Quinoa: One of Nature's Healthiest Protein-Rich Foods

If you're looking for a truly healthy food that is rich in protein that your body can easily digest and use, look no further than quinoa. Called the "mother of grains" by the Incan empire, quinoa is native to South America, and is naturally rich in all nine essential amino acids - these are amino acids that we humans can't make from other nutrients, and must obtain from our diet.

Quinoa is particularly rich in lysine, an amino acid that is needed for growth and repair of our tissues. In some individuals, lysine is especially helpful in preventing cold sores, especially when combined with intake of natural vitamin C and avoidance of foods that are rich in arginine.

When cooked, quinoa has a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with its fluffy texture. It's gluten-free, and is a good source of a number of micronutrients, most notably iron, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus.