There are many reasons why the seed we love so much – quinoa – has superstar superfood status. It’s not only delicious and fulfilling, it’s a versatile grain, and it has anti-inflammatory and anti-depressant qualities!

Quinoa is also popular for being gluten free and supporting digestive health while being high in protein and fiber. It doesn’t weigh us down or make us feel heavy, and it is even so high in magnesium that we can sleep like a baby after dinner. It is the perfect companion for winter as it warms our body while nourishing us with so many essential nutrients. I have seen many people switch their grain of choice to quinoa and as a result have increased energy along with the additional bonus of weight loss. We get all of these health benefits for just a few dollars – that quinoa is affordable to virtually everyone makes this seed even more valuable.

When we look at the elements of fulfillment for our mind, body and spirit, quinoa serves all 3:

For the mind quinoa just makes sense. We can eat it without feeling sluggish, tired and guilty. Quinoa is associated with positive thinking as it is an extremely healthy ingredient. When we eat junk foods they adversely affect the brain chemistry and create negative thoughts about ourselves.

For the body it nourishes us with plenty of incredible nutrients as it is made up of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, folate, copper, iron, zinc, potassium, with small amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, B3, calcium and vitamin E.

We all know we can eat quinoa – but did you know we can also use it for skincare? Remember the rule – if we cannot eat it, do not put it on your skin. Well quinoa can make a great skin exfoliate. For a quick face or body scrub, take a small handful of quinoa, wet it with some water or olive or coconut oil, and then rub it in a circlular motion on your skin. The quinoa will gently exfoliate dead skin cells leaving your skin smooth and oxygenated.

For the spirit we are left feeling free and light. When the body is happy and healthy the spirit is able to fulfill its purpose with less resistance. The soul longs to be fulfilled in every moment. When we eat grains and carbs that are heavy and weigh the body down, we can’t help but feel sluggish and frustrated. No stress and guilt when eating quinoa.

When we eat natural whole foods such as quinoa that are “clean” and provide our body with nutrition – while also delighting our taste buds, we are “having our cake and eating it too.” Which reminds me: we can make a delicious rich chocolate cake using quinoa flour! This is how I live day-to- day and I have experienced my own health transformation. I live an extremely clean lifestyle, as everything I source comes as naturally from the earth as possible, from the food I eat to the skincare and makeup I wear, and even the household products I use. Everything is in its most whole state possible. This lifestyle returns us to nature, fulfilling body, mind and soul.

Liana Werner-Gray was born and raised in Outback Australia where, from age 5, she learned from the indigenous people how to live from nature. At 18 she moved to the city and indulged in a junk food lifestyle, which became a 5-year addiction. One day she had the wake up call of her life when something popped in her throat – a biopsy confirmed it was a pre-cancerous tumor in her lymphatic system. Liana knew she had to get back to nature, so she created The Earth Diet blog and committed to eating from the earth for 365 days. In 3 months the tumor was gone and she also healed digestive issues and her eating disorder. Liana travels the world, having been to 33 countries, sharing her story, healthy recipes and natural lifestyle tips. She is the author of The Earth Diet, ©2014 Hay House, Inc. Available at www.TheEarthDiet.com. Liana is also Miss Earth Australia, the recipient of the Arts Award from Charles Darwin University, and has appeared on Fox News twice this year. She also has a weekly radio show on HayHouseRadio.com every Thursday at 11am EST.