Please Note: This post is in regards to the recent discussion on our Eat-Clean Diet Facebook page:

A Message from The Eat-Clean Diet team: We have removed the “Paleo-Friendly” Burger recipe as there is great controversy over whether or not quinoa is consider paleo. This same controversy extends beyond our community and to nutritionists worldwide. Tosca Reno’s point-of-view on the matter is that “what it boils down to with Quinoa, is how you prepare it.” Look for an in depth blog on this matter coming up soon. Finally, something Tosca and Team have loved about this community is it’s positivity let’s keep it that way – no more “shame on you’s.

If you would like to try the recipe it is listed here. Please keep in mind, this is coming from one of our Kitchen Table community members therefore we cannot change the name. We are very appreciative for the submission and participation in the community & hope others will continue to support our community members in a positive way. Thank you.

Hello everyone who is shouting shame, blaming and spouting on Quinoa and its’ pseudo paleo standing.  I’ve had enough!

What you are really debating is not the quinoa so much as the phytic acid and proper preparation of any and all grains, nuts and seeds including the seemingly confusing quinoa. The NTA, of which I am a member, suggests that any grains need to be well sourced and properly prepared before consumption.

Now let’s talk about our friend quinoa.  Quinoa is a seed.  It comes from a plant (called goosefoot) that sprouts a massive flower head which then turns to seed – quinoa is the result.  Every nut, seed and grain contains phytic acid.  Each of these represents a tiny package in which is enclosed all the genetic material to produce another plant.  Phytic acid is what preserves the seed, nut or grain until such time as the “switch” if you will is turned on for the seed to germinate, sprout and grow into that big plant.  Phytic acid is good for plants but not for humans.  When we began eating grains 400 hundred and some years ago, our bodies had to adjust and learn how to digest such new food stuffs.  Traditional peoples knew better when it came to grains and found ways to remove the phytic acid from plants, nuts and seeds.  They did this through soaking, fermenting, sprouting and germinating.  They took the time to do this because they discovered greater health benefits thanks to the now more readily available nutrients and less ill health in preparing their grains, nuts and seeds properly.  Beans can benefit from similar treatment by the way.  The key is to properly prepare this food.  JUST SOAK IT! FERMENT IT!  OR SPROUT IT! AND IF YOU DON’T LIKE IT DON’T EAT IT!

We humans of today are not so patient with our food.  We want it yesterday, easy and with no fuss.  We eat phytic acid.  We become demineralized, develop stomach and digestive issues and yell “Shame on you!” at others who suggest quinoa may be good for you.  Quinoa is fine for you if you treat it properly by soaking it.  It is not a grain.  It is a pseudo grain.  It just behaves like a grain once you prepare it.

Beware that phytic acid and/or phytates also exist in tubers, some fruits and vegetables, berries, green beans and raw, processed white or dark chocolate.  So if you are eating those and having a tantrum about quinoa, think again.  The confusion really lies in the phytic acid!!!

I highly recommend you read more from such authors as Weston A. Price, Sally Fallon and Mary Enig.  Very informative.

But please folks let’s keep the online shouting and finger pointing to a minimum or not at all.  This is a place of learning and a journey for many.  Let’s be respectful. PLEASE!