What is amaranth?
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So even though it’s labeled a grain, if we’re being technical, amaranth is a seed.
Expect a nutty taste, grassy scent, and hints of herby flavor.
8 benefits of amaranth:
It’s full of manganese.
“It’s also responsible for helping to keep our joints healthy,” she notes.
It’s a great plant-based protein.
It’s full of fiber.
Fiberis essential for healthy digestion and regularity, plus it helps keep you fueled and satiated for longer.
It supports healthy bones.
One cup of cooked amaranth boasts 116 milligrams of calcium, according to the USDA.
Calcium plays a vital role in bone and teeth health and flexibility of muscles.
(Pro tip:Vitamin D helps boost calcium absorption, so pair the two together when possible.)
It may help manage inflammation.
It supports a healthy skin barrier (& more).
Squalene is most recognized for its ability to not only moisturize the skin but also promote ahealthy skin barrier.
And according to Jackson, eating squalene has its own health benefits.
“This phytonutrient has been studied for itsbeneficial effects on cholesterol levels5,” she says.
Which brings us to our next point:
It may help lower cholesterol.
Squalene doesn’t act alone when it comes to the cholesterol benefits of amaranth.
“Several studies have shown that amaranth can lower cholesterol,” Harlow says.
“This effect has been attributed to its unsaturated fatty acid, soluble fiber content, and phytosterols.”
How do I incorporate this grain into my diet?
Thankfully, there are a few ways to incorporate amaranth into your diet.
you might eat it in its whole form or ground as a flour.
It’s a naturallygluten-free grain, so people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease can eat it safely.
The blend will also mellow out the nutty flavor of amaranth, making it more palatable and less grainy.
To cook amaranth, you’ll use a method similar to cooking rice.
We love amaranth in a chocolatey, coconutty breakfast dish like thismood-boosting breakfast bowl.
Or add a scoop of amaranth to a salad like thistuna Nicoisevariety.
The options are endless!
The bottom line.
Amaranth might date back thousands of years, but its nutritionally rich profile hasn’t faded.
It’s a complete protein,plant-based, and fiber-richamong other nutritional benefits.
This pseudocereal can be used in countless ways and added to just about any meal of the day.
