Thanksgiving is just around the corner. As we focus our attention on staying active and avoiding extra calories, it can be easy to forget the spirit behind the season: Gratitude.
Below are five foods to be thankful for, enjoy guilt-free and share with others.
1. Quinoa
Quinoa is unique because it is the only grain that contains all 22 amino acid proteins. This ancient food was considered sacred among the Incas. During the European conquest of South America, the Spanish conquistadores burned down all the quinoa crops in an effort to rid the indigenous population of their culture. The locals were forced to grow corn instead, and quinoa eventually disappeared off the face of the planet.
In the early 1980s an American couple from Colorado heard of the grain and went out in search of it. They found some remnants, brought it back to the U.S., and started cultivating it. Today quinoa is an inexpensive, complete source of protein for us all.
Quinoa is great not only for vegans and vegetarians but for any athlete looking for a complete protein source.
2. Cinnamon
Besides tasting great, cinnamon also has a rich history. As a spice, it was so highly prized that blood was shed for it. In the first century A.D., 350 grams of cinnamon were equal in value to over five kilograms of silver, about fifteen times the value of silver per weight.
Cinnamon is very warm in nature, which is why it's so comforting during the winter season. It has been used to cure everything from the common cold to bad breath to diarrhea. Cinnamon is also used in the treatment of Type II diabetes and insulin resistance.
Cinnamon has two qualities that benefit athletes. Firstly, it aids in the circulation of blood due to the presence of a blood thinning compound. Good blood circulation means more oxygen supply to the muscles, which leads to higher metabolic activity. Secondly, cinnamon is anti-inflammatory and helps in muscle and joint stiffness.