Amaranth is best known as a pseudocereal and is popular with people on a gluten-free diet. But did you also know that the small grains can reduce inflammation, improve digestion and help you lose weight? You can find out about the health benefits of amaranth here.
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What is amaranth?
Like buckwheat and quinoaAmaranth (often also written “amaranth”) is not a grain, but a dried seed and is therefore one of the so-called pseudo grains. Like turnips, chard and spinach, the pink-flowering herb belongs to the foxtail family. Amaranth originally comes from Peru, but the plant can now also be found in India, China, Russia, South America and North America. It is believed that amaranth was cultivated by the Aztecs and other indigenous cultures almost 8,000 years ago and was an important protein-rich food source for the people of that time. The plant itself is very adaptable, disease resistant and high yielding. A single plant can produce up to 20,000 seeds. In addition to the seeds, the leaves and sprouts can also be eaten. The grains can be processed into flour and are therefore popular with people who cannot tolerate conventional grains. In addition, they offer a rich variety of nutrients, proteins, amino acids, vitamins and minerals.
Here are 5 reasons why you should eat more amaranth:
1. Amaranth May Help With Inflammation
Numerous studies have found amaranth to be an excellent anti-inflammatory agent. The peptide found in amaranth has anti-cancer properties by reducing inflammation and preventing free radical damage and the mutation of healthy cells into cancer cells. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of the peptides and oils in amaranth can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. This is especially important in chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis.
Also interesting: Arthritis: Avoid these 4 inflammatory foods
2. Amaranth improves digestion
Due to its high fiber content, amaranth stimulates the digestive system and helps regulate the elimination of body waste. Because of their structure, fiber passes through the digestive system without being absorbed by the digestive enzymes in the stomach. They take toxins, waste, fat and cholesterol particles with them from the intestine. When combined with liquid, dietary fibers swell up in the gastrointestinal tract and increase the volume of the chyme. This stimulates intestinal activity and excretes the intestinal contents more quickly. Furthermore, amaranth contains no gluten, so people with a gluten sensitivity or intolerance can eat the grain without symptoms.
3. Amaranth Can Help You Lose Weight
Amaranth is high in protein and fiber, which can help with weight loss. Studies show that eating protein and fiber-rich foods for breakfast can lower ghrelin levels. Ghrelin is a hormone that stimulates appetite and signals the brain that it’s time to eat. In addition, a high-fiber and high-protein diet keeps you fuller for longer and reduces the likelihood of snacking during meals. 23 calories per 100 grams make the pseudocereal a healthy food, especially for those who are watching their weight or want to reduce it.
4. Amaranth May Reduce Diabetes Risk
Amaranth seeds have a low glycemic index, so they can be beneficial for those with blood sugar and weight issues. The glycemic index indicates how much the consumption of a certain food affects the blood sugar level and is therefore a valuable tool for diabetics. A low blood sugar level means that the sugar enters the bloodstream slowly and the blood sugar level rises accordingly only moderately. But be careful: With amaranth, the glycemic index depends on how this pseudo-cereal is processed and what is added to it. While puffed amaranth has a high glycemic index, amaranth grains and amaranth oil are said to lower blood sugar levels.
5. Amaranth contains many nutrients
Amaranth optimally supplies the body with nutrients. The ancient Inca grain is not only rich in fiber and protein, it also contains many important micronutrients. Magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and zinc deserve special mention. While magnesium is needed to regulate muscle and nerve function, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, phosphorus helps the body generate energy and supports the formation of bones and teeth. Iron is needed for the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout our body and is particularly important during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Zinc supports the immune system in fighting off viruses and bacteria and helps with wound healing, while calcium also strengthens bones and teeth.
