Kaniwa (Kani-wayah) has a rich content of minerals like iron, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and manganese. These trace minerals help provide your body with vitamins, especially A, C, and E. All these vitamins are important for your overall health because they help repair cells and build new ones. When you eat food that is rich in vitamins, you boost your immune system and the nutrients that are found in leafy vegetables such as Kaniwa help improve digestion. Rich with antioxidants, Kaniwa gives your body all the vitamins it needs without loading you up with preservatives.
Unlike quinoa, which contains only 20 calories per serving, Kaniwa contains a wide variety of carbohydrates, protein, and other nutrients. Kaniwa can either be cooked or eaten raw; however, it is better to cook it. Quinoa tends to be bland because it doesn’t have as many nutrients as other whole grains, which makes it difficult to eat on its own. However, it is nice to eat in combination with quinoa or other grains, especially if you enjoy a cross of grains in your diet. Because it is so rich in nutrients, Kaniwa holds up to twice as much protein as quinoa does, making it a good choice to take before or after a workout.
Because it is so rich in nutrients, Kaniwa can help improve digestion, increase energy, and regulate the hormones and immune systems. Because it is naturally gluten-free, there is no need to avoid eating it altogether. You can add it to your diet as an alternative to wheat and other grains that are problematic for those with celiac disease. If you prefer a plant-based protein to include in your diet, consider adding mania to your menu.