Vegan Muffin Recipes: GF Quinoa Apple Cinnamon Muffins

These muffins are not only really amazing to eat, they’re good for you too! Take a few seconds to learn why these muffins flavored with a superfood are truly outstanding. Quinoa is considered a superfood for some very important reasons. First and foremost, it is a protein rich food. Quinoa is a complete protein containing all nine essential amino acids. It also contains 2x the fibers of many other grains. Fiber is understood to relieve constipation. It also helps to prevent heart disease by reducing high blood pressure and diabetes. Quinoa also contains Iron, which helps keep our red blood cells healthy. It carries oxygen from one cell to another, and supplies oxygen to our muscles. Quinoa also contains magnesium which helps relax blood vessels, alleviating migraines. Magnesium also may reduce Type 2 diabetes by promoting healthy blood sugar control. Other health benefits of magnesium include body temperature regulation, detoxification, energy production, and maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Cinnamon has long been a popular spice in baking and cooking. It’s not only a delicious addition to your favorite foods but very beneficial for you too! It is a great source of manganese, fiber, iron, and calcium. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol levels. One study even determined that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. Apple- By biting and chewing an apple you stimulate the production of saliva in your mouth, reducing tooth decay by lowering the levels of bacteria. A recent study indicated that drinking apple juice could keep Alzheimer’s away and fight the effects of aging on the brain. Research has shown that people who eat fruits and other high-fiber foods gain a certain amount of protection against Parkinson’s, a disease characterized by a breakdown of the brain’s dopamine-producing nerve cells. The soluble fiber found in apples also binds with fats in the intestine, which translates into lower cholesterol levels and a healthier you. The compounds found in apple skins also prevents the cholesterol that gets into your system from solidifying on your artery walls. I feel that many people, myself included, take apples for granted. I try to eat at least one a day and add it to foods that I eat, but don’t give the health benefits much thought. I simply forget how about the many health benefits that they carry. Nutritional value aside, these are some pretty tasty muffins. While working on the best possible quinoa muffin recipe, here are a few lessons that I gleamed from repeating the recipe a few times. I made this recipe three times in total. I added one more tablespoon of coconut oil to the batter and the result was much more flavorful and moist muffin. I also changed from using apple pieces to applesauce. I believe that the apple sauce is a better method. It produces a a more even texture. As you eat the muffin, by using the applesauce, you notice the flavors of the cinnamon and the subtle vanilla, instead of focusing on bite after bite of chunky apple. I realize that may be a personal preference, so if you prefer larger pieces of apple, feel free to substitute some apple, thinly sliced, in place of the applesauce. However, if I may suggest, try making it first with the applesauce for the very best result. I used tri- colored quinoa, feel free to use the type and brand that you prefer. SO here you have it, produced after a few not so perfect attempts- my very best cinnamon apple quinoa muffin recipe. :)