Health Watch: New Super Food Craze
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Blueberries, spinach, and salmon, there's a new super food on the block. It looks kind of like rice, and dates back to ancient South America.
It's got a funny name and is pronounced like "keen-wah."
"A lot of people do not know about quinoa. And they pronounce it 'quin-i-wa'. What is this 'quin-a-wa'?" said Sally Eisenberg, a Philadelphia Nutritionist.
Foodies have known about quinoa for years, but now it's going mainstream and is becoming a popular item in chain grocery stores.
"People are catching on. And it's about time," said Sally. She says quinoa is a unique, complete carbohydrate and a lot more.
"It's also a whole protein, has all seven amino acids, which makes it just a super food," said Sally.
It has the same kind of super charged protein that's found in meat and eggs, but in a healthier form.
"I think this is great if it has all the proteins in it," said Phillipa Martin, of Philadelphia.
Quinoa is also loaded with vitamins, minerals and fiber, which is especially good for dieters to keep you fuller longer.
"It's sort of a one stop shop," said Sally.
Quinoa is sold with other grains like rice, and now there's even a quinoa pasta.
"You're going to love the way this tastes. You're going to love how quickly it cooks. It's versatile. It's easy, and it's a staple that your whole family will enjoy," said Sally.
It tastes sort of like nutty, bland rice that takes on the flavor of what ever you mix with it. One thing to watch out for is its 172 calories, in a quarter cup.
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Nourish Ur Life with Sally Eisenberg
Reported by Stephanie Stahl, CBS 3
