enough silica in the body is vital enough for calcium absorbtion to allow calcium supplements to work. If silica deficient, as is the case in the vast majority of us, calcium supplementation can even be a negative. Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth is an excellent natural and organic source of silica.  

Other Reported Health Benefits of Silica / DE Include Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Osteoperosis, Weight Loss, Cosmetics, Hair, Nails, Teeth & Gums, Energy, Bacteria, Mucus, Anti-Aging, Urinary Infections, Headache. 

Here's what consumers have to say about Diatomaceous Earth:

Blood Pressure
Of the thousands of people that are using Diatomaceous Earth, most that have high blood pressure have reported that it has gone down. It has been so thrilling to talk to people all over the United States and have them tell their stories. Doctors are amazed--customers are amazed. You will be, too.

Cholesterol
According to consumers, just as Diatomaceous Earth health benefits include controlling blood pressure, it has also been controlling cholesterol! I have not talked with one person that has elevated cholesterol that has not had lower numbers after taking Diatomaceous Earth.  

Osteoporosis, Joints & Calcium
Osteoporosis is a symptom of the aging process. As calcium in our body system depletes, our bones become brittle and weak. Taking only a calcium supplement cannot correct or stop this threatening and crippling disease because the body cannot assimilate and make use of the calcium without the presence of silica. Evidence suggests that, instead of affecting healing, supplemental mineral calcium, on the contrary, accelerates the leaching away of bone calcium and thus hastens the degenerative process of osteoporosis and similar diseases that affect the supportive and connective tissues in the human body. The Silica found in Diatomaceous Earth enhances calcium absorption.

For Osteoporosis
Silica can stop the pain and even restore the body's self repair process. Osteoporosis symptoms attack women primarily after menopause but the degenerative process starts much earlier in their younger days. More women are dying of fractures caused by osteoporosis than of cancer of the breast, cervix, and uterus combined. Silica is responsible for the depositing of minerals into the bones, especially calcium. It speeds up the healing of fractures and also reduces scarring at the site of a fracture. More and more research evidence shows that through a transmutation process, silica is turned into calcium when it is needed. That is why some scientists refer to silica as a precursor of calcium. Even when calcium is insufficient, the body can turn silica into calcium that the bones need.

Natural Weight Loss
We have been getting hundreds of reports from all over the United States that DE is helping people lose weight. Everyone is saying that DE taken in the morning helps curb their appetite throughout the day. Just one more reason to take it everyday!

Detox Your Body
There is no better product to detox HEAVY METALS and RADIATION from your body than with Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth!

Nature's Internal Cosmetic
In Europe and Asia, Diatomaceous Earth health benefits are widely recognized to include use as a health and beauty product for hair, skin, nails, bones, and joints. They have no FDA.

Tissue Degeneration 
Accelerates due to aging when connective tissue develops an increasing inability to retain moisture when left unassisted. Silica can help slow the degenerative process of connective tissue. With silica, vitality and life, which are often lost as the years accumulate, can be naturally maintained or even restored to your skin. Collagen, largely made up of silica, is the glue that holds us together. If our body has enough silica glucosaminoglycane, the collagen will make us look younger. Silica helps with skin problems and injuries including itching, rashes, abscesses, boils, acne, callouses, warts, eczemas, burns, frostbite, benign skin sores, insect bites and bed sores. If you regularly follow a silica regimen, your skin will keep its youthful look. A good silica supplementation program works far better than other products for maintaining healthier and longer lasting collagen.

Hair That Grows
Hair is nature's greatest beauty enhancer. Hair deserves to be pampered. Hair at 90 micrograms per gram is almost as rich in silica as are healthy bones, which contain 100 micrograms per gram. Silica is a major component of hair. Using a good silica supplement should be part of your ongoing hair care program for revitalizing hair. Silica helps to prevent baldness, stimulates healthier hair growth and assures beautiful shine, luster and strength.

Teeth and Gums
By hardening the enamel, silica prevents cavities and preserves teeth. Silica also prevents bleeding gums, gum atrophy, and recession that causes the loosening of teeth, which could ultimately lead to tooth loss. Silica effectively fights ulceration and the decay of bones and teeth and also lessens inflammation.

