Amaranth is considered one of the foods of plant-based healthier for humans. If you didn't know about it, pay attention because in this post we tell you everything about these seeds that are so nutritious and beneficial for health.
Discover the properties of amaranth and recipes most delicious dishes you can prepare to start including it in your diet.
What is amaranth
Amaranth is a pseudocereal, very similar to quinoa, which has numerous health properties. For this reason, it is widely used in cooking, especially in recipes from Mexican cuisine and other tropical areas of America.
It is considered one of the oldest crops in the world, as its origin dates back more than 7,000 years. In fact, in the Mayan or Aztec culture, amaranth, besides being a very popular food, was also widely used in rituals.
Today, thanks to the numerous benefits and properties for the health benefits of these seeds, they have become a staple in many diets.
Properties: benefits and contraindications of amaranth
Amaranth is characterized by having a great nutritional value which stands out mainly for its high content of plant-based proteins, vitamins, minerals, and folic acid. Likewise, it stands out above other foods because it contains no gluten, contains much more calcium than milk and all the essential amino acids. For this reason, it is a highly recommended food to include in the diet of celiacs.
Benefits of amaranth
Regulates the digestive system
Thanks to its high fiber content, amaranth helps regulate the digestive system and reduces the feeling of bloating making digestions to be faster and simple. Likewise, it can also prevent colon cancer. The best way to take advantage of this property is by making an infusion. By the way! Take a look at our post about properties of Black Tea. Discover all its health benefits and how to prepare it.
Helps you stay in shape
Amaranth is an essential ingredient in the diet of those who want to stay in shape, as it contains a large amount of fiber that gives it satiety properties. Combining it with a good exercise routine, it will will help to lose weight much faster.
Improves mental performance
One of the advantages of amaranth not having gluten and being rich in carbohydrates and proteins it helps stimulate the brain and improve mental performance. That is why amaranth is usually recommended for children and all those people who perform a great intellectual activity.
Similarly, it can also reduce the chances of suffering from neurodegenerative diseases.
Improves mood and reduces stress
Amaranth has a high tryptophan content, an essential amino acid that promotes the secretion of serotonin, better known as the happiness hormone. These seeds therefore help improve mood, fight depression, and reduce stress levels. Likewise, it is highly recommended for women who have hormonal imbalances because it helps regulate hormones.
Regulates blood cholesterol
This food helps regulate blood cholesterol levels, reducing bad cholesterol and increasing good cholesterol, which in turn is very beneficial for the circulatory system. Also, its antioxidant properties help prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Strengthens the bones
One of the particularities of amaranth is that it has twice the calcium of milk, in addition to other compounds such as magnesium or phosphorus. This makes it a perfect food to strengthen muscles and bones. In this way, it prevents diseases such as osteoporosis and reduces the chances of suffering from muscle cramps.
Strengthens the immune system
Thank you to zinc and selenium that it contains, amaranth is a food that stimulates antibody production, which strengthens the immune system.
Contraindications of amaranth
Amaranth is one of the healthiest foods available and it is uncommon for it to have negative effects. However, if you are prone to develop allergies, we recommend that you consult your trusted doctor beforehand. Likewise, being a fiber-rich food, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain.
Best recipes with amaranth: how is it consumed?
Amaranth is one of the healthiest foods for human consumption. In fact, it has been considered a superfood by the FAO (United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization).
It is used in cooking to prepare both sweet and savory dishes.
- These seeds can be used as if they were cereals, just like quinoa. Add it to milk, yogurt, or you can even make your own bread with amaranth seeds. In breakfasts and snackswill be your perfect ally.
- It is also an ideal complement for salads. Additionally, you can cook it and add it to legume salads. If you want to cook it, you should add two cups of water for every cup of amaranth seeds you use.
- Another option is sauté it and season it to add it to your favorite tacos, vegetables, and other dishes.
- You can find amaranth in flour and you can use this as a sauce thickener and to make soups, bread, cookies, or cakes.
- Finally, there are many other recipes to which you can add amaranth, such as croquettes, eggplants, or stuffed tomatoes. It is also very common for sweet recipes to mix it with honey. Oh! don't forget to also learn about all the properties of royal jelly and how to take it to enjoy its benefits.
Now that you know how to make the most of the properties of amaranth, start including this superfood in your diet and begin making the best healthy recipes!
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