FoodRediscovering amaranth: The ancient superfood offering health benefits and weight management

Rediscovering amaranth: The ancient superfood offering health benefits and weight management

Known as a pseudograin, amaranth was cultivated by the Mayans 4,000 years ago. The world became aware of this plant following Christopher Columbus's expeditions, but it didn't garner much appreciation and was nearly forgotten. It took until the 21st century for its true value to be recognized.

Amarantus
Amarantus
Images source: © Adobe Stock

27 February 2024 08:42

Health benefits of amaranth

Amaranth seeds are a rich source of vitamins, amino acids, and digestible protein. Furthermore, they are gluten-free, which is crucial for individuals allergic to this substance. They provide iron, calcium, magnesium, B-group vitamins, and folic acid, making amaranth recommended for expectant mothers.

Moreover, the seeds of this plant are packed with antioxidants that counter free radicals and decelerate the body's aging process. Amaranth is a natural antibiotic and has demonstrated antifungal activity.

Amaranth for weight management

Amaranth is primarily a valuable source of dietary fiber, aiding the function of the digestive system – it enhances digestion and accelerates metabolism. Amaranth seeds contribute to weight management as foods, including them, are satiating and low on calories.

Breakfast recipe: Amaranth with fruits as an alternative to oatmeal

Ingredients:

  • Approx. 100g of amaranth grains,
  • Approx. 150ml water,
  • natural yogurt,
  • your favorite fruits, nuts, dried fruits, peanut butter, and cinnamon.

Preparation:

  1. Rinse the amaranth grains in cold water.
  2. Add the amaranth to the boiling water. Lower the heat on the stove and simmer the whole mixture with a lid for about 20 minutes until the grains have absorbed the liquid.
  3. Serve the cooked amaranth with natural yogurt and your preferred toppings, for example, banana and peanut butter, apple and cinnamon, and so on.
Related content
© Daily Wrap
·

Downloading, reproduction, storage, or any other use of content available on this website—regardless of its nature and form of expression (in particular, but not limited to verbal, verbal-musical, musical, audiovisual, audio, textual, graphic, and the data and information contained therein, databases and the data contained therein) and its form (e.g., literary, journalistic, scientific, cartographic, computer programs, visual arts, photographic)—requires prior and explicit consent from Wirtualna Polska Media Spółka Akcyjna, headquartered in Warsaw, the owner of this website, regardless of the method of exploration and the technique used (manual or automated, including the use of machine learning or artificial intelligence programs). The above restriction does not apply solely to facilitate their search by internet search engines and uses within contractual relations or permitted use as specified by applicable law.Detailed information regarding this notice can be found  here.