VOA慢速英语:Quinoa: a grain whose time has come

When a grain becomes popular worldwide, there are two main effects: farmers who grow the grain earn more in profits, and people who use it for food pay more.
当一种粮食风靡全球会有两个方面的重要影响：种植这种谷物的农民赚得更多的利润，而将其作为食物的人们要付出更多钱。

Quinoa, a grain native to South America has become popular in many areas in recent years. In fact, the United Nations General Assembly approved a declaration making 2013 the International Year of the Quinoa.
近几年，藜麦这种原产于南美洲的谷物在许多地区流行开来。事实上，联合国大会通过的一项决议使得2013年成为国际藜麦年。

Quinoa is a traditional food crop in the Andes Mountains. The plant grows in an area near Lake Titicaca, along the border of Peru and Bolivia. Historical evidence shows that local people were growing quinoa as far back as 5,000 to 7,000 years ago. During this period, they used both the seeds and leaves of this wild plant.
藜麦是安第斯山脉的一种传统粮食作物。这种作物种植在沿秘鲁和玻利维亚边境的“的的喀喀湖”的附近区域。历史证据表明，当地人早在5000到7000年前就开始种植藜麦。在此期间，他们同时利用了这种野生植物的种子和叶子。

There are many kinds of quinoa. The plant can be grown in different climates and it does not require a lot of water. Both the seeds and leaves can be used as food.
藜麦有许多种类。它可以被种植在不同气候条件下，它不需要大量的水。它的种子和叶子都能作为食品。

The seed is the most commonly used part. Quinoa can be ground into flour or cooked whole. It is used in cereals, drinks and fresh salads. It can also be mixed with vegetables or beans for a full meal. The leaves and stems can also be used for medicinal purposes. Some people use them to reduce pain, heal wounds, and even keep insects away.
种子是最常用的部分。藜麦可以磨成粉或整粒煮熟。它能用于谷类食品、饮料以及新鲜沙拉，它也可以搭配蔬菜或豆类吃个饱。它的叶子和根茎能用于医用用途。有些人用它来减轻疼痛，愈合伤口，甚至防虫。

Quinoa is full of amino acids and minerals. Amino acids are organic compounds that form protein. The body needs them to help break down food, and to grow, and repair tissue.
藜麦富含氨基酸和矿物质。氨基酸是构成蛋白质的有机化合物，人体需要它们来帮助分解食物，生长，以及修复组织。

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization believes that quinoa can be used to fight hunger, and feed a growing world population. The reason is the high value of protein provided by quinoa.
联合国粮食和农业组织认为，藜麦可以用于消除饥饿，并养活不断增长的世界人口。原因是藜麦可以提供高价值的蛋白质。

The crop has also become popular among those seeking healthier ways to eat. The center of the seed contains up to 45 percent protein.
这种作物还在寻求健康饮食的人们间流行起来。它的种子中心有高达45%的蛋白质含量。

Quinoa is currently grown in more than 70 countries. Peru and Bolivia together produce 92 percent of the crop. The rest comes mainly from the United State, Ecuador, Canada and Argentina.
目前，藜麦在70多个国家都有种植。秘鲁和玻利维亚占到了这种作物产量的92%。其余的主要来自于美国、厄瓜多尔、加拿大和阿根廷。

Starting about 10 years ago, the popularity of quinoa caused its price to rise quickly. Many Bolivian farmers have gained from this increase by earning more. They have been able to buy vehicles and other goods with the increased profits.
大约10年前开始，藜麦的普及导致其价格快速走高。许多玻利维亚农民从这一增长中赚取更多钱。有了这些增加的利润，他们已经能够购买汽车和其它货物。

However, other Bolivians have had to give up their main food because it costs to much. Instead, they are buying and cooking with other foods that are not as rich in healthy minerals and proteins.
然而，因为太贵，其他玻利维亚人不得不放弃他们的主要粮食。相反，他们开始购买和烹调其它不像藜麦这样富含健康矿物质和蛋白质的食物。