Learn How to Make Quinoa Milk and its Benefits
Quinoa milk is a vegetable drink that you can prepar easily at home. It’s a valid alternative to vary the diet and, at the same time, complement it.
Although quinoa (or quinua) is often used in cooking in the same way as cereals, it’s actually a pseudocereal. It is a gluten-free food, which contains a large amount of proteins and other nutrients necessary for the health of the whole organism. For this reason, it is one of the most recommended ingredients for vegetarian and vegan diets.
According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO):
“Quinoa, is the only plant food that possesses all the essential amino acids, trace elements, and vitamins, and is gluten-free. The essential amino acids are found in the kernel of the grain, unlike other cereals that have them in the exosperm or husk, such as rice or wheat”.
In view of the above, there are those who consider quinoa (and its different formats) a true “superfood”.
Best of all, it’s very easy to digest. It has few calories, and is good for people with celiac disease. If you haven’t yet incorporated it into your diet, take note of the benefits of quinoa and the delicious recipe we’ll show you!
We also recommend: All About Celiac Disease or Gluten Intolerance
Quinoa milk: A vegetable drink with many benefits
Unlike other vegetable milks, quinoa milk is a drink that’s rich in proteins, fiber, and antioxidants. With a small number of calories, it’s a significant source of:
- Vitamins (C, E, and B-complex)
- Dietary fiber
- Minerals (iron, potassium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc)
- Linoleic acid
- Phytoestrogens
How do you make it?
Making quinoa milk is very easy. It doesn’t take much time, and its ingredients are easy to find at your supermarket.
The original recipe is made with water and quinoa. However, today we’re going to suggest adding an extra touch of flavor with a little vanilla and cinnamon.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of quinoa seeds
- 6 cups of water
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- A teaspoon of cinnamon powder
- 1 tablespoon of honey (optional)
Instructions
- Put the quinoa in a container, cover it with water, and let it soak all night long.
- The next day, drain the quinoa and put the seeds in a pot with two cups of water.
- Cook them until they soften. Then, pour them in your blender with another two cups of water.
- Blend it on high speed until you get a smooth drink.
- Then, add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and let it sit for a few minutes.
- Strain the milk through a fine strainer to separate the liquid from what’s left of the seeds.
- Serve it cold or hot. If you want, sweeten it with a tablespoon of honey.
What are the benefits of quinoa milk?
Due to its complete nutritional composition, regular consumption of quinoa milk brings many benefits to the body. Take note of the following:
Contributes to muscle and bone health
Given its protein content, quinoa milk contributes to strengthening and stimulating the growth of muscle mass. This makes it a recommended food for athletes and people with a very active lifestyle.
Also, some of its nutrients have anti-inflammatory properties that can contribute to the relief in case of suffering any type of discomfort related to the muscular apparatus.
Facilitates digestion and intestinal transit
At the same time, quinoa milk can be helpful in relieving constipation and digestive disorders, as it provides dietary fiber and other substances necessary for optimal functioning of the stomach and intestine.
It’s also one of the best supplements for healthy weight loss. This is because its caloric intake is minimal, it’s very satiating, and its nutrients support the function of the metabolism.
You should also know that it can be useful against dehydration and diarrhea, since its minerals and other nutrients help the body to recover.
Discover more: How to Make Quinoa and Garbanzo Meatballs
Other benefits
Finally, we can’t forget that the omega-3 fatty acids in quinoa milk help control cholesterol levels, as well as other problems that affect cardiovascular health.
At the same time, if you want to stop drinking cow’s milk, quinoa milk is a very interesting alternative, since it’s lactose-free and contains calcium and other essential minerals.
It’s also possible to incorporate it into your beauty routine, not only because it’s believed to help regulate the pH of the skin, but also because it could help fight excess oil.
According to popular beliefs, when applied to the hair, it helps to moisturize the hair when it’s dry. It also helps to prevent loss of volume.
Need more reasons to prepare it? Let’s get to work! Follow the steps and enjoy its benefits from now on.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
-
Vega-Gálvez, A., Miranda, M., Vergara, J., Uribe, E., Puente, L., & Martínez, E. A. (2010). Nutrition facts and functional potential of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd.), an ancient Andean grain: A review. Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture. http://doi.org/10.1002/jsfa.4158
-
Abugoch James, L. E. (2009). Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.): Composition, chemistry, nutritional, and functional properties. Advances in Food and Nutrition Research. http://doi.org/10.1016/S1043-4526(09)58001-1