It seems Quinoa has gained a reputation similar to the bean – with the majority of the population convinced it’s a high-protein food that’s somehow equivalent to meat.
But just like the bean, it’s far more carbohydrate than it is protein:
And realistically, it’s just another over-hyped seed packed with damaging plant defenses.
“phytic acid reduces the absorption of key minerals like magnesium and zinc).”
“lectins cause intestinal damage…and are recognized as the major anti-nutrient of food.”
Quinoa is the seed of a flowering plant, like chia, flax and hemp. Which makes it somewhat better than grass seed (I suppose), but doesn’t change the fact that it shouldn’t be consumed as a dietary staple.
…or in place of a dietary staple!
Not only because we need animal protein, fat, organs and odd bits to thrive, but because more seeds at more meals means more mineral-stealing phytates, gut-disrupting lectins, and other plant defense mechanisms (like saponins in quinoa) in place to protect the seed. Since this is how it reproduces.
The outer shell of the seed is protecting it’s baby…
As we’ve discussed in great detail in the past, and I’ll mention again:
“other plants have natural defenses…but problems arise when we rely on these foods as our sole source of dietary protein. A few soaked seeds once in a while isn’t going to kill you, but 1 or 2 meals with them EVERY day, and you’ll no doubt experience unfortunate consequences.”
But more importantly, with a high-glycemic seed like quinoa, we’re better off avoiding it entirely. Since you’re ingesting large amounts of anti-nutrients that come with a serious insulin-bomb; leading to the same unfortunate consequences we see with a grain and bean-based diet:
Nutrient Deficient + Insulin Resistant
Something you definitely don’t want, and something that could have easily been prevented by calling Quinoa what it really is – a high-carb seed! Instead of trying to replace the irreplaceable animal protein with a plant-based degenerate.
Frankly, the only seeds of flowering plants you should consider eating are the LCHF (Low Carb High Fat) ones – chia, flax, hemp. And even then, the quantity should look more like a protein serving for bird than a human.
Because unlike the bird, us humans EAT MEAT.
Stay Lean!
Coach Mike
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