Amaranth (African spinach): what is it and what is its benefit?

People have cultivated amaranth for about eight thousand years. It was one of the principal ingredients in the diet of the Incas, Mayans and Aztecs. Its leaves taste like spinach, some species are used as vegetables and some as cereals. Let us talk about them today.

Amaranth seeds are rich in protein, fiber, microelements and antioxidants. One glass contains more than a daily norm of manganese that plays an important role for the proper functioning of the brain and the nervous system. The grains are also rich in magnesium that is an important nutrient involved in almost three hundred reactions in the body, including DNA synthesis and muscle contraction. Amaranth is also rich in phosphorus that is important for the proper formation of bones, as well as in iron, selenium and copper.

It also contains a lot of phenolic acids - plant compounds which act like antioxidants. They include gallic acid, para-Hydroxybenzoic and vanilla acids, which help to cope with a variety of diseases, including heart and liver diseases, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

Due to the protein and dietary fibers contained in them, amaranth seeds will help to get rid of cholesterol and lose a couple of extra pounds.

Amaranth does not contain gluten

To cook amaranth seeds cover them with water in a ratio of 1: 3, let it boil and cook over low heat for about twenty minutes until the water is absorbed. Cooked grains can be added to smoothies and can be used as a separate dish replacing pasta or rice.

They can also be added to soups, stewed with meat (like pilaf), cooked like porridge with nuts, cinnamon and dried fruits.

Excellent taste and undeniable health benefits make amaranth seeds a real superfood, which should be included in the diet.