FitSugar loves it — Yum and Party, too. I guess you could say we're keen on quinoa. Pronounced "keen-wah," this little grain-like seed has been cultivated for more than 5,000 years. Known as the "mother grain," it was considered sacred by the ancient Incans for its nutritional value and life-supporting properties.

With a texture similar to a combination of rice, couscous, and al dente pasta, quinoa is very versatile. It has a slightly nutty taste, and takes on the flavors of surrounding ingredients quiet nicely.

So, what's a tasty food item doing on BellaSugar anyway? Well, since quinoa is packed with an amazing amount of protein — one of the highest available from a plant source — it makes a perfect partner for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products. Since hair is an outgrowth of protein, quinoa works wonders on repairing your strands from the inside out. Plus, quinoa has amino acids, which are not only nutritious, but work as the building blocks to create healthy hair. Those Incans were really onto something.

For products with this lovely plant ingredient, try:

• From Aveda — Damage Remedy Set ($74)

• From Phyto — Phytospecific Moisturizing Styling Balm ($24)

Source