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Health Benefits of Amaranth And Its Side Effects

Last Updated: Dec 14, 2022

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Amaranth grains are high protein grains that offer a remedy for several everyday ailments. Thanks to a high concentration of essential vitamins and minerals, it is often referred to as a superfood. The high dietary fiber content of amaranth grain improves the digestive system of your body, while also reducing the cholesterol levels which leads to the improved cardiovascular health.

This grain works wonders for your hair, strengthening them and making them more lustrous. Amaranth is found to a richer source of calcium than even milk, making it the perfect food for improving bone health. The vitamin C content of this grain helps in boosting the immune system, while the high vitamin A concentration helps in improving the health of the eyes.

Other benefits of this grain include helping in weight loss, controlling diabetes, boosting muscle growth, preventing the celiac disease, and much more.

Here we discuss amaranth grain medicinal benefits, nutritional benefits, and health benefits and how you can use amaranth grain in a different form and add in your food diet

What is Amaranth grain or chaulai?

Amaranth grain or chaulai is a cosmopolitan perennial plant. It is one of the most ancient cultivated grains in human history, with its origins being traced back to more than 8000 years ago. Amaranth is extremely beneficial for the body as it possesses rich rich essential nutrients.

All parts of Amaranth plants including grains, leaves, and others are beneficial for the body. Although Amaranth is not popular as other grains, it is one of the most nutritious grains having a rich concentration of vitamins, fiber, and minerals.

Amaranth has become one of the most in-demand grains due to the fact that it is a healthy protein source.

Summary- Amaranth is a wholesome grain with rich protein content and absolutely free of gluten. This grain is believed to intensify Kapha and pitta doshas.

Nutritional Value of Amaranth per 100gm

Amaranth grain is rich in several vitamins, minerals, and a great source of protein, without adding too much fat to the body. Let check out amaranth grain nutritional information for 100 gram. the fat concentration is just 1.6 grams. Carbohydrates are about 19 grams in every 100 grams of amaranth grain, out of which 2 grams is fiber. In every 100 grams of amaranth, you also get about 3.8 grams protein.

Amaranth is found to be rich in several important vitamins, with the concentration vitamin B6 and vitamin E making up 9% and 2% of recommended daily intake respectively. Amaranth grain is also a rich source of several minerals, with the recommended daily intakes being compensated by every 100 grams of the grain in the form of iron’s 27% of the daily value, magnesium’s 19% of the daily value, 15% of the daily value of phosphorous, 43% of the daily value of manganese and copper’s 8% of the daily value, among many others. Amaranth grain is also found to be a rich source of fatty acids and amino acids.

Summary- Amaranth is a great source of several important nutrients like protein, vitamins, essential fatty acids, minerals, etc. Carbohydrates and Amino acids are also found in Amaranth.

Nutritional facts Per 100 grams in Amaranth

371
Calories
7 g
Total Fat
4 mg
Sodium
508 mg
Potassium
65 g
Total Carbohydrate
14 g
Protein

Vitamins and Minerals in Amaranth Grain

0.15
Calcium
7 %
Vitamin C
42 %
Iron
30 %
Vitamin B-6
62 %
Magnesium

Health Benefits of Amaranth (Chaulai)

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Mentioned below are the best health benefits of Amaranth (Chaulai) grain. You can start consuming Amaranth grain seed, flour in your diet to get all these nutrition and health benefits.

Amaranth Grain helps in improving digestion

As discussed in the nutritional values of amaranth grains are rich sources of dietary fiber, which is very beneficial for the digestive system and makes sure that the entire flow of food through the system remains smooth. Amaranth Grain also help protect against ailments like bloating, constipation, cramping and many more. The dietary fiber present in amaranth also helps in protecting against serious conditions like gastric ulcers and colon cancer.

Another major advantage of the dietary fiber present in the amaranth grains is that it helps increase the nutrient uptake efficiency in the body. With a rich concentration of nutrients present in the grain, this becomes all the more important since increased nutrient uptake efficiency means that higher levels of nutrients from the grains are absorbed by the body.

Amaranth Grain Improves metabolism

Amaranth is the one grain which is found to be rich in lysine, with some grains having no concentration of this amino acid. This is why amaranth is often referred to as the complete protein. The lysine-rich content of amaranth is what makes it a popular food in cultures that don’t traditionally have access to a diverse range of food items.

Lysine is an important amino protein for the body and is extremely beneficial in creating usable proteins in the body, which in turn ensures improved metabolism and complete development and growth in the body.

Amaranth Grain helps in preventing heart attacks

Another significant advantage of the high dietary fiber content in amaranth grain is that it helps in balancing the cholesterol levels in the cardiovascular system of the body. Along with the dietary fiber, the phytosterols found in amaranth grain also help a great deal in reducing the cholesterol levels. This in turn helps in reducing the chance of your body developing conditions like atherosclerosis which can lead to heart attacks and strokes.

The high potassium content of amaranth grain also helps in improving the cardiovascular health by making sure that the blood vessels are relaxed. The vasodilation properties of potassium reduce the tension and strain on the blood vessels and arteries, resulting in lowered blood pressure, which leads to reduced chances of heart diseases.

Amaranth grain for hair

Amaranth Grain or chaulai is known for its distinguished chemical composition, which has benefits for the whole body. Amaranth grains are great for increasing the luster and quality of hair, while also making for a great remedy to flatten hair that can be branded wiry.

amaranth seeds can be used for hai since it is wonderful source of lysine which, as discussed earlier, is a critical amino acid but not found in most other grains. A good lysine concentration in the body leads to healthier and stronger hair with better roots, while also affecting a reduction in hair loss. Regular use of amaranth grains also helps in reducing the graying of hair.

