Classified under the Amaranthus genus, amaranth plant has been recognized for thousands of years, especially in Mexico and Central America. Amaranth served as a staple in ancient cultures, thanks to its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Packed with antioxidants, it has received a lot of popularity amongst the health-conscious individuals. At present, amaranth is available and consumed across the globe.
Both the seeds and the leaves of amaranth are rich in nutrients. Even the root of amaranth is used as an excellent root vegetable.
Discussed below are all the tit-bits about amaranth that you probably did not know. As you go through this discussion, you will learn about the nutrient content and potential health benefits of amaranth.
Nutrient Values
- Calories: 179
- Carbohydrates: 31 grams
- Fat: 3 grams
- Proteins: 7 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Vitamins: Vitamins A, C, E, K, B5, B6, folate, niacin, and riboflavin
- Minerals: Calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus
Best Health Benefits of Amaranth
- Reduces Inflammation
Inflammation is an immune response that helps protect the body from infection and injury. Having said that, chronic inflammation can, however, lead to chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer. According to a number of studies, amaranth has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Aids Weight Loss
Rich in fiber and protein, amaranth is known to aid weight loss. A number of studies have brought to light that high protein intake can help reduce appetite and promote the feeling of fullness, thus, triggering weight loss.
- Lowers Cholesterol Levels
One of the top health benefits of amaranth is that it helps in lowering LDL (bad cholesterol), without affecting the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). Amaranth also has a rich content of vitamin K, which promotes heart health.
- Prevents Cancer
Amaranth is known to contain lunasin, an essential peptide, which has potential anticancer properties. The antioxidants present in amaranth can also protect cells against damage that can possibly increase your risk of cancer.
- Aids Digestion
Consumption of insufficient fiber can result in increased fat storage, bloating, and constipation. Having high fiber content, amaranth promotes digestive health.
- Boosts Immune System
Filled with antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins, amaranth promotes the immune system. The rich content of vitamin C in amaranth leaves is also beneficial for faster wound healing.
- Improves Bone Quality
The leaves of Amaranth contain a rich amount of calcium. Calcium is known to promote bone strength and prevent osteoporosis. It also has the ability to prevent demineralization of bones.
- Improves Vision
Amaranth is packed with vitamin A and carotenoids, both of which are known to prevent cataract and macular degeneration and promote eye health. It can reduce oxidative stress in the ocular system and promote sound vision.
- Promotes Hair Health
Amaranth has a rich content of lysine, a unique amino acid, which helps improve the appearance of the hair. It also has the ability to prevent baldness and strengthen the follicles.
The Final Words
Even though amaranth has been in many cultures for a very long time, this plant has gained a lot of popularity only recently. Its gluten-free nature and rich content of nutrients has made the plant quite popular among the modern health freaks. You can cook amaranth into many dishes or add it to your cookies and cakes.
You can order organic amaranth powder in bulk quantities at competitive pricings from Jeeva Organic or Green Jeeva.
Disclaimer:
The above statements are not intended to cure any disease or comply with any health benefits. This is solely for information purposes. Please consult your doctor/health practitioner before consumption of the product. Although we take efforts to keep our website informative, we do not guarantee any medical benefits.