Tough As Nails
Your nail plates are complex protein structures that grow four to five millimeters per month on average. With silica supplementation, fragile nails become normal within a short period of time. Silica will beautify the appearance of your nails and improve their hardness, making them shinier and less prone to breaking.

Restorative Effects Of Silica 
This will be most noticeable on your hair, skin, nails and teeth. Our skin and hair require silica essentially for the same purpose as do other tissues. As we know, the supporting collagen underneath the skin enhances elasticity and beauty. Collagen owes that quality to silica, which provides a beautiful complexion that is more than skin deep.

Pubic Lice (Crabs) and Hair Lice
Dust Diatomaceous Earth on all areas of the body that are infested with the Lice (Crabs). Also dust your bedding and rooms you have been in.

Benefits Of Diatomaceous Earth:

1. Silica lowers bad cholesterol and raises good
2. Silica fades age spots
3. Silica stimulates metabolism for higher energy levels
4. Diatomaceous Earth has a negative charge and bacteria has a positive charge. It is believed that Diatomaceous Earth sweeps bacteria out of the body by trapping it in its honeycomb shaped skeletal form.
5. Silica supplementation helps repair and maintain vital lung tissue and protects them from pollution. By maintaining or restoring the elasticity of lung tissue, silica reduces inflammation in bronchitis.
6. It acts as a cough decreasing agent. Silica tones the upper respiratory tract (nose, pharynx, larynx) and reduces swelling because of its positive action on the lymphatic system.
7. Silica supplementation keeps menopause free of stress and helps to prevent many unwanted side effects of menopause 
8. Silica works with other antioxidants to prevent premature aging and to preserve youthfulness.
9. Silica can help prevent kidney stones and heal infections of the urinary tract. It is a natural diuretic which can increase excretion of urine by 30 percent, thus flushing the water-excreting system and restoring normal function to these vital organs.
10. The presence of sufficient silica in the intestines will reduce inflammation of the intestinal tract. It can cause disinfection in the case of stomach and intestinal mucus and ulcers. Silica can prevent or clear up diarrhea and its opposite, constipation.
11. Silica will help normalize hemorrhoidal tissues.
12. In regulating and normalizing the bowels,silica has a pleasant side effect, it can alleviate lower back pain, which often troubles the elderly. 
13. Silica proves effective with female discharge, abscesses and ulcers in the genital area and cervix, as well as mastitis (especially for breast feeding mothers).
14. The intake of silica acts as a supportive treatment for inflammation of the middle ear. Because of the beneficial effectiveness on the lymphatic system, silica can be used for swelling of the lymph nodes in the throat.
15. Has anti-inflammatory disinfecting, absorbing and odor binding effects.
16. Silica can normalize circulation and regulate high blood pressure (hypertension).
17. Silica can decrease vertigo, headache, tinnitus (buzzing of the ears) and insomnia.
18. Silica can help diabetes by promoting synthesis of elastase inhibitor by the pancreas.
19. Silica can help arterial disease by strengthening the blood vessels. Studies confirm that with age, silica disappears from the aorta, the heart's key blood vessel, thus weakening its critical connective tissue and resulting in a greater cardiac risk.
20. Silica can help prevent Tuberculosis.
21. By improving the elasticity of the joints, silica helps rheumatism.
22. Silica has inhibitory effects on coronary diseases.
23. Silica can help avoiding or alleviating Alzheimer's disease by preventing the body from absorbing aluminum and may flush out aluminum from the tissues. Silica can stimulate the immune system.

USAGE:
Most who use Diatomaceous Earth mixed with a juice or liquid say that they use one to two tablespoons daily.  

Diatomaceous Earth - Household Uses
Metal Cleaner:
Make a paste with Diatomaceous Earth and water to make a metal polish. Diatomaceous Earth also makes a very inexpensive soft scrub for the shower, sink and faucets.

Face Mask and Cleanser:
Mix Diatomaceous Earth and water together until you have made a paste. Apply to the face with circular scrubbing motion until face is fully covered. Leave on face for approx. 2 min. and then wash off with warm water. Your face will be fully exfoliated and toned for pennies!! Mix Diatomaceous Earth with your favorite cleanser and you will have cleaner, smoother skin.

