Quinoa & Cous Cous

Quinoa and couscous are deliciously nutritious grains with a subtle, nutty taste. Whereas couscous tends to have a light and fluffy texture when cooked, quinoa has more of a bite. Both are good replacements for pasta and rice and are incredibly versatile to use in meals. 

Nutritional benefits of quinoa and couscous

Quinoa and couscous are packed with various vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids. They’re fantastic antioxidants and great for lowering inflammation. Check out their health benefits below:

Contains zinc

Quinoa contains zinc, which is needed to enhance your metabolism and enable your body to properly extract and absorb nutrients from food. The mineral also plays a part in bolstering your immune function to protect against colds and diseases.

Boosts fibre

You need 30 grams of fibre a day, and quinoa and couscous can help you get there. Your body needs fibre for its digestive system, and adding these grains to your diet will increase your intake. Fibre is essential for a healthy gut to minimise bloating, stomach pains, excess gas, constipation, and diarrhoea.

Rich in folate

Folate is a B vitamin and a deficiency negatively impacts energy and mental health. Eat quinoa and couscous to top up your folate levels for a healthy, functioning body.

Source of amino acids and antioxidants

Quinoa contains all nine essential amino acids, which help you build collagen, repair muscle, and increase heart health. Couscous is high in selenium, an antioxidant that protects your vital organs, hair, skin and gut.

Packed with protein

Quinoa contains 14 grams of protein per 100 grams. Protein is essential for building muscle and contributes to keratin production for hair growth. It also helps convert food into energy. Add quinoa to salads, soups, and other savoury dishes to increase your protein intake.

Easy ways to eat quinoa and cous cous

Use our top ideas to include quinoa and couscous in your diet:

Make quinoa salad - Salads can lack filling ingredients, which means you stay hungry and eat more than if you’d had a nutrient-dense lunch. Cook quinoa and combine it with spinach, kale, gem lettuce and your choice of protein for a filling meal.

Have couscous as a quick lunch - Couscous takes an average of ten minutes to cook and form a fluffy, light texture. Flavour with spices and add protein for a super quick lunch.

Eat quinoa porridge for breakfast - Swap out your standard oats and choose quinoa instead to diversify your grain intake.

Add quinoa or couscous to soups - Sometimes soups need something extra, and quinoa and couscous make the perfect addition. Stir cooked into soups for fibre and protein.

Use couscous as a side dish to fish and meat - Don’t want oven chips with your salmon, but not sure what else to have? Try couscous. It’s a simple way to get fibre and gives you extra anti-oxidants.

Choose delicious quinoa and couscous with Grape Tree to boost your fibre and protein intake and protect your body with antioxidants.