Did you know that 1 lb of boiled lambsquarters (without salt, drained) contains 145 Calories? Apart from being a low-calorie option for your healthy meals, lambsquarters is also rich in a variety of nutrients. Let's dive into the details!
According to the USDA, 1 lb of boiled lambsquarters is rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and potassium. It can also provide your body with a significant amount of dietary Fiber and Protein.
In this article, we'll explore the overall benefits of including lambsquarters in your diet, how to cook with it, and how it's used in Traditional medicine.
Calories in Lambsquarters
As mentioned earlier, 1 lb of boiled lambsquarters contains 145 Calories, making it an excellent low-calorie option for those watching their weight. One cup of boiled lambsquarters (100g) contains only 22 calories, which makes it an excellent food for those looking for low-calorie options.
Nutrients in Lambsquarters
Apart from being low in Calories, lambsquarters is also rich in vital nutrients that the body needs to function well. One cup of boiled lambsquarters (100g) contains 290% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin A, 43% of vitamin C, 15% of calcium, and 10% of iron. It's also an excellent source of dietary Fiber, providing about 11% of the recommended daily intake.
Health Benefits of Lambsquarters
Including lambsquarters in your diet can have various health benefits. It can help reduce inflammation, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and prevent anemia. The potassium in lambsquarters can help regulate blood pressure levels, while vitamin A and C can help boost your immune system and keep your skin healthy.
Lambsquarters as a Gluten-Free Option
Lambsquarters is a naturally Gluten-free grain, making it an excellent option for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. It's also an excellent alternative to gluten-containing grains like wheat and barley.
Cooking with Lambsquarters
Lambsquarters is a versatile vegetable that can be used in various dishes. It has a mild, spinach-like flavor and can be sautéed, boiled, steamed, or used in soups and stews. To cook lambsquarters, rinse it thoroughly, remove any tough stems, and chop it into bite-size pieces. Then, sauté it in olive oil with garlic, onion, and your favorite seasoning for a healthy and delicious side dish.
Lambsquarters in Traditional Medicine
In Traditional medicine, lambsquarters is used to treat various ailments, including digestive and respiratory issues. It's also believed to have diuretic properties, making it useful in treating urinary tract infections. Apart from medicinal purposes, lambsquarters was also used by indigenous cultures for food, Fiber, and as a natural dye for fabrics.
Harvesting and Storing Lambsquarters
Lambsquarters grows like a weed in many areas, making it an easy and cost-effective vegetable to obtain. You can harvest it in the wild or grow it in your garden. To store lambsquarters, first, ensure that it's clean and dry. You can store it in an airtight container or a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Lambsquarters for Sustainable Agriculture
Lambsquarters is an excellent option for sustainable agriculture as it grows easily, is resistant to pests and disease, and can add much-needed nutrients to depleted soil. It's also a source of food for pollinators and other beneficial insects and can contribute to increased biodiversity in agricultural systems.
Risks Associated with Lambsquarters Consumption
While lambsquarters is generally safe for consumption, it's advisable to avoid consuming it in large quantities due to its high oxalate content. Oxalates can interfere with calcium absorption and contribute to the formation of kidney stones. It's also crucial to ensure that you're consuming lambsquarters that's free of pesticides and other contaminants, especially if you're harvesting it from the wild.
Lambsquarters vs. Spinach
Lambsquarters is often compared to spinach due to their similar taste and nutrient profile. However, lambsquarters contains significantly more vitamin A, C, and dietary Fiber than spinach. It's also lower in oxalates and may be better tolerated by those with kidney stone issues. Spinach, on the other hand, is a good source of iron and lower in Calories than lambsquarters. Both vegetables are nutrient-rich and can add much-needed variety to your diet.
Lambsquarters is a nutrient-rich vegetable that can add much-needed variety to your diet. It's also low in calories, making it an excellent option for those looking for low-calorie options.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cooked Lambsquarters
1. What is lambsquarters?
Lambsquarters (Chenopodium album) is a wild edible green that is commonly found in North America. It has a mild, slightly sweet flavor and is often compared to spinach.
2. Is cooked lambsquarters healthy?
Yes, cooked lambsquarters is a nutritious source of Vitamins and Minerals such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. It also contains Antioxidants and is low in Calories.
3. How do you cook lambsquarters?
Lambsquarters can be steamed, boiled, stir-fried, or sautéed. Simply rinse the leaves and remove any tough stems before cooking. It cooks quickly and can be seasoned with garlic, onion, or lemon juice for added flavor.
4. Can lambsquarters be eaten raw?
Yes, lambsquarters can be eaten raw in salads or as a snack. It is recommended that you wash the leaves thoroughly before eating raw to remove any potential contaminants.
5. Is lambsquarters safe for everyone to eat?
Lambsquarters is generally considered safe for consumption, but individuals with certain medical conditions such as kidney disease or gout should avoid consuming it due to its high oxalate content. As with any new food, it is recommended that you try a small amount first to ensure you do not have an adverse reaction.