As people today pay more and more attention to healthy eating, there is a constant search for the healthiest grains. While most of the population still rely on well-known grains such as wheat and rice, the demand for healthier, gluten-free alternatives is definitely on the rise.

If you're looking for healthy, gluten-free grains that are easy to prepare, try amaranth. In our society today, it may be a lesser known food culture, but some civilizations have enjoyed it for millennia.

Origin and main characteristics

Collectively, amaranth, or shiritsa, denotes a group of annual herbaceous plants with small flowers, which are collected in spike-paniculate inflorescences. More than 100 different types of amaranth are known, which belong to the amaranth family. Amaranth has been grown for about 8,000 years. This plant was widely used by the ancient civilizations of the Maya, Aztecs and Incas. Amaranth is a pseudo-grain, which defines it as belonging to a different group of plants than crops such as oats and wheat. Amaranth has a nutty and earthy scent that gives it an aura of seduction.

The Latin name for amaranth is Amaranthus, which translated into Russian means "beloved by God." The plant is mainly cultivated in South and Central America, although it is now grown in other regions as well. This large, bushy plant can grow up to four feet in height. Straight branches, covered with pointed green leaves, extend from the stems. The flowers are white or bright pink. It is mostly an annual plant. In appearance, amaranth resembles spinach. The leaves of the plant come in different shades: red, green and purple.

Nutritional value of culture

Amaranth is rich in protein, trace elements, antioxidants and fiber. Gluten free. This grain is a source of minerals such as phosphorus and iron, manganese and magnesium. A cup of amaranth porridge contains only 250 calories. The antioxidants it contains help the human body to cope with harmful free radicals.

Leaves, like seeds, are also rich in nutrients. Leaves are multi-colored. They are very low in calories and contain both soluble and insoluble fiber in abundance. Amaranth also contains an essential amino acid - lysine, which is necessary for the absorption of calcium.

Benefit for health

The inclusion of amaranth in the usual diet will make it possible to improve the general condition of the body. Here are the main health benefits of eating amaranth:

• Reducing inflammation. While inflammation is the body's immune response to protect it from various injuries and infections, chronic inflammation can lead to serious illnesses such as cancer, diabetes, etc. Several studies show that consuming amaranth can help prevent severe inflammation.
• Reducing cholesterol levels. Doctors claim that high levels of bad cholesterol can lead to diseases of the cardiovascular system. Several animal studies have shown that consuming amaranth can help lower cholesterol levels in the body.
• Weight loss. Obese people who are unsuccessfully trying to lose those extra pounds may try to start eating amaranth. After all, this culture is rich in protein and fiber. And according to data from various studies, foods high in protein and fiber contribute to weight loss. Fiber will give you a feeling of fullness, relieving hunger.
• Gluten free. Many people today are busy looking for gluten-free foods. Those whose bodies cannot digest gluten should consider amaranth as a substitute for other grains. The same should be done for those fighting celiac disease, a genetically predisposed gluten intolerance.
• Preservation of vision. Amaranth leaves, along with carotene, contain a sufficient amount of vitamin A. These antioxidants reduce the risk of developing macular degeneration and cataracts, which, in turn, will help maintain good vision.

Since ancient times, amaranth herb has been used for various medicinal purposes. It is often used to treat diarrhea and menstrual irregularities. It is also said to be an effective treatment for oral ulcers.