Health Benefits of Amaranth Grain, Uses And Its Side Effects

One of the most desirable elements of amaranth grain is the fact that it features lysine in much larger quantities than other grains. Lysine is an essential amino acid (protein) for the human body, which makes amaranth a “complete protein”.

Amaranth Grain is very desirable for human health, as it delivers all the essential amino acids to create usable proteins within the body, thereby optimizing the metabolism and ensuring proper growth and development. This is why for indigenous cultures and those with limited access to diverse food sources, amaranth grain represents a vital component of their diet.

Amaranth grain contains a special amino acid called lysine. It also contains nutrients and minerals like magnesium, iron, phosphorous, potassium and vitamins C & E, to help eradicate free radicals that cause aging and lead to the formation of cancerous cells.

The phytosterols found in amaranth grain have been connected to lowering cholesterol levels, while the significant levels of dietary fiber also help to balance the cholesterol levels in the cardiovascular system, thereby lowering the chances of developing atherosclerosis and subsequently suffering from heart attacks or strokes.

The rich potassium levels found in amaranth grain further boost heart health by relaxing the blood vessels. Potassium is a vasodilator, which means that it reduces strain and tension in the arteries and blood vessels, lowering blood pressure and reducing the chances of coronary heart disease.

As mentioned above, amaranth grain contains a high level of dietary fiber, which can help to optimize the digestive system and eliminate constipation, bloating, cramping, and more serious conditions, like colon cancer and gastric ulcers.

Dietary fiber present in amaranth grain also helps to increase nutrient uptake efficiency, and with the high concentration of nutrients in the grain, this is a very important side effect of that dietary fiber.

The unique chemical makeup up amaranth grain has some rather unexpected benefits as well, including being a wonderful way to flatten wiry hair and increase luster and quality. Lysine is a critical amino acid that our body is unable to produce, so we must get it from our diets.

Amaranth grain has higher levels of lysine than other grains, which makes it very important for hair health. Lysine has been linked to stronger, healthier hair, better roots, and a reduction in hair loss. One can reduce greying and hair loss by adding amaranth grains in their diet, although the exact pathway that benefit comes from is somewhat unclear.

Amaranth is rare for grains, in the sense that it has vitamin C, and this gives it an immune system-boosting edge over its dietary competitors.

With high levels of vitamin C, amaranth grain can help boost the overall immune system, as vitamin C stimulates white blood cell production, and can also contribute to faster healing and repair of cells, due to its functional role in the production of collagen.

Like some other grains and grasses, amaranth grain is gluten-free, which is good news for those who suffer from Celiac disease. This disease prevalence has increased dramatically in recent years, partly explained by improved detection and testing techniques, but also due to a general change in our species’ dietary tolerances due to a wide range of environmental and dietary factors.

In the coming years, the number of those suffering from Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) is expected to increase, making gluten-free grains like amaranth increasingly important.

Amaranth grain has the ability to lower insulin levels and control blood sugar intake through appetite control/suppression. This is an ideal situation for those at risk for diabetes, as elevated insulin levels and obesity are two of the causes or “red flags” for diabetes. Given the global pandemic nature of diabetes at present, anything able to lower those insulin levels is considered vitally important.

Acquiring protein in our diet is one of the most reliable ways to keep our bodies toned, developed, and functioning properly. The unusually high levels of plant proteins in amaranth grain make it an ideal addition to the diet if one wants to ensure the healthy growth of cells, muscles, tissues, and skin.

The vitamin A found in amaranth grain has a major effect on the health of our ocular system. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that prevents the development of cataracts and can slow the onset of macular degeneration.

Amaranth grain is a rich source of essential nutrients and one of the richest sources of iron, with more than five times the iron than wheat. Amaranth leaves instigate coagulation and have been known to boost blood haemoglobin content and RBC counts.

Amaranth is one of the richest sources of calcium. It has been found to decrease the risk of calcium deficiencies, and in turn reduces the risk of bone diseases like weak joints (osteoporosis) and rheumatoid pains. It is one of the best replacements for all lactose-intolerant people.