Quinoa Protein

Quinoa protein: Quinoa is a plant-based complete protein that contains about four (4) grams of protein per one half cup.

Keep reading to find out...

• Why protein is so important for your body
  
  
• How the amount of protein in quinoa compares to that of similar foods
  
  
• Why it matters to you that quinoa is a complete protein

Quinoa Protein: Why You Need Protein

The “experts” recommend that everyone over the age of thirteen consume more than forty-five (45) grams of protein every day.

If you’re like me, you might wonder why you need so much protein.

Here’s why -- Protein plays a vital role in your body by...

• Repairing and building tissues
  
  
• Creating enzymes and hormones
  
  
• Building blood, skin, bone, muscle, and cartilage

So as the quinoa-lover you are, you’d hope that quinoa would have a good amount of this stuff! Let’s see if that’s the case...

Quinoa Protein: How Much Protein Quinoa and Similar Foods Contain

A half-cup of cooked quinoa gives you four (4) grams of protein.

Let’s see how that compares to other similar foods...

For example, a half-cup of cooked white rice contains two (2) grams of protein. And a half-cup of cooked couscous gives you only three (3) grams of protein.

So quinoa’s protein content is higher than these other plant-based foods. Great!

But how does quinoa’s protein content compare with animal-based foods?

It’s true that meat and dairy contain a lot of protein. But these kinds of foods also have their problems.

Sure, you can go to McDonald’s and slap down some money for a nice greasy Big Mac and consume about half your daily recommended protein in one sitting. But consider the following...

So while quinoa may not have as much protein as animal-based foods, it’s generally healthier. And the protein it does contain -- like the meat found in a Big Mac -- is what we’d call complete.

That’s right. Quinoa is a complete protein! Let’s find out what that means...

Quinoa Protein: Is Quinoa a Complete Protein?

A complete protein is one that contains all nine (9) of the essential amino acids your body needs to sustain itself.

(For those interested, the nine essential amino acids are as follows: Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Threonine, Tryptophan, and Valine. To get the exact amount of each amino acid in quinoa, read "Quinoa Nutrients: Amino Acids." )

While all animal protein is complete, quinoa is one of the few plant-based complete proteins.

So, I suppose -- if you really wanted to -- you could eat only quinoa and get all the protein your body needs. Of course, as much as we love quinoa, we don’t recommend such a diet!

To summarize... Quinoa is a healthy and substantial source of all the essential amino acids that your body needs to function.

What’s Next?

If you like what you’ve read about quinoa protein on this page, read “Quinoa Nutrition” to get the facts on quinoa’s fat, caloric, and carbohydrate content, and so much more! 

Or see how you can include this wonderful complete protein into a delicious dish by visiting “Quinoa Recipes”.

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