Quinoa and Amaranth- Super foods

Quinoa  and Amaranth are wonderful grains that can be used for even the littlest babies! Rice cereal is an option, but it does not have the protein and vitamins that these two grains have. So, why not mix it up and try something new? You can find these at your local Whole Foods or other health/organic store and there are tons of ways to use this not only as a food for your baby- but in recipes for the entire family!

A Bit of History and Their Origins

Quinoa grain dates back over 5000 years especially in Andean areas in South America, which are now territories of Peru and Bolivia. The people considered it sacred and used in religious rituals.

It grows wild in the Andes at high elevations between 3000 and 4000 meters (10000 to 13000ft approx).
The Incas even called it the "mother grain" (not for less) for its importance of growing up in extreme conditions - a true gift from the gods!

Amaranth (Amaranto in Spanish) they're a generic world type of plants but I'll refer only to amaranth grain. They're very old, thousands of years and were used by the Aztecs for their rituals. The grains were crushed, mixed with honey and shaped to a form of gods, for use in religious ceremonies. Today is mainly found in small quantity in Mexico, Guatemala and Peru.

Super Cereals and Benefits

Actually, they're considered technically (pseudocereals) but isn't the case...

What is Quinoa or the Amaranth nutritionally?

• The main feature is their high proportion of protein up to 18% against 10-14% of classic cereals.
• Their proteins have high proportions of essential amino acids that the body does not produce, such as cysteine, lysine and methionine.
• Both wheat and rice are low in essential amino acids…the contrary to the quinoa or the amaranth oops!
• According to FAO and WHO these grains are almost perfect and balanced for its protein value (leaving behind to cow's milk, soy, beef, wheat and maize).
• They're richer in iron, phosphorus, fiber, vitamin E (and several more of the alphabet) than the conventional grains. An idea, a cup of quinoa has 51 mg in calcium to 28 mg of the classic cereals.
• 400 calories per 0,1 kg (0.2 lbs) - totally useful for kids, pregnant women and athletes.
• For cases of gluten-free diets (celiac disease) are absolutely perfect, hence the huge amount of gluten free food recipes available include them! Vegans delight as well and they're wonderful in healthy eating plans.

Read more: http://www.sweetsfoods.com/2009/01/quinoa-amaranth-grains-what-they-have.html#ixzz0mckuEYis