All About Amaranth
Amaranth is a plant native to Mexico and Central America. In pre-Spanish times, amaranth was cultivated by the Aztecs (a member of the indigenous peoples who ruled Mexico before the 16th-century Spanish conquest). Amaranth seeds are a popular food in Mexico, sometimes mixed with chocolate or spicy rice. They are seasoned like cartoons and mixed with honey, molasses, or chocolate to make a medicine called alegría, which means "joy" in Spanish.
There are about 75 varieties of Amaranth. Some species of amaranth are grown as leafy vegetables, while others are grown as pseudocereals. Psuedocereal is actually not a grain like wheat and rice but has the same nutrients as grain. In India, amaranth is widely used because of its abundance in many parts of the world. Commonly used varieties in India such as green leafy vegetables are Amaranthus tender (Chauli sag in Hindi, Thandukeerai in Tamil, Thotakoora in Telugu), Amaranthus paniculatus (Rajagira leaves), Amaranthus crisis (Chumli sag in Hindhi, Araikeanthar in Tamil, Sirraeraera in Turin) Tamil, Kantewali chai in Hindi and Mulla thotakoora in Telugu).
Nutrition:
You will be amazed to learn that humble, easy-to-grow Amaranth is a great source of nutrients. Amaranth has high nutraceutical values such as high-protein proteins such as amaranth seeds, unsaturated fats, tocopherols, flavonoids, vitamins, minerals such as iron and calcium, and fiber to other grains. Therefore, it is called "the best food."
Health and Nutrition Benefits of Amaranth:
1. Effective against blood: Anemia is a condition in which the hemoglobin level in the blood is low. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia in developing countries due to inadequate iron intake. Both amaranth leaves and seeds have good iron content, and regular use of these can help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Amaranth crisis has a very high iron content compared to other Amaranthus species. It contains 38.5 mg / 100 gms of leaves.
2. Gluten-free: Amaranth seeds are gluten-free and are one of the healthiest alternatives to gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. They are a blessing for people who are gluten intolerant. People with celiac disease can switch to amaranth products (rajgira) instead of eating wheat. They can add amaranth flour to wheat flour to make Rotis.
Amaranth leaves also contain some protein. 3. High protein content: Amaranth seeds have a protein content of about 14.7 gm / 100 gms with a remarkable balance of essential amino acids. Lysine, an amino acid that reduces grains such as corn, rice, and wheat, is found in the seeds of Amaranth. Lysine helps absorb calcium. The protein content of amaranth seeds is unusually high quality and can be compared to egg protein. Therefore, vegetarians and vegetarians can make better use of amaranth seeds for their protein needs.
4. Reduces inflammation: Inflammation is a common immune system designed to protect your body from damage and infection. If the inflammatory process continues in your body, this can lead to incurable diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, and allergies. The presence of amaranth, especially amaranth seeds, can help prevent infections caused by inflammation.
5. Signs of reducing anticancer and cholesterol: Studies have shown that tocopherols (a type of vitamin E) present in amaranth seeds are linked to anti-cancer activity. They also have the effect of lowering blood cholesterol and helping lower lipoproteins (LDL) that are low in weight or known as “bad cholesterol.”
6. Rich in unsweetened fatty acids: Amananth grain (seeds) contains omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids known as essential fatty acids, as the body cannot and should be provided with a diet.
7. Helps prevent osteoporosis: Aranthate - both leaves and seeds are a vibrant source of calcium. Among all species, Amaranthus spinosus (Kantewali Chaulai in Hindi, Mulla keerai in Tamil, and Mulla Thota Korra in Telugu) has a very high calcium content of about 800 mg / 100 gms
Amaranth seeds have a calcium content of 510mg / 100 gms. It is known that calcium is essential for healthy bones, so regular use of Amaranth will help prevent osteoporosis.
8. Helps prevent constipation: Amaranth seeds have a very high fiber content, i.e., 9.6 gms / 100 gms. This insoluble fiber helps irritate the gastric mucosa and stimulates the production of mucus and water in the intestinal mucosa. This adds a lot to the cell and helps its movement in the body and out at the right time, thus
Amaranth leaves are also a good source of fiber.
9. Magnesium and Potassium - An excellent source of magnesium and potassium. Amaranthus gangeticus contains 122 mg / 100 gms of magnesium and 341 mg / 10 gms of potassium. Magnesium is important for many processes in the body, including controlling muscle and nerve function, control of blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.
It is essential for bone formation. A high magnesium diet reduces the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by reducing the risk of insulin resistance. It also reduces the risk of heart disease and stroke. Potassium is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system and regulating fluid balance in the body.
10. Rich Source of Beta carotene: Rajagira varieties (Amaranthus paniculatus) have the highest Beta carotene content in all Amaranthus species. Beta carotene is an excellent antioxidant and is essential for the normal appearance and tissue formation.
11. Vitamin C: Amaranth is also a good source of vitamin C. Vitamin C helps protect the body, is essential for healing, and has antioxidant properties that reduce the spread of free radicals that cause diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. In time. It is also important for collagen formation and is very important for the absorption of iron.
12. Manganese: Amaranth is a source of ani impressive manganese. Manganese is an important micronutrient and plays an important role in the body's response to enzymes, including carbohydrate, protein and fat metabolism, immune responses, bone formation, etc.
13. Important for Pregnant Women: Amaranth leaves, especially tender Amaranth (Chauli sag), are a good source of folates. Folic acid is found as fiber in natural food sources and is converted into folic acid in the stomach. It is essential for the development of a healthy embryo. Fodder plays an important role in the formation of DNA and RNA. Lack of stages during pregnancy leads to neural tube defects called spina bifida in children. Severe deficiency also causes megaloblastic anemia, characterized by many immature and malfunctioning red blood cells (megaloblasts).
14. Rich in antioxidants: Amaranth grain flour contains mainly polyphenols (flavonoids) and phenolic acids with antioxidant activity.
15. Helps to control diabetes: Another useful benefit of adding amaranth to foods high in manganese.
Manganese helps control blood sugar levels and helps boost the immune system.
16. Protects the liver: Studies have shown that Amaranth, especially Amaranthus spinosus, has therapeutic properties, which can be caused by the presence of flavonoids and phenolic compounds.
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