Bolivia has the highest amount of nutrients in quinoa compared to other countries such as Peru, Canada, Colombia, China, Spain, India, and Ecuador, according to a study commissioned by the Bolivian Chamber of Quinoa Exporters (Cabolqui) and the Swiss and Swedish Cooperation in Bolivia.
The research was conducted by an accredited international laboratory, Eurofins, and the Food Chemistry group of the Chemical Research Institute of the Universidad Mayor de San Andrés (UMSA), which analyzed the nutritional composition of 13 quinoa samples grown in Peru, Canada, Colombia, China, Spain, India, and Ecuador.
The results were interpreted using a multivariate principal component statistical analysis performed with the “R language.” The samples were categorized into six groups: proximate analysis, vitamins, minerals and heavy metals, fatty acids, amino acids, and grain size.
Bolivian quinoa scored significantly higher in dietary fiber composition, minerals, fatty acid composition, content of some B vitamins, and grain size.
Regarding protein, carbohydrate, and fat content, the values of Bolivian quinoa are not significantly different from those of samples from other countries.
It is important to note that the amino acid composition is the most crucial characteristic of quinoa, and this cereal is an excellent alternative for a healthy diet.
“In short, Bolivian quinoa is a highly nutritious product that stands out in the nutritional analysis compared to other samples from around the world, which reaffirms its position as one of the healthiest and most beneficial cereals for human consumption,” said Cabolqui.