Nutritional Value
Grain Nutritive Composition (per 100 g of raw edible portion)
Notable nutritional attributes of amaranth grain include-
- The protein, which is of an unusually high quality (15-18%). When amaranth is used in combination with wheat, corn or brown rice it result in a complete protein.
- A ¼ cup of amaranth grain supplies 60% of the Recommended
- Dietary Allowance of iron.
- Amaranth grain is particularly high in lysine and methionine, amino acids that most grains lack.
- Amaranth grain is free of gluten, which is important for people with gluten allergies.
- It contains 6-10% oil which is unsaturated and high in linoleic acid
- It is easily digested and it promotes cardiovascular health hence reducing blood pressure and lowers cholesterol.
- Amaranth has been associated with curing, prevention and management of many diseases.
- Cure – Kwashiokor, Marasmus, nausea, dizziness, Migraines, scurvey.
- Prevention – Cancer of the stomach, gullet, breast, lungs and colon, improves the quality of male sperms, prevents aging, weak muscles, paralysis and emotional instabilities
- Management – Gout, reduction of TB and diabetes, helps in secretion of milk, manages HIV /AIDS, bronchitis, assists in wound healing