Teeth Cleaner:
Sprinkle a small amount on your favorite brand of toothpaste and brush as you normally would. You will notice that your teeth look and feel "Just went to the dentist" clean.

Household Pests:
Use Diatomaceous Earth for control of roaches, silverfish, ants, bedbugs, flies, fleas, box elder bugs, scorpions, crickets, and many other insects. Diatomaceous Earth can be used in and around the home, yard, animal housing, etc. Diatomaceous Earth will not harm earthworms or beneficial soil microorganisms.


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Snack on the go!

1/9/2015

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Brazil Nuts...high in Selenium!  Great idea for a fast meal on the go! Add chia & flax seeds for even greater nutrition! 
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Pure Herb Specials - January 2015

1/7/2015

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Here are the monthly specials for January and they have some of my personal favorites such as OCM and Three Bees (which my husband loves and feels great on daily)! Oh, I must not forget to tell you that Olive Leaf is also an all time favorite of mine for any kind of attacks with bacteria, virus or whatever may cause the symptoms of a cold or flu. I have it on hand for those days you just need to do some house cleaning. 

Blessings for 2015, Jody

JANUARY SPECIALS
1/1/15 - 1/30/15

From the list below ONLY (4 oz only), purchase three bottles of the same product in the same size, and receive the 4th bottle free. To take advantage of the special , the three bottles purchased and the FREE bottle must be the same product and purchased at the same time from the list below. Example: Purchase three bottles of OLIVE LEAF and receive a fourth bottle of OLIVE LEAF free. No Purchase Volume is paid on any free bottles. 

O.C.-M (LIQUID ONLY) - Beneficial for maintaining healthy, clean arteries.* (Ginkgo , Gotu Kola, Chickweed, Flax and Stone Root) 

O.C.-M - (Oral Chelation = taken by mouth + to claw out) The importance of keeping arteries and veins free of fats, cholesterol and hardened waste mineral accumulation, can be the difference between a normal life and a substandard existence with reduced activity, life expectancy and or memory problems. Oral chelation is the action of taking herbal cleaners and conditioners, by mouth, to prevent and clean out circulatory congestion. Please note, there need be no fear here of congested bits of debris breaking loose, lodging and causing a problem elsewhere. Herbs are intimately well-programed by the Creator to do their job with only intended effects and without dangerous side effects. They can be used with confidence. Chickweed dissolves fat and promotes flexibility. Flax dissolves cholesterol and a type of fat known as triglycerides (glycerol and stearic, oleic and palmitic fatty acids). Stone Root dissolves stone accumulation anywhere in the body, including heart valves, kidneys and bladder, as well as the circulatory system. The leaves of the two herbs, Ginkgo and Gotu Kola, (there is no caffeine in Gotu Kola; this is a miniature water lily, not the kola nut) nourish the brain and nervous system and keep energy flowing to them. In the process, they also build a strong memory and, in the case of a stroke, reverse the damage. If it is known specifically where the blood vessels are congested, such as the neck or the heart, then an external application can be undertaken to speed the process of cleaning and normalization. Apply Vitamin E from 100 i.u. capsules (International Unit, i.u., is an international measurement of liquid vitamins) to the area to prevent irritation, then Herbal Adj. to increase circulation (avoid contact with eyes, underarms and private areas as this can produce a temporary but unpleasant burning sensation, although no permanent damage is done), then apply Oil of Cajeput (with the same precaution as Herbal Adj.) to the skin to break up mucus congestion. Finally, saturate a single layer of cheese cloth or absorbent gauze with O.C.- M. Lay this over the area to be chelated. Cover with plastic sandwich wrap and finally, wrap a cloth around the area to keep all in place overnight. The next morning, discard the application, wash the area and allow to dry, then put on a daytime application just as was done for the night. Continue this procedure for the night and day until chelation is completed and all structures are normal. Keeping a good working circulatory system and correcting a congested circulatory system makes good sense and improves the quality of life. 

COMBINATION: Ginkgo, Gotu Kola, Chickweed, Flax, Stone Root. 

