Overview

Quinoa is a plant. The seed of quinoa is eaten like a grain, like wheat. However, it is not a true grain. Quinoa contains higher amounts of protein compared to true grains. It does not contain any gluten.

People take quinoa by mouth for high levels of blood fats called triglycerides and cholesterol, pain, urinary tract infections, and weight loss.

In foods, quinoa is used to make flour, soups, and beer. Quinoa is also used in foods to replace grains like wheat for people who need to avoid gluten, like those with celiac disease.

Eating quinoa might make people feel fuller than wheat or rice. Eating quinoa might also decrease post-meal levels of blood fats called triglycerides compared to eating bread.

How does it work ?

Eating quinoa might make people feel fuller than wheat or rice. Eating quinoa might also decrease post-meal levels of blood fats called triglycerides compared to eating bread.

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Obesity. Early research suggests that eating quinoa does not help to lower blood sugar, blood fats, or blood pressure in overweight men.
  • Health problems after menopause. Early research suggests that eating quinoa does not help to lower blood sugar or blood fats in postmenopausal women.
  • Celiac disease.
  • High levels of a blood fat called triglyceride.
  • Insect repellent.
  • Pain.
  • Urinary tract infection.
  • Weight loss.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of quinoa for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Quinoa is LIKELY SAFE when eaten as a food. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if quinoa is safe to use in larger amounts as a medicine or what the side effects might be. Some people are allergic to quinoa.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Quinoa is LIKELY SAFE when eaten as a food. There isn't enough reliable information available to know if quinoa is safe to use in larger amounts as a medicine or what the side effects might be. Some people are allergic to quinoa.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if quinoa is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use of amounts higher than those found in food.

Allergy to other foods used as grains: Quinoa may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to foods used as grains, such as buckwheat, wheat, and rice. If you have allergies to grains, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before using quinoa.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Quinoa overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of quinoa depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for quinoa. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
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