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The multiple benefits of eating amaranth

By Gretel Morales - 2021-11-09T15:47:16Z

The amaranth is an ancestral food that has been consumed in the national territory for thousands of years. Nowadays, it is commonly used to prepare the famous alegrías, as well as granola, cereals, wafers, drinks, and many other dishes. According to information published by the federal government, amaranth is one of the oldest crops in all of Mesoamerica, which was domesticated more than 4,000 years ago.

Its incredible benefits have gained great fame thanks to Dr. Rodolfo Neri, the first Mexican astronaut, who incorporated this pseudocereal into the diet of this group, as it is easily digestible and contains many vitamins and minerals. Below we tell you more about what amaranth contributes to your health.

Does amaranth contain vitamins and minerals?

According to the Secretariat of Agriculture, amaranth is not strictly a cereal; it is more of a pseudocereal. However, this does not mean it has fewer properties or benefits than cereals; on the contrary, it is rich in:

Vitamin A
Vitamin B, B1, B2, and B3
Vitamin C
Folic Acid
Calcium
Iron
Phosphorus
Niacin

Thanks to containing all these vitamins and minerals, amaranth is considered one of the best foods. So much so that experts indicate that amaranth has more protein than corn, rice, and wheat. This is why it is an excellent option for breakfast, as it will provide you with energy for a long time.

You can also read: 7 delicious and healthy recipes with amaranth

On the other hand, according to information published by the National Autonomous University of Mexico, amaranth contains all 9 essential amino acids for the human body: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

Benefits of eating amaranth

In addition to being rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals, amaranth also has many health benefits. Experts indicate that, during digestion, amaranth gains nutraceutical properties, which means it helps prevent dreaded diseases such as diabetes. Moreover, this superfood also helps regulate blood pressure, while Dr. Cristina Mapes Sánchez, curator of the ethnobotanical collection of the Botanical Garden of UNAM, points out that amaranth also contains almost the same amount of iron, calcium, and protein as spinach.

Amaranth against cholesterol

In addition to its rich flavor and versatility, amaranth has incredible health benefits. Nowadays, many people suffer from high cholesterol levels due to an unhealthy diet. According to various studies conducted on animals, this superfood from Mexico could be beneficial for reducing cholesterol levels.

These scientific investigations have indicated that amaranth helps lower bad cholesterol levels while increasing good cholesterol levels. It is worth mentioning that more studies need to be conducted to confirm these benefits in humans.

You can also read: 10 benefits of amaranth flour you might not know

Does amaranth help with weight loss?

Amaranth is not only rich in nutrients and protein; it could also help you lose weight, as experts say it is a food rich in fiber and protein. Moreover, by consuming amaranth, it decreases ghrelin levels, the hormone responsible for the sensation of hunger.

Remember that amaranth will also make you feel full for longer, which will prevent you from consuming junk food.

A Mexican superfood rich in antioxidants

This superfood is your best option to stay healthy, as it contains antioxidants, which are essential to combat the effects of free radicals. Remember that these can cause diseases such as cancer, as they damage cells.

In a study conducted on animals, experts found that amaranth increases antioxidant activity. And while more research needs to be done, there is no doubt that amaranth is your best choice for any time of the day.

You can also read: 6 incredible benefits of chia you should take advantage of now

Recipes with amaranth

These recipes with amaranth are your best option for any day of the week; you can't miss them.