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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Frequently Asked Questions
Stuff People Want to Know
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Quinoa Health benefits
It is an excellent source of complete protein and essential amino acids. Studies have shown that people were able to better meet their protein, iron, calcium, and fiber needs, if the primary grain choice is changed to quinoa. This also further improved the B-vitamins in their diet.
Better heart health
Quinoa has no trans fats and about 25% of the fat found in quinoa is oleic acid, a healthy
monounsaturated fat and 8% is alpha-linolenic acid, the type of omega-3 found in plants. Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) has been shown to decrease the risk of death from heart attacks and reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Anti-oxidants and flavonoids
Quinoa’s high quercetin and kaempferol content is important for the reduction of inflammation, a risk factor for chronic diseases.
High vitamin content
Quinoa beats most other grains in their vitamin and mineral content such as riboflavin, magnesium, and iron.
Helps prevent cancer/ reduce the risk for diabetes.
How to use/ consume quinoa
Quinoa needs to be cooked. Some of the uses:
Rice substitute or replacement
Burritos, wraps, sandwiches, salads, porridge (lugaw),arrozcaldo, fried with vegies/eggs.
As sprouts for salads, like alfalfa sprouts.
Quinoa can be added to vegetable soups.
Can be ground as quinoa flour to cook muffins or baked goods.
How to cook quinoa
Quinoa cooks like your usual white or brown rice. Rinse quinoa in a fine strainer and transfer to cooking pot or rice cooker. Put 2 cups water for every 1 cup quinoa. Cook for 15-20mins (simmer after initial boiling) and serve!
Which Quinoa color is the best?
Quinoa has 3 types – White, black and red. They are all almost the same nutritionally. While red and black are chewier, the white variety is the least bitter of the three. Is this organic and non-GMO?
If you are looking for a specific label or certification, this is not certified organic. However, quinoa has natural pest protection due to its saponins = chemical compounds that naturally keep it safe from insects and pests. Also, according to Prevention.com, most quinoa are non-genetically modified.
Is this pre-washed/ pre-rinsed?
YES. Our quinoa has been pre-washed/ pre-rinsed so it won’t irritate your tummy. Although, somewhat beneficial, saponins are the substances that cause gut irritation leading to stomach pains when one consumes unwashed quinoa. Saponins also make quinoa taste bitter. This is the reason why most farmers need NOT spray pesticides as quinoa’s saponins act as pest-repellents. Unless you’re the type that gets peace of mind buying everything organic, save your money to buy produce that must be bought organic (bell peppers, strawberries, apples, etc.).
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Chia Seeds Health benefits
It is a great source of protein and other nutrients such as calcium, protein, vitamins A, B, D, E, copper, iodine, iron, sulphur, potassium, sodium, zinc, manganese, thiamine, niacin, anti-oxidants and silicon.
It promotes healthy skin, reducing signs of aging, supporting the heart and digestive system, building stronger bones and muscles, etc.
Boosts energy and metabolism, combat breast and cervical cancer, promotes dental health.
It can help lower blood pressure, balance hormones, constipation, and dehydration.
Natural appetite suppressant because it makes you feel fuller in two ways:
the rich nutrient content, satisfies your body’s needs. Most of the hunger pangs we feel are due to the body crying out for nutrients!
chia seeds literally give you a feeling of satiety so you don’t crave or mindlessly reach out for that choco bar and cookies in the jar!
How to use/ consume Chia seeds
Chia can be eaten straight/ raw but soaking them (20-30 mins) “sprouts” the seeds, making the nutrients more accessible.
Soaking/ sprouting: 1.5 teaspoons to 1 glass water.
Suggested daily consumption: 15-20grams or 2-3 tbsps (Adults); 10 grams or 1 tbsp (Children). Those who are aiming to use for cardiovascular health support may take 33-45 grams of blended seeds for at least 3 months.
Basic Chia Seed recipes and Uses
Chia Gel.
1 Tbsp to 1 glass water. This produces around 10 Tbsp of Chia gel. Stir to avoid clumping. Put in a plastic/ glass container. Refrigerate for up to 1 week use. This can be used for soups, salads, gravies, juices, coffee, tea, baking. Eating this on its own as a snack can provide energy and the feeling of fullness so you don’t munch on the less healthy snacks and thus, avoid weight gain!
Chia-Milk pudding:
1 Tbsp to 1 cup almond milk/ coconut milk or any milk of your preference. Stir and add in berries, nuts, raisins, goji berries for a healthy snack.
Salads: Sprinkle readily on salads. Alternatively, sprout and soak before mixing.
As thickening agent:
Use to thicken soups, gravies, juices, stews, spaghetti sauce, ramen etc! The possibilities are endless! I make every excuse to include this in our mealsJ
Smoothies, shakes: Boost your energy and fiber consumption by adding in to your favourite fruits for healthier smoothies or shakes.
Cereals:
Want to make that oatmeal or cereal more nutritious? Add in Chia seeds. Same goes for your champorado, lugaw (porridge), arrozcaldo or even your boxed cereals.
Which Chia color is the best?
Chia has 2 types – black or white. Nutritionally, they are almost the same but the black ones are the most popular and cheaper one. Our Chia seeds are predominantly black, yet they are somewhat a mix of black and white. How’s that for getting the best of both worlds?
Is this organic?
If you are looking for a specific label or certification, we do not have this labelled organic. However, our chia seeds are natural and sourced out from small farmers in Bolivia who go by traditional farming practices and do not use pesticides. Furthermore, they do not have the financial capabilities to get a USDA or organic certification.
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