Became amaranth is a good source trusted source of protein, some people use it as a substitute for animal-based proteins. It is also relatively affordable, easy to cook, and has a long shelf-life.
Some researchers and alternative health advocates also believe it may have medicinal benefits. However, research on this subject is not conclusive.
Read on to learn more about amaranth, its uses, and its potential benefits.
Benefits
There are several purported benefits of amaranth. They include the following:
Protein content
Amaranth is a pseudo-grain. This means that even though it is technically a seed, it looks and tastes similar to a grain.
Although it is a good substitute for other cereal grains, it has a higher protein content. It is also a complete protein, making it a beneficial choice for people who do not consume or cannot afford animal protein sources.
Protein is sources for a person’s health and is important in muscle and brain development, immunity, blood vessel health, and pregnancy.
Fiber content
Amaranth contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Fiber plays an important role, trusted sources in digestion. It can help relieve diarrhea and constipation by ensuring a person has a consistent stool texture. Additionally, it helps the body manage blood sugar trust source, so it is especially important for people living with diabetes.
Accessibility
Amaranth may provide more accessible, affordable nutrition, especially in areas where animal protein is not affordable.
It also has a fairly long storage life. According to the old ways Whole Grain Council, it can keep for up to 8 months in a freezer or 4 months in a pantry.
Medicinal benefits
Amaranth’s use dates back to at least 7,000–8,000 years ago. It was one of three major crops the Aztec Empire cultivated and has continued to play an important role in many cultures.
Traditional folk medicine practitioners have long used amaranth as a medicine. However, scientific research into its benefits is still new. Some potential medicinal benefits include:
Anemia prevention: Amaranth contains iron, so it may help trust source prevent or treat anemia.
Antioxidant content: Amaranth contains antioxidants that may help prevent oxidative damage. Some research suggests trusted source antioxidants could reduce a person’s risk of cancer.
Antimicrobial benefits: Certain strains of amaranth may help to kill microbes in a laboratory setting, particularly Escherichia coli. It may also help fight candida, the fungi that cause yeast infections.
Nutritional information
Amaranth contains protein, fiber, and iron, though the precise nutritional content will vary depending on the type of amaranth and how a person prepares it. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, 100 grams (g) of cooked amaranth contains the following trusted source:
102 calories
3.8 g protein
1.56 g fat
2.1 g fiber
47 milligrams (mg) calcium
2.1 mg iron
65 mg magnesium
6 mg sodium
Risks and side effects
Research has not discovered any specific risks associated with amaranth. For example, amaranth does not contain gluten, making it a suitable grain and protein source for people with celiac disease.
However, it is possible for any substance to cause an allergic reaction or to irritate the stomach. People who develop a rash, difficulty breathing, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction after eating amaranth should seek emergency medical care.
Consuming large quantities of fiber may also cause bloating and gas in some people.
The main risk of amaranth, as with any supposedly medicinal substance, occurs when a person uses it to treat a medical condition rather than seeking medical help. People who want to try amaranth should consider starting with a small quantity if they have a history of digestive problems.
However, for most people, amaranth is safe to consume.
How to prepare
To cook amaranth, add water in a 2:1 ratio — for example, two cups of water per cup of amaranth. It is also possible to cook with amaranth flour.
Recipe ideas
A person may wish to try the following to incorporate amaranth into their diet:
Use amaranth flour when baking.
Sprinkle cooked amaranth over a salad for additional crunch.
Use amaranth and ginger in a muffin recipe to make amaranth muffins.
Use amaranth to add textures such as a vegetable or bean soup.
Mix cooked amaranth, bananas, and brown sugar into oatmeal.
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