Amaranth is a seed that has been part of the Aztec diet for over eight thousand years, when the Aztecs gathered the seeds from nature. They also used the seeds to make flour for festivals and tax payments. It is a versatile food and can be used in many recipes and is recommended by the World Health Organization and used in NASA’s space program.
In India, amaranth is known as rajgira which means “immortal“. Ayurveda uses it for many illnesses because it is rich in oils, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Holistic healers have also used amaranth in their healing methods and strongly recommend including it regularly in the diet.
Ayurveda It is used for many ailments because it is rich in oils, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Holistic healers have also used amaranth in their healing methods and highly recommend including it regularly in the diet.
Why use amaranth in the diet
- The high amount of dietary fiber and potassium in amaranth makes it an important food for heart health. It rebalances cholesterol levels, lowering the risk of atherosclerosis and relaxing blood vessels, reducing the risk of stroke or heart failure. It also reduces strain on arteries and blood vessels, which helps lower blood pressure and reduces episodes of coronary artery disease.
- Amaranth is an excellent source of lysine an amino acid essential to the body that it does not produce but is vital for a healthy and functional body. Signs of adequate lysine levels in the system include strong roots, reduced hair loss, and generally healthy hair. It also contains other proteins that keep the body toned and support healthy growth of cells, skin, muscles, and tissues.It contains other proteins that keep the body toned and help the healthy development of growth cells, skin, muscles, and tissues.
- Adding amaranth to the diet helps promote eye health because it is rich in vitamin A. It contains beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant that inhibits the development of cataracts. It also reduces the risk of macular degeneration.
- Containing high levels of vitamin C, amaranth strengthens the immune system. It stimulates the production of white blood cells, which allows the body to fight diseases. It also produces collagen, which speeds up the healing process by repairing cells.
- Amaranth helps control diabetes and maintain a healthy body weight by regulating insulin levels in the body. It works as an appetite suppressant and controls the body’s blood sugar levels. Since obesity and high insulin levels are signs of diabetes, these are very important factors in the decision to add it to the diet.
Amaranth is a superfood that contains high amounts of calcium, iron, phosphorus, carotenoids, protein, and essential amino acids. It is also rich in fiber, magnesium, potassium, and unsaturated fatty acids. It can be prepared as a salad, side dish, or main course.
