Benefits of amaranth and what it is for
The benefits of amaranth can be found both in its seeds and in its leaves.
Resized and edited image from Turismo.temoac, is available on the Commons Wikimedia
Amaranth is a cereal originating in Peru known for being rich in nutrients. It has large amounts of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
The benefits of amaranth are many and its seeds are gaining fame for their properties: they are antioxidants; facilitate digestion, help reduce cholesterol and lose weight; protect the heart; take care of the health of your bones; accelerate wound healing; among others. Furthermore, they are a source of lysine, which is an essential amino acid for our health. But these seeds have some antinutrients, which are eliminated with heating. You can germinate them, cook them, sauté them, bake them or consume your flour as a substitute for wheat flour if you don't want to ingest gluten.
Resized and edited image by manuel m. v., is available on Flicker and licensed under CC BY 2.0
Do you know what can also be very nutritious? The amaranth leaf! Depending on the species and type of soil, amaranth leaves can vary between green, yellow and red (see photo below). Compared to spinach, they contain triple vitamin C, calcium and vitamin B3. They also have ten times more carotenes than tomatoes.
How about trying a simple recipe with this sheet that brings so many benefits? Check out:
Ingredients
- 6 cups of chopped amaranth leaves and stalks, taken from 8 cm from the top of the plant (they are younger leaves)
- 2 chopped garlic cloves
- 3 tablespoons of oil, or enough to cover the bottom of the pan
- 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon of oregano
- Benefits of different types of olive oil
Way of doing
- Over high heat, heat the garlic until golden
- Add amaranth and remaining seasonings
- Stir for two minutes or until leaves turn dark green
- Remove from heat and serve.
