Wow, All you Need To KNow About AMARANTH (Amaranthus cruentus)


AMARANTH (Amaranthus cruentus)
Amaranth is considered as a weed by most people, but has been grown as a grain and vegetable for thousands of years. It has about the same yield as many other more commonly used grains like rice. It also has a similar nutritional value with other grains. It is grown mostly in Mexico, Africa, India, China and Russia. Amaranth is not a whole grain like oats, wheat etc, because it is free of gluten, but because its flowers is made up of miniscule and it has a grain like buds makes it sometimes to be referred as a “pseudo- cereal”. It belongs to the family of amaranthaceae and identified as amaranthus.
Nutritional Values
Calorie information                                                  Carbohydrate
Amount per selected serving      %Dv             Amount per selected serving      %Dv
Calories                  251(1051kg)                        Total carbohydrate              46.0g   15%
Carbohydrate         186(779kg)                           Dietary fiber                        5.2g    21%        
Fat                             32.5(136kg)                         Starch                                   39.9g
Protein                       32.4(136kg)                        Protein and Amino Acid 
Amount per selected serving   %Dv                Amounts per selected serving    %Dv
Vitamin A                              -------------                  Calcium              116mg           12%
Vitamin C                               ------------                  Iron                     5.2mg            29%
Vitamin D                               ------------                 Magnesium        160mg           40%
Vitamin E (alpha tocophero)     0.5mg   2%         Phosphorus        364mg           36%
Vitamin K                               -------------                  Potassium          332mg            9%
Thiamin                                     0.0mg   2%                Sodium               14.8mg          1%
Riboflavin                             0.1mg   3%                 Zinc                      2.1mg           14%
Niacin                                     0.6mg   3%                Copper                 0.4mg           18%
VitaminB6                             0.3mg    3%               Manganese         2.1mg           105%
Folate                                      54.1mg   14%            Selenium             13.5mg         19%
Vitamin B12                               -------------              Fluoride                ---------------------
Pantothemic acid                     ----------------                              Sterols
Choline                                            ---------------              Cholesterol           ----------------
Betaine                                            --------------                Phytosterols         -------------
Others
Amount per selected serving
Alcohol                                            0.0g
Water                                              185g
Ash                                                    1.9g
Caffeine                                            -------
Health Benefits of Amaranth
Ø Cholesterol: The oils and phytosterols in amaranth help lower cholesterol level including LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.
Ø Inflammation: The anti- peptides and oil of amaranth can ease pain and reduce inflammation. This is especially important for chronic condition where inflammation erodes at health such as heart disease and stroke.
Ø Cancer: The same peptide in amaranths also helps to prevent cancer. The anti oxidant in it helps protect cells from damaging that can lead to cancer.
Ø Blood pressure: The fiber and phyto nutrient in amaranths lowers blood pressure according tosome recent studies.
Ø Immune system: some studies shows that the vitamins, minerals and anti oxidants in amaranths boost the function of the immune system.
Ø The minerals contained in amaranths such as calcium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, potassium etc., helps to build strong bones and muscles, aids in hydration, boost energy and are vital in thousands processes.
Ø Amaranth has a good amount of lysine which helps the body to absorb calcium build muscle and produce energy.
Ø Gray hair: The presence of mineral in amaranths prevents premature graying.

Uses of Amaranth
·        It is used as an exceptional thickener for sauces, soups, stews and even jellies.
·        Amaranths seed can be grilled in a mill and used as flour.
·        It is used to treat ulcer, diarrhea, swollen mouth and throat.
·        Amaranth leave are eaten as vegetable and added to salad.
·        The whole plant is used as medicine.
Method of Preparing Amaranth
Things needed:
o   1 cup of amaranth grain.
o   3 cups of water.
o   Medium sauce pan with lid.
o   ½ teaspoon of salt.
o   Spoon
Steps
o   Pour 1 cup of amaranth grain and three cups of water in the sauce pan, add salt and stir the mixture together.
o   Uncover the sauce pan and set the stove to high heat, allow the mixture to boil, reduce heat immediately when the mixture boils.
o   Cover the sauce pan and heat again for about 25minutes.
o   Uncover the saucepan again to see if the grain has soaked up all the water.
o   Turn off the stove and leave the saucepan covered than for more 10minutes to make sure that there is no moisture.
o   The food is now ready to be eaten with well cooked soup.


REFERENCES
Allison,B.(2014).retrieved from http://www.ehow.com>ehow>food& drink
Allan,D.(2013).The oxford companion to food.pp101-107,oxford university      publication,3rd edition.
Bakhru,H.,K.(2010).Food that heals: natural way to health.
Blamey,M & Grey-wilson,C.(1989).Flora of Britain and northern europe.ISBN 0-340-4010-2.
Charlie,P.(2013).Retrieved from http://www.sunwarrior.com/news/11-health-6
Cole,J.,N.(1979).Amaranth: from the past; for the future.Rodal press.
Daniel,Z& Maria,H.(2000).Domestication of plant in the old world.3rd edition,pp 122.oxford university publication.
Fairfax,T& Proudtit.(2000).Nutrition and diet therapy.



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