Natural Health Tip – Eat QuinoaBy Gary Scott Ecuadorians are noted as the longest lived people on earth. This in part is from Andean foods and nutritional habits that began long ago. Since ancient times Andean Yatchaks, Shamans and Curanderos have taught healthy living supported by good nutrition. They based these healthy lifestyles on three ideals; clean food, good food combinations and a correct fat, carbohydrate and protein balance. At El Meson de las Flores in Cotacachi, The Quinoa Café, celebrates the wisdom of the past and combines it with the unity of mankind. We serve special Andean meals flavored by famous foods of the world. The Cafe’s core bill of fare is Quinoa, often referred to as the Andean grain, a wonderful food, native to the Andes. Quinoa sustained the ancient Incas and has been grown continuously for over 5,000 years. The plant thrives in the high mountain terrain of South America’s Andes. Quinoa has been described as the supergrain. Actually it is the SEED of a leafy plant that's related to spinach. What makes quinoa special is that it has a very high protein content, more than any single grain. Plus unlike grain, Quinoa has the amino acid lysine, so the protein is complete. The World Health Organization ranks quinoa protein equivalent to milk. Quinoa offers more iron than grains and contains magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, riboflavin, thiamin, B vitamins: B6, niacin, magnesium, zinc, copper. It is also a good source of folate (folic acid). Quinoa is delicious and can be substituted for almost any other grain so we can serve up delicious meals that are well known in the world and are naturally filled with protein, vitamins and high energy from the Andes. For example there is Quinoa Amazonia (Quinoa, Coco, Tropical fruit & Macadamian Nuts), Quinoa Paella Espanol (Shrimp, Corvina, Saffron, Chives, Bell Peppers and Onions), Quinoa Italiana (Organic Ground Beef and Marinara sauce), Quinoa Tabuli Middle Eastern (Feta Cheese, Olives, Tomatoes and Mint Drizzled in Olive Oil) , Quinoa North Americana (Chili, Ground beef, Tomatoes and Peppers), Quinoa Asian (Chinese Vegetables, Egg, Spring Onion and Chicken), Quinoa Andean (Yapangachos, Choclo and Cheese and Egg) and Quinoa Curry India (Cumin, Spices, Vegetables). (See our chef below.) A lot of stress comes from poor nutrition. Eating Quinoa offers an optional, delicious food that can enhance your rest and boost your energy and heath as well as reduce your weight without any feelings of giving up or not enjoying your food. The most important investment we can make is in sound minds and good health! Merri and I spend weeks every year in cleansing routines and at Ayurvedic Clinics to keep our vitality high and thinking clear. We gain better health and reduce stress. Now we are bringing this opportunity to you. Vaidya K.S. Mishra is a special ayurvedic healer who comes from a long heritage of healers. He is a master healer in the eight avenues of healing. Join us and learn from Dr. Mishra. Relax at the same time. Enjoy our cedar Japanese Ofuru soaking tub (filled with the historic mineral sacred waters). Eat Merri’s simple, healthy, home cooking. Stroll in our mountain meadows, loll by the creek. Smell the wildflowers! To enroll or for more details Until next message, good health and wealth to you! Here is our Chef Santiago and server Consuelo with quinoa soup and a quinoa curry. Santiago has also been making a wonderful soup with quinoa balls. Each ball has meat or cheese inside. He also makes excellent quinoa empanadas with meat and cheese fillings.
P.S. The ultimate freedom comes from the ability to earn anywhere in the world. Join us in Ecuador July 7-15 for our next Super Thinking - Super Spanish course. Learn how to learn better. Speak Spanish. Eat Quinoa. FOR MORE DETAILS June, 2006 |
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