Amaranth Health Benefits, Nutrition and Seed Facts

Health Benefits of Eating Amaranth Seeds

• Provide Protein

  Amaranth is an excellent source of protein. It supplies essential amino acids that cannot be produced by the human body. Researchers in Guatemala indicated that protein in amaranth is one of the most nutritious plant-based proteins, which is close to animal-based protein. Protein is a vital nutrient needed by the body for growth and tissue repair.
   

• Treat Cardiovascular Diseases

  The health advantages of amaranth also include its therapeutic value on cardiovascular diseases. Studies in 1996 concluded that by adding amaranth into everyday diets, patients with hypertension and coronary heart disease showed improvements. Besides, these wonderful seeds are also effectively lower the levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides.
   

• Rich in Phytosterols

  Amaranth is loaded with phytosterols, which is useful in reducing the cholesterol levels. Laboratory tests done by scientists in Canada concluded that the compound also helps prevent breast, ovarian, lung and stomach cancer due to their high antioxidant activities.
   

• Contain Lunasin

  The health properties of lunasin found abundantly in amaranth are mainly related to anti-inflammation and cancer prevention. Lunasin is a potent compound in the protein, which has the ability to protect you against stroke, heart disease and lower the risk of diabetes.
   

• Health Facts of Amaranth Oils

  Oils in amaranth have shown the capability of lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, according to experiments done by the researchers from the USDA.
   

• Merits of Amaranth Leaves

  Amaranth leaves are a good astringent and are usually purposed for external use. They are a great remedy for skin conditions like acne and eczema and made into powerful mouthwash to get rid of sore throats, swollen gums and mouth sores. Some use the leaves as a solution to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss as well as premature hair greying. 

Facts about Amaranth

Amaranth (scientific name Amaranthus spp) is an ancient grain which makes a crunchy tiny sprout. It has a long history and records show the plant has been used since 8,000 B.C.

Amaranth was an important food source for the ancient Aztecs. Not only that, it was remarkably entwined with their religion. Amaranth is a versatile plant, able to tolerate extreme heat or cold climates. It can also survive the dry, nutrient-poor earth and also wet, clay soils. The common varieties can grow tall, having thick stems which enable them to withstand strong winds.

The seeds can be dried and kept for a long time. They can also be ground into amaranth flour to make breads and other baking products. Some people prepare amaranth grains using the way they prepare popcorn, or combined with syrup or honey and made into snack bars. The seeds can also be cooked with rice to add extra texture and flavor. Amaranth can be used to prepare gluten-free diet as it contains no gluten. You can buy amaranth at local health food store or online. 

Amaranth Nutrition Facts and Calories
 

Amaranth Recipe

Preparation:
Cook the pasta following the instructions on the packet. Steam the spinach in a steamer until the color just changed. Place the onion, soup mix and water into an electric mixer. Blend to mix the ingredients. Pour the mixture into a saucepan and cook over a low-medium heat, stirring frequently until the soup is done. Place the pasta into a serving dish. Sprinkle with the mint. Arrange the spinach on top, and pour the hot soup over. Serve warm. 

Amaranth Side Effects

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