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Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa)

Background

  • Quinoa has been cultivated in the Andes Incas for thousands of years. It has recently gained prominence around the world as a "super food" due to its high protein content. Although quinoa is high in protein content, it alone does not have enough protein to replace meat in the Western European diet, due to current cultivation, technological, and processing restrictions. Quinoa is also used by some people as a substitute for wheat, especially those on a gluten-free diet due to celiac disease or other conditions.
  • Other than its use as a food, there is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of quinoa for any indication.

References

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  • Ogungbenle HN. Nutritional evaluation and functional properties of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) flour. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2003;54(2):153-158.
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  • Ruales J, de Grijalva Y, Lopez-Jaramillo P, et al. The nutritional quality of an infant food from quinoa and its effect on the plasma level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in undernourished children. Int J Food Sci Nutr 2002;53(2):143-154.
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  • Ruales J, Nair BM. Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa willd) an important Andean food crop. Arch Latinoam.Nutr 1992;42(3):232-241.
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  • Thompson T. Case problem: questions regarding the acceptability of buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, and oats from a patient with celiac disease. J Am Diet.Assoc 2001;101(5):586-587.
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  • Valencia S, Svanberg U, Sandberg AS, et al. Processing of quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa, Willd): effects on in vitro iron availability and phytate hydrolysis. Int J Food Sci Nutr 1999;50(3):203-211.
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Disclaimer: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.