{"id":10170,"date":"2021-09-13T22:25:32","date_gmt":"2021-09-13T22:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/?p=10170"},"modified":"2021-09-14T09:17:39","modified_gmt":"2021-09-14T09:17:39","slug":"quinoa-vs-couscous","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/quinoa-vs-couscous\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is The Difference Between Quinoa And Couscous?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Quinoa and couscous are both different and similar to each other in a variety of ways. They are grain-like foods that are often used in the place of pasta or rice. The grains of each are a similar small size and can be pretty similar in appearance once cooked, depending on the type you use. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main differences are that couscous comes from wheat while quinoa is not a grain at all but a pseudo-grain and actually the seeds of a plant. Let\u2019s delve deeper and find out more about the difference between quinoa and couscous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Which is Better Couscous or Quinoa?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Which
Couscous<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

When evaluating which is better<\/a>, it depends on what attributes you are looking for. Couscous comes from wheat and cannot be used by someone with a wheat or gluten allergy, while quinoa is a seed from the quinoa plant and contains no gluten.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, even though quinoa is gluten-free, it does contain some of the proteins present in gluten. This means some individuals with celiac disease may experience symptoms after eating quinoa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitamins and Minerals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re looking to increase the amount of Selenium in your diet, then eating couscous is better than quinoa, as it contains 45% more. But if you want higher levels of Manganese, Folate, or Iron, then quinoa is the way forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Selenium is a mineral that is often low in our diet. This vital trace metal is necessary for a healthy heart, immune system, and thyroid support. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Antioxidants<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It also has a powerful antioxidant effect on the body, helping to ward off some cancers and premature aging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quinoa is also high in antioxidants that may help with inflammation, diabetes, and some cancers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Low Fat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The two are considered low-fat foods, although couscous has approximately 12 times less fat than quinoa. The fats found in quinoa are mostly made up of a healthy variety of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids which are vital for good health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carbohydrate and Protein<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both foods contain a very similar amount of carbohydrates and protein. But not all things are made equal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are divided into two groups – essential amino acids, which we must get from the foods we eat, and non-essential amino acids, which our body can manufacture for itself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Very few foods contain all the essential amino acids, but quinoa is one that does, making it a very valuable protein source, especially for vegetarians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the amount of carbs are very similar in both couscous and quinoa, the higher level of fiber in quinoa means it fills you up for longer. It also provides a lower GI (glycemic index) score, making it less likely to spike blood sugar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nutritional Values of Couscous and Quinoa<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Per 3.5 ounces (100 grams)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/td>Quinoa<\/strong><\/td>Couscous<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Calories<\/strong><\/td>120<\/td>112<\/td><\/tr>
GI Score<\/strong><\/td>53<\/td>65<\/td><\/tr>
Carbohydrate<\/strong><\/td>0.751 ounces (21.3 grams)<\/td>0.818 ounces (23.2 grams)<\/td><\/tr>
Protein<\/strong><\/td>0.155 ounces (4.4 grams)<\/td>0.134 ounces (3.8 grams) <\/td><\/tr>
Fiber<\/strong><\/td>0.098 ounces (2.8 grams)<\/td>0.049 ounces (1.4 grams)<\/td><\/tr>
Fat<\/strong><\/td>0.067 ounces (1.92 grams)<\/td>0.005 ounces (0.16 grams)<\/td><\/tr>
Selenium<\/strong><\/td>5% Recommended Daily Value (RDV)<\/td>50% Recommended Daily Value (RDV) <\/td><\/tr>
Manganese<\/strong><\/td>27.4% RDV<\/td>3.5% RDV<\/td><\/tr>
Folate (Vit B9)<\/strong><\/td>10.5% RDV    <\/td>3.7% RDV<\/td><\/tr>
Iron<\/strong><\/td>8.2% RDV<\/td>2.1% RDV<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To see more about which is healthier, couscous or quinoa, take a look at this video: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=zELzfgsHYDE<\/a>