Food, Health

Food And Drinks For A Healthy Heart

QUINOA

BBC Good Food

Quinoa (pronounced “keen-wah”) is a kind of grain that is rich in fiber and iron, both of which are good for blood condition. This grain is also proven to reduce the amount of low-density lipoprotein, the bad cholesterol, in the bloodstream.

Among the many other nutrients in quinoa is protein. The amount of protein in a portion of quinoa is much more than what you would find in the same amount of oats. This protein is important for repair of cell damage, especially in the muscles. And remember, the heart is a muscle.

As a muscle, the heart needs potassium, a mineral that quinoa is also rich in. Potassium has a lot of benefits to the body, especially in maintaining good muscle function and, along with protein, rebuilding and growing muscles. Potassium is especially essential in maintaining a regular heartbeat.

Quinoa is cooked like rice. Once cooked, it can actually replace your rice in your meals. Adding herbs and spices to make it taste better is a good idea, but avoid putting salt for flavor, as salt will contribute to the “extra sodium” you would best avoid putting in your bloodstream. You can try eating your quinoa with your usual proteins in a meal, like skinless chicken breast or lean meat.