Quinoa salad with sesame dressing: rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants protect cells

Cigarette smoke, alcohol and chronic inflammation are all examples of what are known as free radicals. If they enter the body, they cause damage. Antioxidants offer good protection from these harmful substances. For example, they preserve the cells of the skin, eyes, cartilage tissue and brain. In addition, antioxidants prevent medical conditions like dementia and cancer.

Quinoa bowl with sesame & honey dressing

You can provide your body with important antioxidants by eating plenty of vegetables, fruits and berries. An excellent dish is this quinoa salad with a sesame and honey dressing.

What you need

250g quinoa
2 spring onions, with their stalks, cut into rings
1 handful rocket, roughly chopped
1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper

150g hummus
50g olives
4-5 snack cucumbers, in strips
6 radishes, in slices
3 carrots, finely cut
1 kohlrabi, finely cut
1 avocado, sliced
8 stalks of redcurrants, washed
4 tbsp. mixed seeds

Ingredients for the dressing

2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. tahini
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. mustard
1 tsp. lemon juice
salt and pepper

Method

1. Place the quinoa with double its amount of water in a pan and heat until boiling.
2. Reduce the heat, cover with a lid and cook for approx. 10 minutes.
3. Stir, remove from the heat and leave to swell for about 5 minutes.
4. Drain away excess water.
5. Leave to cool slightly, add the spring onions and rocket.
6. Season with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper.
   

For the dressing: Pour the olive oil into a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. If the dressing is too thick, dilute with a little cold water to the desired consistency and season to taste.

Serving the quinoa bowl

• Divide the quinoa and hummus between the bowls.
• Place the vegetables on top, and garnish with the seeds.
• Drizzle the dressing over the salad and serve.
  

Calcium strengthens bones and teeth

In terms of quantity, calcium is the body’s most important mineral. It plays a central role in ensuring bone density and firm and healthy teeth. This mineral also plays an important role in the transmission of stimuli in our muscles and nerves.

Key nutrients for the third phase of the cycle

Ovulation takes place in the third phase of the female cycle (ovulation phase). This occurs due to a strong increase in oestrogen and the luteinising hormone. A diet rich in calcium boosts this hormonal process. But calcium isn't all: antioxidants and a diet rich in fibre also contribute to balanced hormonal levels during this phase of the cycle.

Fibre boosts digestion

The fibre contained in quinoa and lentils has many advantages. It not only regulates blood sugar levels and provides long-lasting satiety, it also helps digestion. Since all fibre binds water, it increases stool volume and improves bowel movements. This counteracts constipation.