Quinoa: useful properties and contraindications, recipes for the treatment of diseases

Nature has provided humanity with a large number of valuable plants that have a beneficial effect on the body. The use of quinoa, its beneficial properties and possible contraindications are taken into account in the treatment of various diseases. At the same time, the plant is widely used in cooking, especially in a vegetarian diet and for weight loss, due to the high content of protein in the plant.

Short description

Garden quinoa is an erect, annual grass. The trunk is characterized by branching. In height, the plant is up to 180 centimeters. The foliage is distributed alternately on the trunk, different in appearance, elongated, thin, with characteristic notches, emerald hue.Below is a milky leaf plate.

Depending on the species, the foliage is yellow, red. Has a sour taste. Flowers green or red. Quinoa seeds are brownish or black. The plant is monoecious, female and male inflorescences are located on the bush. They are small, green or reddish in color, inflorescences are presented in the form of panicles or spikelets. Blooms throughout the summer, depending on the region of growth.

Chemical composition

The beneficial effect on the body is due to the rich composition. The swan contains:

• vitamin complex: C, P, E, PP, A, B group vitamins (B₁, B₂, B ₄, B₅, B_9);
• amino acids, at least 17 types, some of which are not synthesized in the body;
• elements: iron, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, calcium, copper, zinc, sodium;
• organic acids;
• pectin;
• saponins;
• essential oils;
• protein;
• fiber.

The composition of valuable substances and their amount varies depending on the place of growth.

Varieties of quinoa

The following varieties of quinoa are distinguished:

• wild quinoa - up to 70 centimeters in height, the trunk is upright or creeping, the shoots are horizontal or directed upwards. A film coating is visible along the entire length of the branch, leaf plates are elongated or triangular, the shade is gray-green, sometimes reddish;
• Tatar quinoa - a plant up to a meter tall, annual, trunk upright or lying. The leaves are elongated, slightly oval, with notches, covered with villi, the flowers form spikelets, bordered with leaves;
• headed quinoa - up to 60 centimeters in height, creeping stem, by the end of summer changes color from greenish to red. The leaves are triangular or oval, the flowers form small balls, the female flowers lack a perianth;
• spear-shaped quinoa - up to one meter tall, trunk partially bare, moderately branched, leaf plates are plain on both sides, spear-shaped, attached to the trunk oppositely, flowers gather in small balls;
• elongated quinoa - up to one meter tall, leaves are triangular, oblong, green in color, flowers are also green in color, collected in small balls;
• coastal quinoa - up to 70 centimeters high, trunk partially bare, branched with shoots directed upwards, oval-shaped leaves, narrowed at the base, flowers form elongated spikelets, it is used as food instead of spinach;
• spreading quinoa - up to 1.5 meters tall, branched trunk, leaves with smooth and serrated edges, elongated, with a green tint, the lower tier of leaves is spear-shaped. Flowers green, collected in spikelets;
• arrow-shaped quinoa - up to 1.5 meters in height, the stem is erect, branched, the top of the leaf plate is green, the lower part is silvery, depending on the tier, leaves with a sharp end, heart-shaped or oval, with even sides.

Important! White quinoa looks like edible but is poisonous.

Eating even a small amount causes intoxication, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

What is useful?

The healing qualities of quinoa have long been used in alternative medicine. The benefits of the green part and seeds for the body are expressed in the beneficial effects of vitamins, minerals and other valuable compounds present in the plant.

For bones

Due to the presence of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in the quinoa, it helps to strengthen bone tissue and prevent osteoporosis. Protein is involved in the formation of muscle mass. Vitamins activate regeneration processes.

For the heart and blood vessels

The presence of iron in the plant provides a high level of red blood cells, hemoglobin. The high content of potassium and rutin has a beneficial effect on the heart, is the prevention of sclerosis, heart attack, lowers blood pressure. Fiber promotes the removal of cholesterol, normalizes blood flow.

Used as a hemostatic agent. It is used as a decoction, the course of treatment is no more than 2 weeks, after a break - 2 weeks, then a second course.

For the brain and nerves

The presence of copper, zinc, iron in the swan ensures the full functioning of the brain and the entire nervous system. When used, fatigue, irritation is removed, depression is prevented. Tremors stop in people with Parkinson's disease and sleepiness disappears.

For eyes

Eye he alth is provided by carotenoids and anthocyanins present in the green part of the plant, which prevent the formation of macular degeneration.

For bronchial tubes

Infusion, a decoction of the green part of the quinoa helps to eliminate inflammation in the oral cavity (gums and throat), eliminates unpleasant odors, is used to treat the throat, in diseases of the upper respiratory tract, bronchi, because it has an expectorant, antitussive effect. The decoction dilutes sputum, promotes its excretion.

For the digestive tract

With proper use of fresh leaves and decoction, the digestive tract improves. Quinoa helps to eliminate constipation, cleanse the body, improve liver function, and has an antispasmodic effect. Consumed as juice and fresh leaves.

