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Keen on Quinoa
A Healthy Grain for Toddlers That's Making a Comeback
By Donna Smith
A recent report from the Institute of Medicine contained a wakeup call for parents: Unless we take action, one in five children in the United States will be obese by the year 2010. Currently, one-third of U.S. children are overweight or at risk.
The good news? Many have already begun eating better and incorporating healthier foods into their children's diets. Quinoa is one such food that is showing up on many kitchen tables across the country.
Quinoa (KEEN-wah) may be a new healthy option for many, but it has been around since the Aztecs. "Quinoa is native to South America, and is most commonly considered a grain," says Peggy O'Shea, a registered dietitian, active member of the American Dietetic Association and Past-President of the Massachusetts Dietetic Association. "In reality, it is actually the seed of a plant that is a relative of leafy green vegetables such as beets, spinach and chard."
Christina Pirello, Emmy-award winning host of PBS's Christina Cooks and author of This Crazy Vegan Life (HP Trade, 2008), says quinoa was lost to us for many years and re-discovered in the 1980s. "It has enjoyed a resurgence for its ease of cooking, delicious flavor and nutrition profile," she says.
Vegetarians should consider including quinoa in their diets. "Quinoa is a nutritional standout largely because of its high protein content – not only is it high in protein, but it's also a complete protein, meaning it supplies nine essential amino acids," says O'Shea. "This makes it a great choice for vegetarians."
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Re: by mom of four on 02/20/2009 02:43AM
My family has been eating quinoa for years now. I used to have to go to the health food store for it, but it's so nice to see now that you can find it at almost any grocery store. My kids loves it, even my 3-year-old. Would love to see some more recipes here for using it.