Is Quinoa a Rich Source of Protein or Carb?

Ever wondered if quinoa is a protein or a carbohydrate-rich source of food?

Despite all the information out there, many people still get confused about the true nature of quinoa. No wonder, it is often called the “pseudo-cereal”

So, is quinoa a protein or a carb?

Quinoa is considered a rich source of protein as well as carbohydrates. It contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also rich in carbohydrate which is found in the seeds. It is gluten-free and so, makes it a great choice for those who are gluten intolerant.

Quinoa is not only known for its protein and carbohydrate content. It contains excellent amounts of minerals and vitamins as well, hence a reason it is considered a superfood. Below is the nutritional profile of cooked quinoa. 

Table: Quinoa Protein vs Carb Nutrition Facts Per 100g

Name	Amount per 100g
Protein	4.4g
Carbohydrates	21.3g

Carbohydrate Profile of Quinoa

Quinoa has more protein, carbohydrates, and fats than other grains such as rice and oats. The extraordinary balance of these nutrients makes quinoa a highly nutritious, whole food.

Protein Profile of Quinoa

Quinoa is a rich source of protein. Dry quinoa, for instance, has 16% protein. The high protein content in quinoa also makes it a great alternative to dairy products. 

According to the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO), you can liken quinoa’s protein content to that of dried whole milk (casein). 

Quinoa’s protein content deserves all the praise because it also has a high digestibility score.

Proteins in raw quinoa are about 92% absorbable, while those in cooked quinoa are almost 95% absorbable.

Furthermore, quinoa is an excellent plant-based source of protein. It contains the amino acid lysine, which is absent in other plant-based proteins.

Other particular amino acids found in quinoa and lacking in other grains include histidine and methionine.

A lot of plant proteins are incomplete, lacking in one essential amino acid or another. 

Nonetheless, if you are on a plant-based diet, eating quinoa will provide you with all the essential protein blocks you need.

Why is Quinoa Classified as a Grain?

Quinoa is classified as a grain because of its dietary provisions and similarity with grains. In addition, its method of preparation is identical to other grains.

Although not a complete grain since it is from a dicotyledonous plant, quinoa seeds are consumed as grains. Plus, their nutritional profile is almost similar to that of other grains.

Why is Quinoa Not a Grain?

Morphologically speaking and contrary to widespread knowledge, quinoa is a seed and not a grain. However, it is often referred to as a “grain” or more appropriately a “pseudo-cereal”.

Why then is it known as a pseudo-cereal?

Here are some reasons.

Similar Nutritional Profile with Grains

Quinoa has a similar nutritional profile to most other grains.

Seeds are Consumed as grains

Although not a complete grain since it is from a dicotyledonous plant, quinoa seeds are consumed as grains. Plus, their nutritional profile is almost similar to that of other grains.

More shocking is that quinoa comes from the family Amaranthaceae, which also includes Swiss chard, beet, and spinach. This places it further away from grains.

Quinoa is a dicot, whereas most grains are monocots

Additionally, many grains come from grasses and are monocots. Quinoa, on the other hand, comes from the flowering Chenopodium plant which is a dicot. 

Even then, it is more accurate to call quinoa a pseudo-cereal rather than a grain. Although such cereals (pseudo-cereals) are similar to grains in most ways.

Quinoa, unlike Grains is gluten-free

Quinoa is gluten-free, unlike most other grains. Although it is also just as high in vitamins, proteins, and other nutrients as whole grains.

You can liken it to buckwheat which is another pseudo-cereal.

Is Quinoa high in Protein?

Quinoa is an excellent source of protein, containing as much as 4g per 100g cup of cooked quinoa.

Why is Quinoa a Complete Protein?

Quinoa is a complete protein because it has all nine essential amino acids. Amino acids are tiny blocks of compounds that make up proteins. These amino acids include:

• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Leucine
• Lysine
• Methionine
• Phenylalanine
• Threonine
• Tryptophan, and 
• Valine

Additionally, the protein content in this pseudo-grain is superior to those of other cereal grains. 

Your body needs a total of 20 amino acids to function and grow optimally. However, of this number, only nine are categorized as essential.

Your body cannot manufacture essential amino acids; therefore, you need to obtain them through your diet. They are critical components in your overall well-being since they help regulate immune function and build muscle.

Conclusion

Although many people get confused when it comes to Quinoa being a protein or a carb, it does not take away the fact that it is a superfood that can make a great addition to your meals. More important to note the fact that it is gluten-free, so this makes it a great choice for those who are gluten intolerant.