DOSE: 40 to 80 drops, 3 times per day and, as given above. For maintenance of the normal circulatory system, take 40 to 80 drops per day. In the case of a stroke, then the addition of Chestnut Leaf at the rate of 40 to 80 drops taken internally, 3 times per day, is a worth-while addition to complete the repair process and dissolve and prevent blood clots.

A.E.A.-B - Beneficial for supporting a healthy respiratory and sinus system.* (Indian Tobacco, Herbal Adjustment, Thyme Leaf, Rose Hips Fruit and Licorice Root). 

A.E.A.-B (Allergy, Emphysema, Asthma) Is a formula distinguished by its success. It was developed by the noted American herbalist and natural practitioner, Dr. William Horosh for alleviating adverse conditions which primarily attack the respiratory system and those who suffer from allergies. A.E.A.-B is in demand especially during the spring and late summer months when pollen, mold spores, dust and various types of debris are a plague to many. A.E.A.-B helps during the winter months, when the dry, stale air of artificial heating is constantly re-circulated and aggravates breathing problems. A.E.A.-B contains two lung herbs which immediately open breathing passages: Indian Tobacco and Thyme. Indian Tobacco relaxes spastic airways and rids them of hard, dried mucus. Thyme works by actively opening respiratory passageways and acting, in many ways, like a natural cortisone. Licorice Root nourishes the adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney, so that they can make more than two dozen different anti-stress compounds, including your own natural cortisone. The combination, Herbal Adjustment (SEE: Herbal Adj.), within this combination, immediately increases circulation and thus, oxygenation and carries the other herbs of this combination into the tissues. Wild Rose Hips contain a complete form of natural Vitamin C which protects, repairs, prevents and corrects fragile capillaries (tiny, delicate, thin, "work horse" blood vessels which connect the arteries and veins and get blood down to the cellular levels). The lungs contain an army of these capillaries and it is here that oxygen is absorbed and the waste gas carbon dioxide is released. This produces the energy to power the process of life and for correction and refreshment of a tired and exhausted system. 

COMBINATION: Indian Tobacco, Herbal Adjustment, Thyme, Wild Rose Hips, Licorice Root. 

DOSE: 40 to 80 drops as needed. As a maintenance, 40 to 80 drops, 3 times per day. A.E.A.-B can also be rubbed into the chest externally, front and back, several times per day for a continuing corrective action. After applying A.E.A.-B, place a cotton towel on the chest and wear a warm natural fiber garment. This helps to drive the herbs in and breaks loose dried and or congestive mucus. 

NOTE: When using A.E.A.-B avoid contact with eyes, underarm and private areas. If an accident, no permanent damage is known to occur, but there is the sensation of great heat due to the Herbal Adj. portion of this formula and a person might panic if they don't know this. Have patience and calm will return.

THREE BEES - Helps to enhance energy levels and support healthy immune function.* (Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis and Royal Jelly). 

THREE BEES - The best of three bee products are combined in this high energy, antibiotic formula. Bee Pollen (bee collected plant sperm) provides energy, the elements of new life for cell regeneration and antibiotic activity, as well as a high quality protein source and first-rate anti-stress adrenal gland nutrition. Bee Propolis (bee glue) possesses the antibiotic spark to raise immunity levels and get the life systems moving again. Putrid material is rendered harmless. Low-grade fevers disappear. Royal Jelly (Queen Bee food) is that elixir of life which extends the normal life span of an infertile worker bee from a few weeks to several years as a Queen with great fertility. Together, these three bee products provide a powerful formula for the entire nervous system. The body virtually glows with renewed vigor. 

COMBINATION: Bee Pollen, Bee Propolis, Royal Jelly. 

DOSE: 40 drops, 3 times per day. If needed to spark systems back into action, 40 drops per hour, while awake until well. Then as a maintenance, 40 drops, three times per day to stay well.

OLIVE LEAF - Beneficial to help boost immunity, help maintain healthy blood pressure already within the normal range and for occasional fatigue and muscle soreness. 

