Introduction
Amaranth is a plant with a wide range of medicinal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. It is classified as a pseudocereal because it is not technically a cereal but resembles wheat, quinoa, and oats, producing edible starchy seeds that look similar to grains. The seeds of amaranth are popular as they are naturally gluten-free and high in fibre and protein content, minerals, and other nutrients. The benefits of amaranth are that it helps lower cholesterol, aids weight loss, is used for the treatment of ulcers, diarrhea, swollen mouth and throat, and prevents gluten allergy, coeliac disease, osteoporosis, etc.
What are the Health Benefits of Amaranth?
Amaranth grains are nutritionally versatile and offer significant health benefits. They are a source of vitamin C and can help your body heal. Other benefits include:
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Highly Nutritious
The grains of amaranth are rich in fibre, protein, micronutrients and minerals like manganese, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. Manganese, constituting a high percentage of minerals, is an important micronutrient in amaranth grain that helps your body to play 300 enzymatic reactions, including immune responses, hormone creation, and even blood and bone formation.
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Reduce Inflammation
Some allergic reactions due to immune response may cause chronic inflammation that can contribute to chronic diseases like cancer, diabetes and autoimmune disorders. Some in-vitro studies have shown that amaranth has anti-inflammatory properties in peptides and oil of amaranth that slow down the body’s production of immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody involved in allergic inflammation, thus reducing inflammation.
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Lowers Cholesterol
Two studies in animals show that amaranth oil and phytosterols have the potential to lower bad cholesterol levels, including Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides, but scientists need to research why and how amaranth affects cholesterol levels in humans.
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Rich in fibre
Adding amaranth, which is rich in fibre content, can be a good option for people who suffer from constipation and digestive issues. You can eat amaranth as part of a healthy breakfast to help increase energy. This can also help with better digestive functions and cholesterol.
5. Amaranth Grain Helps to Control Diabetes
Amaranth grains help to control blood pressure levels and even slow down the absorption of sugars in the body to keep up with energy production.