Quinoa Labeled As New Super Food
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Blueberries, spinach, and salmon, there's a new super food on the block. It looks kind of like rice, and dates back to ancient South America.
It's got a funny name and is pronounced like "keen-wah."
"A lot of people do not know about quinoa. And they pronounce it 'quin-i-wa'. What is this 'quin-a-wa'?" Nutritionist Sally Eisenberg said.
Foodies have known about quinoa for years, but now it's going mainstream and is becoming a popular item in chain grocery stores.
"People are catching on, and it's about time," Eisenberg said.
She said quinoa is a unique, complete carbohydrate and a lot more.
"It's also a whole protein, has all seven amino acids, which makes it just a super food," Eisenberg said.
It has the same kind of super-charged protein that's found in meat and eggs, but in a healthier form.
"I think this is great if it has all the proteins in it," Phillipa Martin said.
Quinoa is also loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which is especially good for dieters to keep you fuller longer.
"It's sort of a one stop shop," Eisenberg said.
Quinoa is sold with other grains like rice, and now there's even a quinoa pasta.
"You're going to love the way this tastes. You're going to love how quickly it cooks. It's versatile. It's easy, and it's a staple that your whole family will enjoy," Eisenberg said.
It tastes like a nutty, bland rice that takes on the flavor of whatever you mix with it. One thing to watch out for is its 172 calories, in a quarter cup.
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