A Guide to Superfoods: Amaranth
Keeping track of all the super foods out there is starting to seem more and more like a taxing activity, but we promise our super food of the week; Amaranth, is worth learning about & definitely worth adding to your diet.
Amaranth is a very tall plant with broad green leaves and vividly bright and beautiful purple, red or golden flowers, its leaves are used to make medicine while the seed is used for food. Moreover, it is also known to have a long and colorful history in Mexico and is considered a native crop in Peru— as with most super foods. Amaranth gets its name from the Greek word “Amarantos” meaning the one that does not wither.
Amaranth is closely linked to Quinoa for its high iron and plant-protein content, but it’s advantages definitely do not stop there. Amaranth protects the heart, spurs growth and development, keeps hair looking young and healthy, boosts immunity, aids with weight loss along with many, many other benefits that make it the holy grain of all grains.
Shockingly enough, Amaranth isn’t actually considered a grain, but it is dubbed as one.
Why? you may ask.. because of their overall nutrient profile that is similar to that of grains.
So, why exactly is Amaranth the super food you should be stocking up your cabinets with?
It’s Gluten free: Amaranth is considered to be a gluten free grain, which is great news for those with any gluten-sensitives. Also, gluten-free foods are easier for our bodies to digest.
It contains Vitamin C: Amaranth is documented as the only grain to contain naturally-occurring Vitamin C which contains many immune-boosting properties.
Great source of Minerals: Amaranth is said to contain more than three times the average amount of Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Manganese and Potassium found in other grains.
High protein content: Amaranth is considered to be a plant-protein powerhouse. With 13-14% of protein, it trumps the protein content of other grains. To compare, one cup of Amaranth has 26 g of protein, while one cup of white rice contains about 13g of protein.
Adequate amounts of protein in a diet is vital for increased endurance levels and it also helps to keep you full for a longer period.
Lowers Bad Cholesterol: The Phytosterols found in Amaranth are connected to lowering low-density cholesterol levels, which greatly affects our heart health.
Reduces inflammation: Inflammation is associated with just about every health condition. Inflammatory foods, such as Amaranth, relieve pain caused by arthritis and gout, making them excellent natural treatments for such diseases.
High fiber content: Fiber aids in digestion, and eliminated constipation, bloating, cramping and serious conditions such as Colon Cancer. Also, a diet high in fiber and protein helps with curbing your appetite, and helps with weight loss.
Helps pregnant women: Amaranth contains folate, which helps the body make new cells.
Folate deficiency can lead to neural tube defects and heart and limb malformations. So, adequate amounts of folate is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and delivery.
Contains lysine: Lysine is an essential amino acid, which is nearly deficient in all other grains. Amaranth is considered a full protein source because of the much larger quantities of lysine found in it. Our bodies cannot make Lysine on their own, so it is important to get it from our food. A lysine-incorporated diet helps with growth and development, maximizes metabolism and is linked to stronger and healthier hair. It it also said to greatly reduce hair loss.
Contains Vitamin A: Amaranth has a major effect on our eye health due to the high amounts of beta-carotene found in it.
Makes for a tasty treat/snack: instead of popcorn, pop some Amaranth grains for the same taste with extra benefits. Or, another variation can be covering popped Amaranth with coconut nectar syrup or honey for a delicious snack.
Amaranth can be consumed as a cereal grain or grain flour, making it a popular ingredient in cereals, bread, muffins, crackers and pancakes. It’s flavor runs from light and nutty to lively and peppery.
Moreover, one cup of Amaranth has about:
251 calories
4g of fat
0% cholesterol
and 5g dietary fiber.
We are positive than it’s all just a matter of time before you start seeing Amaranth being added to processed foods such as granola bars, and we canNOT wait!