5 Health Benefits of Amaranth That Prove Why it is Called ‘The Grain of God’

Amaranth has been associated with a number of impressive health benefits. Read on to find out!

Amaranth Recently gaining popularity as a health food, this ancient grain has been a staple in certain parts of the world. This food is a good source of fiber, protein, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, and iron, along with several other important micronutrients. According to nutritionist Lovneet Batra, “Amaranth is a rare but underappreciated superfood. It is an ancient grain used for a long time in India and has also been called as “Ramdana” (the grain of God) or “Rajgira” (the grain of kings). It has a mild and nutty flavor. Here are 5 reasons to include Amaranth in your diet:”

5 health benefits of amaranth:

1. Heart Healthy Foods: Due to the presence of phytosterols, amaranth has been found to have cholesterol-lowering properties. It is, therefore, a great choice for people who suffer from cardiovascular problems.
2. Fights inflammation and has anticancer properties: Studies show that the peptides released during the digestion of amaranth have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. The presence of the bioactive peptide Lunasin imparts its anticancer properties to the bean.
3. High-quality protein source: Great source of protein, especially for those on a plant-based or gluten-free diet. 100 grams of Amaranth contain 13.27 g of protein. Due to an excellent balance of essential amino acids, it is a high-quality protein with a bioavailability of 87-89%. Furthermore, since the saponin content of this grain is very low, it does not require soaking and is safe for intestinal health.
4. Good source of fiber: In addition to being useful for treating constipation; Amaranth is also known to have prebiotic effects on the gut and increases the synthesis of useful “short-chain fatty acids” that promote gut health.
5. Loaded with Micronutrients: Rich source of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc and copper. It is also a good source of many essential vitamins, including vitamin B6 and folate.

One can use amaranth in various ways. It can be used as a flour to make rotis, cheelas or as a cereal to make cutlets, porridge and even a pizza base.