What are the Nutritional Values and Health Benefits of Amaranth?
Amaranth is rich in dietary fiber, protein, fat, and high concentrations of lysine, among other nutrients. It has various health benefits, including blood replenishment, calcium supplementation, eye health, and heat-clearing and detoxifying effects. Also known as red vegetables or rice amaranth, it is a vegetable with high nutritional value, containing a large amount of iron, calcium, vitamin C, and other nutrients. Eating it regularly can enhance human immunity, prevent constipation, aid in weight loss, and detoxify the body.
1. Amaranth is rich in dietary fiber, and regular consumption can aid in weight loss, promote detoxification, and prevent constipation.
2. Amaranth, whether its seeds, stems, or leaves, is high in protein, fat, and lysine content, and is also rich in minerals and various vitamins. Its protein content is 11% to 12% higher than wheat and nearly double that of other cereal crops.
3. Amaranth contains three times more protein than tomatoes, and the amino acid structure of its protein is well-suited for human absorption, making it especially important for the growth and development of adolescents. Amaranth has long been considered an excellent blood-replenishing vegetable in China, earning it the nickname of "longevity vegetable".
4. Amaranth leaves contain high concentrations of lysine, which can complement the deficiencies in amino acid composition of cereals. It is suitable for infants, children, and adolescents, promoting growth and development, especially beneficial for babies fed with milk or milk powder. It can provide rich vitamins, minerals, and aid in digestion.
1. Blood Replenishment: Eating amaranth is beneficial for people with anemia or elderly individuals with insufficient blood circulation. Green amaranth contains twice the iron of spinach, while red amaranth contains six times more.
2. Calcium Supplementation: Amaranth contains twice the calcium of spinach, without the presence of oxalic acid that can interfere with calcium absorption. Its soft texture is especially suitable for children and the elderly to supplement calcium.
3. Vision Improvement: Amaranth is rich in minerals, carotene, vitamin C, and protein. Its vitamin C content is higher than tomatoes, and its plant protein content is also high. According to "Sui Xi Ju Yin Shi Pu" (a traditional Chinese dietary book), it can treat eye diseases and improve vision for those with visual difficulties.
4. Heat-Clearing and Detoxifying: Amaranth has the effect of clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting urination. It is suitable for treating diarrhea caused by damp-heat and sore eyes, throat pain, and redness due to liver heat.