OLIVE LEAF - The Olive Leaf in liquid extract form is renowned for defeating harmful micro organisms. As an antibiotic, it proceeds with equal ability against virus and bacteria and many types of fungal parasite problems. The Olive Leaf possesses the ability to disrupt the virus when it tries to reproduce and stops it in its tracks. Users also report other categories of improvement, including increased energy with repair of heart and circulatory problems, and normalized blood pressure. Freedom from recurrence of colds and flu with fatigue and muscles soreness, demonstrate Olive Leaf's role in strengthening the immune system's scavenging ability. 

DOSE: 40 to 80 drops (3) times per day. 40 drops per day as a maintenance. 40 drops hourly, if continued antibiotic relief is needed.

FORMULA TWELVE - Helps to nourish and support a healthy gastrointestinal tract.* (Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root and Knitbone). 

FORMULA TWELVE - In French QUEBEC, CANADA, a fine herbal practitioner, Lise Blouin, for years combined the soothing and restorative qualities of three herbs. Slippery Elm, Knitbone (also known as Comfrey) and Marshmallow Root form a team which is excellent for internal and external use on sore and irritated areas. Taken internally, the entire digestive system is coated with a healing, breathing patch. All manner of irritated areas such as lungs, bones, throat, organs and glands are rescued and corrected by this formula. Thank you Lise Blouin for this repair kit "par excellence". And, thank you French QUEBEC. 

COMBINATION: Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, Knitbone. 

DOSE: 1 tsp. to 1 Tbl. full, 4 times per day. As a healing maintenance program, 40 drops per meal.
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A FEW IDEAS FOR THAT UNWANTED COLD OR SYMPTOMS YOU WANT TO KNOCK OUT.... 

1/5/2015

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#1 PRAY! #2 USE WISDOM ON CARING FOR THE TEMPLE! 

Hot Ginger Tea

This is one of the best teas to sip when you’re feeling stuffed up and yucky. The ginger is delicious, warming, a just a little spicy. Aromatic constituents such as capsaicin (found in chilies) or piperine (found in black pepper) are part of a family of compounds that provide numerous healing benefits. In ginger the compound of that family is called gingerol (original, right?), and it helps relieve congestion in a couple of ways. First, it lessens inflammation of mucous membranes that line the nasal passages and the sinus cavity, and this inflammation contributes greatly to the buildup of pressure and congestion. When the swelling goes down, mucous can flow out instead of getting all jammed up. Although slightly less scientific, there’s also the fact that its spiciness has enough of a kick that it can just perfectly loosen up built up phlegm. The tea itself is wonderful for you because you’re getting extra fluids, which your body needs desperately when fighting off an illness, and breathing in the steam vapors can also help loosen up any congestion you may be expecting. The below recipe is for an infusion, rather than a decoction (which is when you actively steep the herb in simmering water), but you can do either or.

You will need…

-6-8 tablespoons of freshly grated ginger root
-A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
-A squirt of lemon juice (optional)
-A dash of honey (optional)
-4 cups of freshly boiled water
-A glass jar (at least 1 quart)

Directions

Place the ginger in a 1 quart glass and sprinkle in some cinnamon if you are using it. Bring the water to a rolling boil, and then carefully pour it into the jar to cover the ginger. Steep for 30-40 minutes, and be sure to cover your jar-this is important because it keeps all that evaporating essential oil goodness right where it belongs-in your cup! Strain (use hot mitts or a towel as the jar may still be quite warm) and then pour yourself a piping fresh mug. You may find that you want to reheat the tea slightly. Add honey and lemon if you are using them, sip and savor, and be sure to breathe in the steam. Store the rest of the tea in the fridge for up to 24 hours, reheating and drinking 3 times throughout the day.

HERE IS ANOTHER IDEA: 

Essential Steam

One beautiful almost instant fix for a stuffy nose is to steam it out. This is a favorite remedy of mine and worth repeating in numerous remedy lists. You can glean the benefits of steam by breathing it in from a mug of hot tea, taking a hot shower, or filling a bowl with a hot water and adding an essential oil. The best essential oils to use for this are the strong ones like tea tree, peppermint, or eucalyptus (tea tree and eucalyptus being the best in my opinion.) The anti-bacterial/anti-viral properties of tea tree oil can be carried via the steam, which will help fight off any bug that you’re battling. Both tea tree and eucalyptus are, of course, rather strong smelling, which also helps dislodge congestion.

