I was amazed to find out recently that quinoa is recommended for astronauts on long space flights. I found this out while watching a TV show about the best foods to eat. One of the guests was a former astronaut and there was a top ten food list. Number one on the list was quinoa.
Not only is it eaten by our space travelers, but it’s also part of NASA’s nutritional program for growing crops in space. As part of this elite group of superfoods, quinoa is finally getting the recognition it deserves. NASA studies which foods we have here on Earth are the most beneficial in terms of how easy they are to grow. You also need all the foods in the research program to be highly nutritious.
Don’t waste time on plants and foods that don’t provide vitamins and minerals. So I was very pleased to discover that quinoa has become one of this elite food group. It gives a higher profile to a seed that everyone in the world should eat as part of their daily diet.
Why quinoa works in space
There are a number of reasons that make quinoa a good food for astronauts. The first, rather banal, is that it is easy to store. You don’t need a fridge. You don’t even need an airtight container for a duration of up to a month. It’s so easy to store the amount you need and take it out when you need it. Because it’s a complete protein, it’s a lot better than trying to eat meat or meat substitutes in space. It contains all 9 essential amino acids, making it the only seed or grain that is a complete protein.
Another reason for its suitability in space is that it is a complex carbohydrate. Without getting too technical, what this means is that all of the good vitamins and minerals are slowly released into your body and bloodstream over time. That way you don’t have to eat as often and you don’t get as hungry.
Quinoa basically gives you the feeling of being well nourished over a long period of time. The slow-release carbs also mean you won’t get a sugar rush, which can lead to cravings. It must be pretty bad having cravings in space. Where could you go to find something to satisfy your craving?
If quinoa is so good for the astronauts, you owe it to yourself to learn more about it and how it can revolutionize your diet and eating habits.
Thanks to Ken H Jones
