Health Benefits of Amaranth: What makes this grain so great?
By Nmami Agarwal 12-Jul 2021 Reading Time: 4 Mins
Amaranth aka amaranthus caudatus is a grain that was mostly considered a weed by a large population of the country for many years. But it has gained the attraction of many fitness enthusiasts in recent years due to its profound nutrition profile. This traditional grain is extremely virtuous for its incredible protein quantity and quality. From iron, protein to phosphorus and magnesium- amaranth has a lot to offer and is quite easy to incorporate into the diet. It is also an amazing source of other healthy nutrients like Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, and Folate in high amounts which can be given in diets where nutritional deficiencies are way too high. Let’s dive deep into the significant health benefits of amaranth to make your diet even healthier!
- Prevents Premature greying of hair: Amaranth has certain enzymes that help in increasing the levels of melanin in the body and further prevents hair loss and greying of hair. It also assists in maintaining the natural colour of hair while keeping your hair density thick. You can top it over your soups or salads for effective results.
- Makes skin glow: Amaranth is rich in essential nutrients that can hydrate, detoxify and soothe the skin. Furthermore, it can improve elasticity and reduce wrinkles due to its high squalene content. It is also high in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids which nourish your skin from within while making it super hydrated without any greasiness.
- Ease out the inflammation in the body: Amaranth has great anti-inflammatory properties which can reduce body pains especially in severe conditions like Diabetes, stroke when inflammation is at its peak.
- Keeps your gut healthy: Lack of fibre in the diet eventually leads to constipation, a bloated stomach, and overall irritability of moods. Amaranth is a high-fibre food that will serve the purpose and keep your gut health on the right track.
- Controls blood pressure and cholesterol levels: Amaranth is high in fibre and low in calories which help in controlling blood pressure levels and cholesterol levels while keeping a tab on your heart health. Phytonutrients found in amaranth keep an eye on these levels in your body, keeping you in a fine fettle.
Over to you
Amaranth is a wonderful gluten-free, protein-rich source that offers an ample amount of health benefits. So, you all need to make sure to include amazing grain in your diet to stay fit and keep your heart healthy. From adding it as a snack to top it over your soups, salads, and vegetable dishes- amaranth can be consumed in various ways. With so many health benefits and a wide nutrition profile, we hope that now you don’t have any reason not to munch upon this traditional nutritious grain! Keep experimenting and let us know how you like your amaranth?