You will need…

-5-10 drops of eucalyptus, tea tree oil, or a combination
-A heatproof bowl
-Boiling water
-A towel

Directions

Put the essential oils in the bottom of the bowl and then pour in several cups of boiling water. Start by putting your face over the bowl at a comfortable distance-steam can do some damage if you aren’t careful. Eventually have your face directly about the bowl as close as comfortably possible. Drape the towel over your head to trap all that healing steam, and take deep breaths. Resurface as needed if you become too warm. Have some tissues handy to blow your nose after! Repeat 2-3 times daily, adjusting the amount of essential oil to your preferences. Some people find that too much will make their eyes water, so start with less.
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11 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa 

1/1/2015

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11 Proven Health Benefits of Quinoa (No. 1 is My Favorite)By Kris Gunnars  
Quinoa is the world’s most popular “superfood.”

It is loaded with protein, fiber and minerals, but doesn’t contain any gluten.

Here are 11 proven health benefits of quinoa.

1. Quinoa is Incredibly NutritiousQuinoa is a grain crop that is grown for its edible seeds.
    It is pronounced KEEN-wah.

It technically isn’t a cereal grain, but a pseudo-cereal (1).

In other words, it is basically a “seed” which is prepared and eaten similarly to a grain.

Quinoa was an important crop for the Inca Empire back in the day. They referred to it as the “mother of all grains” and believed it to be sacred.

It has been consumed for thousands of years in South America, although it only became trendy and reached “superfood status” a few years ago.

These days, you can find Quinoa and products made with it all over the world… especially in health food stores and restaurants that emphasize natural foods.

There are three main types of quinoa… white, red and black.

This is what they look like

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Here is the nutrient breakdown for 1 cup of cooked quinoa, or 185 grams (2):

  • Protein: 8 grams.
  • Fiber: 5 grams.
  • Manganese: 58% of the RDA.
  • Magnesium: 30% of the RDA.
  • Phosphorus: 28% of the RDA.
  • Folate: 19% of the RDA.
  • Copper: 18% of the RDA.
  • Iron: 15% of the RDA.
  • Zinc: 13% of the RDA.
  • Potassium: 9% of the RDA.
  • Over 10% of the RDA for Vitamins B1, B2 and B6.
  • Small amounts of Calcium, B3 (Niacin) and Vitamin E


This is coming with a total of 222 calories, with 39 grams of carbs and 4 grams of fat. It also contains a small amount of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Quinoa is non-GMO, Gluten Free and usually grown organically. Even though not technically a grain, it still counts as a “whole grain” food.

NASA scientists have been looking at it as a suitable crop to be grown in outer space, mostly based on its high nutrient content, ease of use and how easy it is to grow (3).

The year 2013 was actually called “The International Year of Quinoa” by the United Nations (UN), based on its high nutrient value and potential to contribute to food security worldwide (4).

Bottom Line: Quinoa is an edible seed that has become very trendy among health conscious people. It is loaded with many important nutrients.



2. Quinoa Contains Potent Bioactive Substances Called Quercetin and Kaempferol

The health effects of real foods go way beyond the vitamins and minerals we’re all familiar with.

There are thousands of trace nutrients in there… and some of them are extremely healthy.

This includes interesting molecules called flavonoids, which are plant antioxidants that have been shown to have all sorts of beneficial effects on health.

Two flavonoids that have been particularly well studied are Quercetin and Kaempferol… and they happen to be found in large amounts in Quinoa (5).

In fact, the quercetin content of quinoa is even higher than typical high-quercetin foods like cranberries (6).

These important molecules have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-cancer and anti-depressant effects… at least in animal studies (7, 8, 9, 10).

By including quinoa in your diet, you will significantly increase your total intake of these (and other) important nutrients.

Bottom Line: Quinoa contains large amounts of flavonoids, including Quercetin and Kaempferol. These are potent plant antioxidants with numerous health benefits.

