I Get A Stomach Ache From Quinoa. Will Soaking & Rinsing Help? (2024)

FAQs

I Get A Stomach Ache From Quinoa. Will Soaking & Rinsing Help? ›

You may be sensitive to quinoa's saponins. If cooked quinoa tastes like soap or grass to you or causes an upset stomach, you may need to continue to rinse your quinoa before cooking.

Moreno says to try eating a little at a time first instead of a large portion, especially if you've never tried it before. That advice goes double for quinoa. For one thing, if you have any sensitive gastrointestinal issue, the saponins or the outer layer of the quinoa seeds could worsen your symptoms.

*Soaking grains helps to remove some of the naturally occurring phytic acid in the grain, which helps improve digestibility and speed cook time. To soak: Rinse quinoa thoroughly then add to a large mixing bowl or pot and cover with twice the amount of lukewarm water (2 cups water, 1 cup quinoa).

Some people experience allergic symptoms after eating quinoa. This may be due to the saponins in quinoa. Quinoa is a small, round, grain-like food that actually belongs to the fruit family. Because of its appearance, many nutritionists describe quinoa as a pseudo-cereal.

Do you need to soak quinoa before cooking it? In short, no, you don't need to soak quinoa. However, doing so is said to remove phytic acid, which may make it easier for people to digest quinoa. If you just want to remove the bitter flavor from quinoa, rinse it under cold water for about a minute.

Some people are particularly sensitive to saponins, which is why unrinsed cooked quinoa has a reputation for tasting bitter. However, most quinoa that is sold in packages has been "pre-rinsed," which means the saponins have been removed and rinsing isn't necessary.

Fortunately, you can soothe stomach pains by trying some at-home treatments. Placing a heating pad or hot water bottle on your stomach can help ease pain and discomfort. Using herbal remedies such as chamomile, mint, and ginger root can also help. Food allergies can also cause hives, itching, and swelling.

Naturally gluten free and nutritionally dense, quinoa makes an ideal option for those unable to eat gluten grains, such as those with coeliac disease. Being high in fibre, quinoa is a better choice for gut and digestive health than refined gluten alternatives like rice or potato flour.

Both brown rice and quinoa are easily digested by most healthy bodies. Either or both can be tricky for people suffering from insufficient stomach acid production, dehydration, or carbohydrate sensitivity, but typically, the high fiber in each makes these great options for easy, agreeable digestion.

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.

Can quinoa cause an IBS flare up? ›

Foods that are low in carbs and FODMAPS may help you manage IBS. For example, lactose-free dairy products, bananas, carrots, spinach, potatoes, quinoa, tofu, celery, sesame seeds, and fish. If you experience diarrhea, consider a bland diet. If you have constipation, increase your liquid consumption.

Polysaccharides from quinoa have demonstrated immune-regulating activity in animal studies¹⁶. All of the evidences suggests that quinoa may have beneficial effects on intestinal health.

Why rinse quinoa? Rinsing removes quinoa's natural coating, called saponin, which can make it taste bitter or soapy. Although boxed quinoa is often pre-rinsed, it doesn't hurt to give the seeds an additional rinse at home.

For people who still find quinoa difficult to digest, soaking your quinoa can help release the phytic acid (which binds to certain vitamins and minerals and keeps us from absorbing them) and activating phytase, the enzyme that helps us digest them. What you'll need: Quinoa. Lemon juice or white or apple cider vinegar.

Keep in mind that you always want to cook your quinoa first. The seeds are hard, and while you can sprout them and eat them raw, it's an acquired taste, because raw quinoa can sometimes be bitter in flavor.

Cooking quinoa thoroughly and pairing it with easy-to-digest foods like vegetables can also reduce symptoms. Additionally, you can try taking digestive enzymes or drinking ginger tea to help with digestion. Another way to reduce gas and bloating after eating quinoa is to rinse it thoroughly before cooking.

TO REMOVE THE SAPONIN:

Fill it with clean water. Let is soak for a little while. Then, using a wire whisk swish the quinoa around until you see a soapy residue come out of the quinoa. You might have to do this for a few minutes to get all the saponin off.

Toss it in salads.

Quinoa is a complete source of protein and makes a great addition to a healthy salad. The combination of fiber, protein and healthy fats can turn a light side salad into a robust entrée.