Amaranth Grain helps in preventing osteoporosis

Amaranth grain a highly effective source of nutrients when it comes to improving bone density and the overall health of your bones. Making amaranth grains a part of your diet can help you slow down or even completely prevent the onset of diseases like osteoporosis.

Calcium is the most important mineral for bone health. While traditionally milk is considered to be the richest source of calcium, amaranth provides at least twice the concentration of calcium when compared to milk.

Amaranth Grain improves the immune system

Amaranth grain is one of the very few grains that have Vitamin C content. Vitamin C is extremely important for the immune system. Chaulai improves immunity by boosting the production of white blood cells. Vitamin C is also beneficial for the repair of cells and faster healing, due to its contribution in producing collagen in the body.

Amaranth grain benefits for weight loss

Amaranth grains help in lowering the insulin levels in your body, while also releasing hormones that can be termed pretty much the opposite of hunger hormones. These hormones tell the body that you are full.

Amaranth Grain effectively reduces your urge to snack between meals, making sure that you don’t gain any excess weight. So when looking for a high protein food laced with health benefits, going for amaranth grain is one of the best options out there.

Amaranth flour good for diabetics

The properties of controlling blood sugar and lowering insulin levels in the body hold amaranth flour in good stead when talking about foods that are highly beneficial for diabetic patients.

Amaranth seeds good for diabetes patients it effectively combats the two biggest issues for diabetes, obesity and high insulin levels, and makes sure that there are no sudden spikes in the blood sugar levels. Being one of the most effective foods for lowering insulin levels, amaranth is widely considered to be extremely important for people at risk of diabetes.

Amaranth Grain great for eye health

Vitamin A, which is essential for the health of the ocular system of your body, is found to be in a rich concentration in amaranth. Apart from vitamin A, amaranth grain is also a great source of beta-carotene, which is an antioxidant. It is hugely beneficial in preventing cataracts and also slows down the onset of any macular degeneration.

Amaranth for muscle building

Proteins are always suggested as a key part of your nutritional intake if you are looking to make sure that you have a healthy and toned body that is functioning properly. Amaranth grain is among the grains that have the highest protein content, making it perfect for anyone looking to build up muscle mass.

Being a completely natural source of plant protein makes amaranth grain a far better option than most supplements for the people who are looking to make sure that there is a healthy growth of their body tissues, muscles, and even skin.

Amaranth Grain is great for preventing celiac disease

Celiac disease is caused due to allergic reactions to gluten that is present in several common food items like wheat. Amaranth seeds or grain is a completely gluten-free food, making it a great, nutritious alternative to wheat.

Maintain Cholesterol levels

Amaranth consists of cholesterol-lowering properties. It possesses an abundant amount of protein with no fats. It is also rich in fiber content which smoothens digestion. It normalizes blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Summary- People suffering from cholesterol accumulation should incorporate Amaranth into everyday meals. It will help to lower cholesterol levels.

Reduces the risk of Inflammation

Amaranth also displays anti-inflammatory properties. It is said to lower the body’s response by decreasing IgE production, which is responsible for inflammations. It helps to alleviate the symptoms of pain, swelling, and inflammation caused by different disorders.

Summary- Regular consumption of amaranth can help us to eradicate pain and inflammation by attacking its root cause.

Uses of Amaranth

Globally, Amaranth has been used through different procedures. Some of them are-

  • Amaranth grain is used commonly in various cuisines across the world.
  • Apart from culinary uses, this grain is used for medicines for several ailments and a few hair care products as well.
  • It is used to produce a few alcoholic beverages as well.

Summary- Along with culinary usages, Amaranth is also used for medicinal purposes and beverage preparation.
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How to Use Amaranth

Amaranth can be used in various ways. Some simple processes are listed below-

  • Different savory dishes can also be prepared using amaranth
  • Popped amaranth can be used as dressing over salads and soups
  • Amaranth flour can be used in baking dishes
  • It can also be included into shakes and smoothies
  • It can be used to prepare sweet breakfast porridge, etc

Summary- Amaranth is a versatile food grain that can be used to prepare different dishes. It provides an exotic taste along with lots of nourishment.

Amaranth Side-Effects

Amaranth grains do not have any major side effects or toxicities to be careful about. But we need to be aware of them too- It is advised that the grain not be eaten raw since in that state there are a few oxalates and nitrates present on the grain that might be a danger for some people.

Due to its ability to lower insulin, people suffering from hypoglycemia are advised to regulate the intake carefully or avoid eating the grain totally.

Summary- Along with many benefits, Amaranth also leads to some side effects. We need to be careful too.

Cultivation of Amaranth

The production and usage of amaranth can be traced back to the ancient Greek culture, more than 8000 years ago. North America, Central America and India are among the regions where amaranth production is the highest. In today’s times, USA is the largest producer of amaranth, followed by Mexico.

Summary- Amaranth originated from Greek culture. Nowadays, it is mostly grown in the USA.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does amaranth do to the body?

Amaranth provides deep nourishment to the body. It immunizes the body and prevents several disorders.

Can I eat amaranth every day?

Yes, Amaranth can be consumed every day.

Which is healthier amaranth or quinoa?

Amaranth and quinoa have different nutrient values but amaranth contains more protein than quinoa.

Is amaranth good for the liver?

Yes, amaranth possesses liver-protecting properties due to its specific nutrient content.

Is amaranth high in sugar?

No amaranth is not high in sugar as it demonstrates hyperglycemic activities.

References

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    Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
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    Reviewed ByDt. Ms. Shilpa MarwahB.Sc (Home Science), Post Graduation Diploma in Dietetics and Public Health NutritionDietitian/Nutritionist
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