Like oats, quinoa is a no-fuss kitchen staple. It cooks much like rice and can be made ahead. Quinoa contains 8 essential amino acids which make up its protein content. It is also a good source of B-vitamins, vitamin E, insoluble fiber, and minerals such as magnesium and potassium.
What makes oats especially healthy is their soluble fiber content. The soluble fiber dissolves in the digestive tract forming a gel. When it reaches the small intestine, this gel binds to cholesterol and bile acids, allowing them to be eliminated from the body. Bile acids are regulators. Their purpose is to maintain balance in the metabolic processes of the body, one of which is digestion, which is why we need them. However, too much bile acid in the body can become toxic, which is why we need to eliminate them on a regular basis. Bile acids are made from cholesterol. So when bile acids are excreted, the body is forced to make more. To do so, cholesterol must then be extracted from the blood, which lowers overall levels of cholesterol in the blood, making it harder for cholesterol to adhere to and accumulate in the arteries.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Irish oatmeal
1/4 cup cooked quinoa
1 & 1/2 cups unsweetened almond milk
1 tablespoon pure maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
fresh fruit
Directions:
Microwave: Add the oats, quinoa and almond milk to a microwave safe dish. Cook on high for 2 minutes then remove bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the syrup and paste. Top the oatmeal mixture with fruit of choice and pour syrup over the top. Serve immediately.
Stovetop: Stir oatmeal, quinoa and almond milk in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, pour oat mixture into a serving dish. In a separate bowl, combine the syrup and paste. Top the oatmeal mixture with fruit of choice and pour the syrup over the top. Serve immediately.