About Quinoa

Quinoa is an edible seed and resembles a grain even though it is not categorized as such. The leaves of the plant are used for preparing many vegetarian side dishes. Like rice, you need to boil quinoa to cook it. To increase the nutritional value of quinoa, you can even eat it in the form of sprouts.

History of Quinoa                                                                                       

Even though quinoa made its debut in the US just recently, this seed has been cultivated and consumed in the Andean mountain areas of Bolivia, Peru, and Chile for the past 5000 years. Quinoa is a staple food in the diet of Native Indians, who refer to this food as the “mother seed”. After being impressed with the goodness of this food grain, two Americans began cultivating this crop in Colorado during the 1980s. Today, many Americans are taking advantage of this nutritious food.

Health Benefits of Quinoa

• Quinoa contains 12-15% more proteins than either rice or wheat and is packed with all the 8 essential amino acids.
• Quinoa is gluten free. Therefore, it is an ideal carbohydrate for individuals suffering from Celiac disease.
• Quinoa contains high levels of proteins, Vitamin E, B1, iron, and phosphorus.
• Quinoa has a low glycemic index, making it ideal for weight watchers and diabetics.
• Quinoa is also a good source of calcium, folate, zinc, and other essential minerals needed for good skin, hair, and a healthy heart.

About Honey

Honey is a natural and organic sugar alternative that has a long shelf life. Honey was one of the most precious commodities during ancient times. This natural sweetener was once used as a currency.  German property owners often paid their peasants in the form of beeswax and honey. The word honey is derived from the Old English term “hunig”, which means sweet.

History of Honey

The origin of honey can be traced back to 2100 BC, where it has finds numerous mentions in the sacred texts of Egypt, India, Babylon, and Sumeria. According to a Greek legend, Cupid used to strike unsuspecting lovers with arrows dipped in honey. Mead, an alcoholic drink used in various religious rituals and known as the “nectar of the Lords”, contains honey. In ancient times, honey was used for making not just beverages and food, but also for medicinal purposes and to create furniture varnishes, polishes, and even cement.

Health Benefits of Honey

• Honey is an energy booster. A teaspoon of honey with lemon water on an empty stomach kicks up the metabolic rate and boosts weight loss. Replacing sugar in drinks with honey makes a person feel vibrant throughout the day.
• Honey possesses anti-bacterial and antioxidant properties that can improve your digestive processes and boost immunity.
• Honey is useful for treating hangovers and sore throats.
• A glass of warm milk with honey at night helps fight insomnia.
• When taken with apple cider vinegar, honey helps fight migraines, stomach disorders, and constipation.
• Honey applied to the skin yields a supple, softer, and glowing complexion.