Is Quinoa Gluten Free? A Must-Read Guide for Celiac Patients

Is Quinoa Gluten Free? Yes, quinoa is a gluten-free grain that is very popular for its delicious taste, nutritional benefits, and easy-to-cook recipes.

Once you learn about its health benefits, series of nutrients and tasteful balance, you will crave it more than ever.

Is Quinoa Gluten Free? Here is What You Need to Know

Quinoa is a nutrient-loaded pseudocereal used and liked by almost everyone around the world. Despite its health benefits and wonderful nutritional profile, many people are in doubt about whether it’s gluten-free or not.

If you are also one of them, this article is for you. Here, we will discuss quinoa as a gluten-free grain and what makes it a champion of a gluten-free diet.

Including Gluten Free Quinoa to Your Diet: Benefits

Quinoa is all loaded with a dense amount of antioxidants, fiber, calcium, iron, and protein. There are only a few known plant foods that are a complete protein package, and yes, quinoa is one of them, containing nine amino acids.

A bird’s eye view of the nutrition facts of gluten-free quinoa:

Source: ScienceDirect

Hence, for those hunting for foods on a gluten-free diet, quinoa is the best gluten-free option to be consumed. It is also consumed by those suffering with celiac disease but in the right way with a calculated portion

Which Quinoa is not Gluten Free?

Quinoa is a gluten-free grain, but there are still chances that it may get contaminated and might no longer remain gluten-free. Such grains are harvested alongside others like barley and wheat, leading to cross-contact. It makes such grains unsafe for those with celiac disease. 

For it, you must look for a certified brand labeled as gluten-free to ensure a safe in-take.

Moreover, while looking for gluten-free quinoa in restaurants, you must ask for the method of its preparation.
Many prepare it either in broth containing gluten rather than simple water or in pans already used for food containing gluten, leading to contamination. It makes it unsafe for those with celiac disease.

Nutritional Profile of Gluten Free Quinoa: A Superfood

Quinoa is a gluten free wealth of nutrients and is superfood for all. With its low glycemic index, a scale measuring the impact of carbohydrates on blood sugar, quinoa is a treat for those with celiac disease.

Half a cup of cooked quinoa contains 39 g of carbohydrate and it is still low on the glycemic index as it is packed with protein and densely loaded with fiber.

But one must keep an eye on the size of their serving, especially for those following a keto or low-carb diet.

Best Ways to Prepare Gluten Free Quinoa

The nutty, delicious, and sweet taste of quinoa works best for a number of dishes, and they’re all yummy.

There are a variety of ways to prepare gluten free quinoa as it is so easy to cook just in no time.

One easy recipe is to take one part of quinoa and two parts of water or any gluten-free broth and wait till it boils. Now cook it on a low flame for around 15 to 20 minutes until all the liquid gets absorbed in gluten-free quinoa. Now it’s ready.

To enhance the flavor, you can add other items of your choice, from gluten-free cereals to cooked veggies or salads.

If you have a sweet tooth, you can replace regular flour with quinoa flour and bake tasteful brownies, cookies, and everyone’s favorite pancakes.

Some Other easy to consume quinoa once cooked;

Who Should be Concerned about Gluten Free Quinoa?

Quinoa is surely a gluten free food, but for a few people with celiac disease , the compounds gluten free quinoa contains can sometimes cause trouble.

In a test tube study, when a number of quinoa varieties were analyzed, it was concluded that in a sample of people with celiac disease, a few of these types resulted in triggering of an immune response.

Source: PubMed

But another study had reflected that if such people consume 50g or 1.8 ounces of quinoa daily, they can tolerate it in a good way and it is safe because it makes it a best substitute for gluten containing grains.

Source: PubMed

Therefore, one suffering from such a condition must be mindful of the quantity being consumed and can increase it gradually as per tolerance.

In any case, you must go for a gluten-free quinoa from certified brands.

Other Gluten Free Grains Alternative to Quinoa

There are some other gluten free grains easily available in addition to quinoa. Some of them are

• Millet
• Sorghum
• Rice
• Corn
• buckwheat

But be mindful of the nutritional facts, side effects, and portion size of these grains, especially for those with celiac disease.

Your Go-To Grain for Gluten-Free Living: Quinoa

Is Quinoa Gluten Free? We’ve explained this query in detail. Yes, Quinoa is gluten-free and a nutrient-dense grain. From fiber to protein, iron, and a number of other nutrients, quinoa is a superfood.

Though it is gluten-free, cross-contact with other grains while harvesting might lead to its contamination and could be problematic for those with celiac disease. 

Therefore, one must buy gluten-free quinoa from a certified brand and should be aware of the right portion size and the capacity of your body to tolerate it.

Also Read About: Are Funyuns Gluten Free?