For kidneys and bladder

The plant is a diuretic, it stimulates urination, improves kidney function, removes excess water, s alt, toxins.

For the reproductive system

Quinoa has a beneficial effect on the female body. With antispasmodic properties, relieves menstrual pain.

For skin

Due to its antioxidant properties, the plant slows down the aging process, which is reflected in the skin. Stimulates the production of collagen, activates the regeneration processes in the body. It has a wound healing, bactericidal effect, relieves inflammation.

For immunity

Quinoa has a general strengthening effect: it improves immunity, cleanses toxins, and neutralizes free radicals. Known blood-purifying properties of the plant. Performance is checked by a blood test.

Application areas

Due to its taste and medicinal properties, the plant has a wide range of uses.

Cooking

The most commonly used garden look. Used when young, before flowering. Mashed potatoes, omelettes, soups, cabbage soup are prepared from leaves scalded with boiling liquid, used as a filling in pies. Fresh quinoa greens are added to salads.

Young shoots with leaves can be fermented like cabbage is cooked. The seeds do not contain gluten and are used to make cereals. After consumption, a feeling of satiety persists for a long time.

The plant has gained great popularity in the vegetarian menu and when losing weight. Due to the high content of protein, the feeling of fullness is maintained for a long time, the body receives important vitamins, elements and valuable compounds.

In folk medicine

The medicinal qualities of the plant are used in folk medicine (traditional medicine does not use them), to prevent the development of various types of diseases and their treatment.In addition to the above diseases, it is used for diabetes, obesity. Take in the form of infusions, decoctions, juice.

Side effects, contraindications

Despite the described positive effect, the plant has a number of contraindications for use:

• chronic digestive disorders;
• urolithiasis;
• bleeding tendency, poor blood clotting.

Excessive consumption of pure seeds can be harmful. It provokes an upset stomach of a long-term nature, attacks of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rashes. In some cases, the risk of gastritis and stomach ulcers increases.

Note! Quinoa is a strong allergen. Some people who are prone to allergies develop negative symptoms for pollen during the flowering period.

Traditional medicine recipes: how to use quinoa

Medicinal plants can be beneficial, but they can also be harmful. It is necessary to take them carefully, adhere to the proportion of preparation of infusions or decoctions, and also follow the course of administration.

Decoction of quinoa seeds

The seeds of the plant are used to make a decoction. Cooking proportions: 15-20 grams per 210 milliliters of water.

For cooking:

1. Seeds pour boiling liquid. Boil for a quarter of an hour.
2. Strain after cooling.

Porridge made from quinoa seeds is similar to buckwheat. It relieves colitis. After 4-5 days of use, constipation disappears, the skin is cleansed. Ground seeds can be added to soups, flour for baking. Just before use, it is recommended to soak for 2-3 hours in water to remove bitterness.

Alcohol tincture of quinoa

Required:

• dry raw materials - 2 tablespoons;
• alcohol - 150 milliliters.

Cooking sequence:

1. Place the grass in a dark container, pour alcohol.
2. Keep in a dark place for two weeks, shaking occasionally.
3. Strain through a cloth. Pour into a dark glass bottle, store in a dark place.

quinoa juice

To obtain juice, you need to use the stem part and foliage of a young quinoa. To better separate the juice, it is recommended to soak the chopped parts of the plant for 2-3 hours in cold water. Pass the raw materials through a meat grinder or chop with a blender, then place in a cloth and wring out.Take 15 milliliters three times a day.

Quinoa juice improves peristalsis, helps cleanse the intestines. When applied externally, it heals wounds. Put the cake from the preparation of juice in a cloth or gauze bag, apply to the wound, use in the treatment of boils.

The steamed quinoa is widely used. It is applied to reduce pain in sciatica, eliminate signs of swelling. Fix the compress all night.

Herb Decoction

Dry raw materials are used to prepare a decoction from a plant. It is used internally and externally: as lotions, compresses, gargling. It also helps to get rid of bad breath if it is not the cause of the disease of the internal organs.

1. Chop stems and leaf plates.
2. Pour a tablespoon of raw materials with 240 milliliters of boiling liquid, simmer for 15 minutes.
3. After cooling, strain, squeeze the cake.
4. Use 40-50 milliliters three times a day.

How to collect and store quinoa?

It is recommended to collect raw materials away from the city, busy roads. Harvest the quinoa before the flowering period. It is at this time that the plant is saturated with valuable components, the leaves are especially tender.

The seeds of the plant also have healing properties. They are harvested as they ripen, dried and stored for up to 3 years. To facilitate the collection of mature branches of quinoa, tie and hang. Spread paper or fabric under them. The plant dries up, the seeds fall off.

To preserve the unique qualities, it is necessary to dry the quinoa in a well-ventilated place, without direct sunlight: in the attic, under a canopy. Raw materials are stored in cotton bags or glass containers.

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