The healing qualities of different plant-based foods is truly incredible. Here’s this month’s spotlights!

QUINOA:

What is it?
Quinoa is a gluten-free seed grown on the Chenopadium quinoa plant, originally grown in the mountains of South America. There are over 120 varieties, but the three you will commonly find are red, white, and black quinoa.

What makes it great?
Quinoa contains all 20 amino acids, making it a complete protein. It also helps to decrease inflammation, and acts as a prebiotic, feeding the good bacteria in your gut to aid in overall health. The carbohydrates in quinoa provide you with energy, while the insoluble fiber provides satiety and better digestion. Quinoa is a great source of zinc, iron, copper, and B vitamins, and is high in magnesium which aids in the health of your hormones and digestive enzymes. Lastly, it contains lunacin, a peptide that has the ability to cling to and kill cancer cells!

How do you use it?
You cook quinoa much like rice (1 part grain, 2 parts water). A quick google search will give you specifications. Unless it’s pre-rinsed, it’s recommended to “rinse” your quinoa and then pour it through a tight strainer or a cheese cloth before cooking, in order to eliminate any bitter taste. After it’s been cooked, it will store great in a glass container in the fridge to use throughout the week. I like to cook it in a pot with rice (1/2 cup quinoa, 1/2 cup rice, 2 cups water) for a hearty dinner base. You can also stir it into a fresh salad, add it to a savory dish with roasted vegetables and your favorite dressing, or warm it for breakfast and top with cooked cinnamon apples, almond milk, and honey for a morning porridge.

What does it taste like?
Quinoa has a mild and earthy taste.

Where can you buy it?
You can find quinoa at most grocers with other grains, or in the bulk section.

How much is a serving size?
One cup cooked quinoa contains 8 grams of protein, but eat until you feel satisfied!

LEMONS:

What is it?
Lemons are of the citrus family and typically come in three types: Eureka, Meyer, and Lisbon.


What makes it great?
The acid in lemons acts similarly to stomach acid, and therefore aids in digestion and increases nutrient absorption and detoxification. Lemons can also be helpful with skin clarity as they promote detoxification and collagen production. Their high vitamin C content boosts the immune system, and their negatively-charged ions will help to increase your energy similar to morning coffee, but without the caffeine!


How do you use it?
Squeeze lemons over a salad, roasted vegetables, or grains, add it to your water, or use it in baked goods! I love drizzling tahini and lemon juice as a delicious sauce over nourish bowls. Squeezing 1/2 of a lemon into room temperature water and sipping it through the day or right when you wake up, can aid in digestion and also give you an energy boost!


What does it taste like?
You’re probably very familiar with the taste of a lemon ;) tart, sour and bright!

Where can you buy it?
You can find lemons in most grocery stores, at the farmers market, or maybe even on your neighborhood trees. You can also buy organic lemon juice in glass jars at the store, which is a great option for the convenience of adding a quick splash to your water. When choosing lemons, the ones with thinner skin will be juicier and the bright yellow color indicates they’re ripe.
 If you have a large quantity, you can juice them and pour them into ice trays to freeze before transferring to a freezer-bag to store for months! Then just thaw a few cubes at a time as needed.

How much is a serving size?
The juice of 1/2 of a lemon is a recommended daily intake, however listen to your body if your tolerance is less or more.

***The above information is based on my research and education, and is not to be used as a medical diagnosis.  You should always consult your doctor and find what works best for your specific body and needs.