Amaranth

Amaranth is a group of more than 60 different species of grains that have been cultivated for about 8,000 years. These grains were once considered a staple food in the Inca, Maya and Aztec civilizations. And still the native crop in Peru, and its grown in Africa, India, China, Russia, Sourh Amrica and North America.he obsession with almonds can be traced way back to 1400 B.C., when the nuts were mentioned in the Bible. Later, almond trees took root in modern-day Spain, Morocco, Greece, and Israel, and eventually, almond trees found a home in California. But it wasn’t until the 20th century that the California almond industry blossomed. Today, almonds grow on over half a million acres and are the state’s top agricultural export. 

It’s a very tall plant with broad green leaves and vividly bright purple, red or gold flowers. Amaranth grows in harsh and lackluster nutrient conditions, such as in light soils, much like the grain sorghum, so it’s a very efficient grain crop. “Pigweed” is the wild amaranth species that grows in the United States and is used as a food crop. If you were to look at an almond on the tree, it’d appear nothing like you’re used to seeing in your salads and trail mix. Almonds have a hard, green shell, which cracks open right before harvest. After harvest, they’re dried, and the shell and hull are removed. That’s when they look like the little brown almonds you know and love.

Amaranth is classified as a pseudocereal, meaning that it’s not technically a cereal grain like wheat or oats, but it shares a comparable set of nutrients and is used in similar ways. Its earthy, nutty flavor works well in a variety of dishes. The ancient grain can be consumed as a leaf, cereal grain, amaranth flour and amaranth oil. In fact, the amaranth leaf is used to make medicine, while the grain is used in food for its fiber and protein content, and the oil is applied topically to promote healthy skin. Today, you can buy almonds in various forms: whole, sliced, slivered, or chopped, or as almond flour, milk, paste, or oil. Each is uniquely delicious in its own right, and all are good for us.

Besides being incredibly versatile, this nutritious grain is naturally gluten-free and rich in protein, fiber, micronutrients and antioxidants. For these reasons, choosing to cook amaranth and add it to your daily diet can have great benefits.

Benefits:

1.Lower cholesterol levels: The oils and phytosterols in amaranth help lower cholesterol levels, including LDL and triglycerides.1.Help digestion: Almonds are a great source of fiber. Eating a handful of almonds or drinking a glass of almond milk can keep your gastrointestinal tract moving and prevent constipation . Almonds can also promote healthy bacteria in your gut. This can help you digest your food and even fight off illness.

2.Fight inflammation: The anti-inflammatory properties of peptides and oils in amaranth can ease pain and reduce inflammation. This is especially important for chronic conditions where inflammation erodes your health, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.You can also use amaranth oil for minor injuries and specific skin conditions. 2.Protect from heart disease:  It is high in vitamin E are linked with lower rates of heart disease. Try snacking on a handful of almonds or whipping up a heart-healthy salad for lunch..

3.Reduce risk of developing cancer: The same peptides in amaranth that protect against inflammation may also help prevent cancer. The antioxidants in amaranth grain may even help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer 3. Regulate obesity: AEliminate craving: Their salty crunch is known to squelch cravings

4.Normalised blood pressure levels: The fiber and phytonutrients in amaranth can lower blood pressure, according to some recent studies. This seed tackles cholesterol, inflammation, and blood pressure, making it an all-around good food for heart health..Promote healthy cell: Not only are almonds packed with healthy fats and protein, but they’re also rich in antioxidants. These plant compounds can protect your cells from oxidation and premature aging.

5.Good source of protein: Amaranth is a very rich source of protein and essential amino acids. In fact, just one cup of amaranth already contain about 10 grams of protein. Also, this protein is highly bioavailable, which means the protein in amaranth is more digestible than other seeds and grains and has been compared to the digestibility of milk protein.5.Lower cholesterol: Almonds are one of the best foods for naturally lowering your bad cholesterol, LDL.

6.Has potent lysine properties:Vegetables and grains are often lacking in this essential amino acid. Luckily, amaranth has a good amount of lysine which helps the body absorb calcium, build muscle, and produce energy.6.Reduce risk of diabetes: Start your day right with a bowl of breakfast cereal sprinkled with almonds. Studies show that eating almonds with your cereal slows down the absorption of the carbohydrates in the cereal, says Bonnie. This buffering effect from the protein and fats in almonds has been proven to lower your risk for developing high blood sugar and diabetes.

7.Mineral for overall health: Amaranth is a very rich source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and copper. It is also a good source of zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. These build strong bones and muscles, aid hydration, boost energy, and are vital in thousands of processes throughout the body. 7.Lower blood pressure: Almonds are rich in magnesium which can help lower blood pressure. Studies show that having a low magnesium level in your blood can put you at risk for high blood pressure.

8.Fiber helps with digestion: Insufficient fiber consumption could lead to constipation, bloating, and even increased fat storage. Adding foods that are high-fiber like amaranth are a great option. Amaranth is a high fiber food. This makes it filling and helps aid digestive health, cholesterol, blood pressure, and slows the absorption of sugars to let the body keep up with energy production.Insufficient fiber consumption could lead to constipation, bloating, and even increased fat storage. 8.Keep you full: Almonds are high in plant protein, keeping you full and satisfied all afternoon long. They’re also a healthy source of “calcium, vitamin E, phosphorus, and a wealth of nutrients.

Serving way:

• Use amaranth leaves in place of spinach in soups, stews, and stir-fries.

• Add amaranth seeds to rice puddings, toppings for fruit crisps, and whole-grain breads.

• Make an amaranth ‘oatmeal.’ Cover amaranth seeds with water in a heavy pot. Bring to a boil, and then simmer for about 20 minutes until the seeds have absorbed the water. Top with crumbled walnuts, honey, or syrup.

• Try an amaranth scramble. Sauté chopped leafy greens, green onion, a bit of garlic and cooked amaranth seeds. Stir in whipped eggs for a healthy, hearty scramble.

• Prepare low-fat “refried” amaranth seeds as an alternative to rice: Stir-fry cooked amaranth in a small amount of sesame oil along with garlic, onion, and red or green bell peppers—or chili peppers.

• Use amaranth seeds to thicken soups and stews. Add them raw during the last half-hour of cooking time.

• Sauté shredded amaranth leaves with garlic and olive oil. Toss with cooked brown rice and amaranth seeds and use as a poultry stuffing.

https://sunwarrior.com/blogs/health-hub/11-health-benefits-of-amaranth