Amaranth

“Plants  and trees multitask round the clock, and their lives are easily predictable. Hundreds of animals and birds live in the trees and  feed themselves by eating fruits.  It is always interesting to watch the colors of various flowers sprouting on the plants.  This topic will deal with Amaranth.  The botanical name for this plant is Amaranthus cruentus. These plants have been cultivated for 8000 years.  The grains are somewhat identical to rice or maize.  The grains were a staple food for the citizens of the Aztecs and were lavishly used in religious ceremonies. The cultivation was banned by their enemy country, the  conquistadores.  The research on these grains was started by the US in the year 1970.  These grains were cultivated as a food crop in Mexico and were used as candy by the Spanish people.”

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Health Benefits

Amaranth

• Amaranth oil is very famous and the oil is extracted from its grains.
• This oil has many commercial values.
• Raw amaranth is unfit for human consumption.
• So these grains have to be properly cooked and like other grains.
• Cooked amaranth grain is much better than wheat bread.
• These grains have lysine which is a powerful amino acid.
• These grains are totally free of gluten.
• These grains are rich in various supplements such as riboflavin, zinc, potassium, folate, thiamin and niacin.
• It is imperative to note that one plant produce up to 600, 000 seeds.
• Amaranth is rich in protein and calcium. These plants are also cultivated in Thailand, Nigeria, Russia, Mexico, Nepal and African continent.
• Many consume these grains as porridge in the morning time.
• These beans are rich in fiber.
• The leaves of these plants are also edible.

Medicinal Use

Interesting Facts

• Amaranth is the oldest grain in the world, with evidence of its use dating back 8,000 years.
• It is a grain-like seed that is packed with essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, calcium, and iron.
• It does not contain gluten, making it a great alternative for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Amaranth can be used in a variety of dishes, from porridge and bread to salads and stir-fries.
• It is a high-yield crop, producing up to five times more grain per acre than other grains such as wheat and oats.
• Amaranth has been used for its medicinal properties, such as its ability to lower cholesterol and improve heart health.
• The Aztecs and Incas believed amaranth to be a sacred plant and used it in religious ceremonies.