3. It is Very High in Fiber… Much Higher Than Most Grains

Another important benefit of quinoa is that it is high in fiber.

One study that looked at 4 varieties of quinoa found a range of between 10 and 16 grams of fiber, per every 100 grams of uncooked quinoa (11).

This equals 17-27 grams per cup, which is very high… more than twice as high as most grains. Boiled quinoa contains much less fiber, gram for gram, because it absorbs so much water.

Unfortunately, most of the fiber is insoluble fiber, which doesn’t appear to have the same health benefits as soluble fiber.

That being said, the soluble fiber content is about 2.5 grams per cup (or 1.5 grams per 100 grams), which is still decent.

There are numerous studies showing that soluble fiber can help reduce blood sugar levels, lower cholesterol, increase fullness and help with weight loss (12, 13, 14).


Bottom Line: Quinoa is much higher in fiber than most grains, with one source finding 17-27 grams of fiber per cup of uncooked Quinoa.


4. Quinoa is Gluten Free and Perfect For People With Gluten Intolerance

According to a 2013 survey, about a third of people in the U.S. are currently trying to minimize or avoid gluten.

A gluten-free diet can be healthy, as long as it is based on foods that are naturally gluten free.

The problems arise when people eat “gluten free” foods made with refined starches instead.

These foods are no better than their gluten-containing counterparts, because gluten free junk food is still junk food.

Well… many researchers have been looking at quinoa as a suitable ingredient in a gluten-free diet, for people who don’t want to give up staples like breads and pasta.

Studies have shown that by using quinoa instead of typical gluten-free ingredients like refined tapioca, potato, corn and rice flour, it can dramatically increase the nutrient and antioxidant value of the diet (15, 16).

Bottom Line: Quinoa is naturally free of gluten and using it instead of typical gluten-free ingredients can increase the antioxidant and nutrient value of a gluten-free diet.

 
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5. Quinoa is Very High in Protein, With All The Essential Amino Acids That we Need
 

Protein is made out of amino acids. Some of them are termed “essential” because we can not produce them and need to get them from the diet.

If a food contains all the essential amino acids, it is seen as a “complete” protein.

The problem is that many plant foods are deficient in certain essential amino acids, such as Lysine.

However… quinoa is an exception to this, being particularly high in in all the essential amino acids. For this reason, quinoa is an excellent source of protein. It has both more and better protein than most grains (17).


With 8 grams of quality protein per cup of cooked quinoa (or 4.5 grams per 100 grams), quinoa is an excellent plant-based protein source for vegetarians and vegans.

Bottom Line: Quinoa is high in protein compared to most plant foods and contains all the essential amino acids that we need.

6. Quinoa Has a Low Glycemic Index

The glycemic index is a measure of how quickly foods raise blood sugar levels.

It is known that eating foods that are high on the glycemic index can stimulate hunger and contribute to obesity (18, 19).

Such foods have also been linked to many of the chronic, Western diseases that are so common today… like diabetes and heart disease (20).

Quinoa has a glycemic index of 53, which is considered low (21).

However… it’s important to keep in mind that quinoa is still pretty high in carbs, so it is not a good choice for a low-carb diet, at least not in large amounts.


Bottom Line: The glycemic index of quinoa is around 53, which is considered low. However, it is still relatively high in carbohydrates.

7. It is High in Minerals That Most People Don’t Get Enough of, Especially Magnesium

There are many nutrients in the modern diet that people tend to be lacking in.

This is particularly true of some minerals… especially Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc and (for women) Iron.

Interestingly, quinoa is very high in all 4 minerals. It is particularly high in magnesium, with one cup having about 30% of the RDA.

The problem is that quinoa contains a substance called phytic acid, which can bind these minerals and reduce their absorption (22).

However, by soaking and/or sprouting the quinoa before cooking it, you can reducethe phytic acid content and make these minerals more bioavailable.

Quinoa is also pretty high in oxalates, which reduce the absorption of calcium and can cause problems for certain individuals with recurring kidney stones (23, 24).

Bottom Line: Quinoa is very high in minerals, but the phytic acid can partly prevent them from being absorbed. Soaking or sprouting quinoa degrades most of the phytic acid.


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     Jody

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