Amaranth Benefits for Your Health
Amaranth is a highly nutritious gluten-free cereal original from Peru. Rich in protein, fiber, and vitamins, this cereal can also help lower cholesterol and is a good source of calcium - that helps preserve bone mass - and zinc - that helps the body increase the efficiency of muscle tissue recovery.
Amaranth is that type of food that acts as a food base or supplement by providing protein in the optimal amount and essential amino acids that the body does not produce and can only acquire through feeding.
Some of the health benefits of amaranth are:
- Strengthens the immune system with the action of antioxidants;
- Fights cancer, due to the presence of squalene antioxidant that slows the flow of blood to tumors;
- Assists in muscle recovery by containing a high amount of protein;
- Fight osteoporosis;
- Aids in weight loss - because it is high in fiber, releases the intestines and quenches hunger.
These factors make amaranth a necessary food, both in the daily menu and for specific diets that require supplementation and reinforcement of some nutrients that are missing in the body.
Due to its proteins, it is an indispensable food for vegetarians and vegans. Amaranth is the only vegetable that is a source of bioavailable calcium, that is, which is better absorbed by the body.
How to Consume Amaranth
This superfood is found in powder, oil, flakes, grains or leaves. All options are nutritious, but the powder, flakes, and grains options have the greatest benefits in nutritional bioavailability.
Amaranth grains can replace rice when cooked or soaked. It is possible to germinate the seeds to potentiate their nutrients and thus, eat it raw.
Alternative to Those who Suffer from Celiac Disease
Amaranth is a good choice for people with gluten intolerance as it is gluten-free! It can be part of their diet by adding nutritional value without health risks!
Contraindications
Amaranth intake is not recommended for diabetics as it has a high rate of glycemic index carbohydrates, increasing blood glucose levels and, consequently, aggravating the metabolic syndrome.