Quinoa Intolerance – What You Should Know!
Quinoa comes from South America and is considered one of the most important staple foods there. The small grains come with many valuable nutrients. Basically, quinoa actually belongs to the fruit family. However, because it resembles many other cereal grains in appearance, it is often referred to as a so-called pseudo-cereal.
Quinoa is especially regarded as a high-quality food for vegetarians and vegans. This is due to the high protein content in quinoa. But it is also highly valued by people who pay special attention to their diet. The small grains have long been considered a so-called superfood because of their excellent nutritional values.
But what if you suffer from a quinoa allergy? What is a quinoa allergy and what can be done about it? You can read more about it below.
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What is Quinoa?
Quinoa was already cultivated by the Incas, Aztecs, and Mayans. Back then, the small grains were considered an important staple food.
The small grains belong to the amaranth family and are botanically related to spinach and chard. Originally, quinoa was mainly grown in countries like Chile, Bolivia, Peru, and Argentina. They are especially convincing due to their high nutrient content. For this reason, they were first imported to the USA in 1907. Since then, quinoa has become indispensable there. However, the main cultivation areas are still in South America.
Nevertheless, quinoa is also grown in the USA and Europe. The appearance of the plant varies. This is due to the different flower clusters, colors, and grains.
Is Quinoa Hard to Digest?
Basically, quinoa is literally a little powerhouse. The composition of nutrients is almost unique. The small grains not only contain large amounts of protein but also essential amino acids.
Quinoa’s effects are therefore especially positive for the health of organs, as well as muscles and cells. If you regularly eat quinoa, you can basically do without eating meat.
Did you know that quinoa also contains the body’s own amino acid lysine? This particularly contributes to the repair of damaged connective tissue. Enzymes help prevent the destruction of connective tissue. For this reason, quinoa is also considered extremely healthy in terms of cancer prevention. Basically, quinoa can help reduce inflammatory or allergic processes in the body. It is therefore also the perfect substitute for anyone who suffers from a grain intolerance.
Quinoa is gluten-free but still rich in calcium, minerals, vitamins, and magnesium. Eating it can even significantly relieve chronic headaches. Migraine sufferers benefit from consuming quinoa.
The high fiber content also stimulates digestion. Quinoa is therefore easy to digest and does not feel heavy in the stomach. The omega-3 fatty acids it contains also help lower cholesterol levels. The nutrients and vitamins additionally have a positive effect on the heart and the entire organism.
What Nutrients Does Quinoa Contain?
Quinoa is considered a superfood for good reason. In addition to copper and manganese, it contains magnesium. Consuming quinoa therefore contributes to maintaining bone and muscle health. It also strengthens blood vessels and supports the metabolic process in the body through the vitamin B2 it contains.
The grains are also very low in calories. 100 grams contain about 370 calories. They include 9 grams of carbohydrates, about 13 grams of protein, and 6 grams of fat. This superfood is one of the foods with the highest protein content. It is therefore especially suitable for vegans, but also for vegetarians or people who do a lot of sports.
The pseudo-cereal is therefore not only tasty but also a sensible part of a healthy diet.
What is a Quinoa Allergy?
Basically, a quinoa allergy is rare. However, due to the high content of saponins, intolerance can be triggered especially in children. These are biological compounds found exclusively in plant tissue.
Saponins consist of a sugar part and a non-sugar part. The natural bitter substance can trigger a quinoa allergy in children.
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For this reason, children should only start eating quinoa from the age of two. In adults, a quinoa allergy is rare but can still occur. Doctors also refer to intolerance to quinoa as a saponin allergy. The symptoms are very similar to a classic food allergy.
Depending on how severely you are affected by the allergy or intolerance, symptoms after consumption can include breathing difficulties, a rapid heartbeat, and a drop in blood pressure. These symptoms should not be underestimated. Pay attention to your body and react quickly in an emergency.
Symptoms such as shortness of breath can be signs of an anaphylactic shock and must be taken seriously in any case. This is a medical emergency that requires urgent medical treatment.
Other symptoms of a quinoa allergy include coughing or difficulty swallowing. Hoarseness or a dry throat also indicate a quinoa intolerance. The digestive tract is often strongly affected in cases of intolerance. Symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea, and even vomiting are therefore not uncommon.
An intolerance to quinoa does not have to exist from the start. It can also develop later in life. For example, if you were able to eat quinoa without problems when you were young, that does not mean it will always be the case. Pay attention to your body and respond to symptoms after eating quinoa.
What Causes Quinoa Intolerance?
The reaction to quinoa is not caused by the quinoa itself but rather by the saponins it contains. These naturally protect quinoa from insects.
Some people are particularly sensitive to saponins. If you suffer from a quinoa allergy, it can help to soak the grains in water for 30 minutes before cooking. This washes away the saponins, allowing you to consume the superfood without worries afterward.
Of course, this depends on how severe your allergy is. Some people still react strongly allergic to quinoa. In that case, the only solution is complete avoidance.
What to Do in Case of a Saponin Allergy?
Saponins are not only found on quinoa but also on many different legumes. Chickpeas and beans are also affected. It is therefore important to completely avoid the allergen if you suffer from a saponin allergy.
Good alternatives are, for example, corn, couscous, oatmeal, or rice. Barley and rye are also free of saponins.
When shopping, however, you still need to pay close attention to labels, especially on ready-made products. Read carefully whether saponins are included. Quinoa often appears in mixed salads or vegetarian meat substitutes.
Saponin allergies often trigger so-called cross-reactions. For example, if you react sensitively to quinoa, it is not uncommon to also be allergic to apples.
Basically, you should get tested if you suspect an intolerance. This way, you not only gain certainty but also know exactly which foods you should better avoid.
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