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Amaranth: It’s All In The Healthy Pseudocereal

Amaranth has taken off in recent years. Today it is an indispensable part of any well-stocked supermarket. A major reason is that amaranth is extremely healthy.

Amaranth: How Healthy Is It?

Amaranth is now cultivated and for good reason: amaranth is healthy and full of vitamins and nutrients. 100 grams of amaranth alone contain ten grams of fiber. Added to this is the high protein content. There is a whopping 15 grams of protein in 100 grams of amaranth. In addition to magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron, the pseudocereal also provides vitamins B1 and E. And: it’s also gluten-free. With 387 calories per 100 grams, amaranth is high in energy. But usually, you only eat a little of it, for example in muesli or as a baking ingredient. In addition, amaranth keeps you full for a long time, making it ideal for losing weight.

Good to know: Amaranth (also spelled amaranth) is one of the most widespread crops in the world. Except for Antarctica, it grows on every continent on earth. The plant prefers a mild to warm climate. Of the approximately 90 species, most are found in North America today. There are 38 different genera.

How does amaranth work?

Due to its high nutrient content, amaranth promotes well-being, especially in the dark season. Because the power grain gets the serotonin balance going. Similar to chocolate, the body then releases happiness hormones. Amaranth oil is often used in cosmetics because it not only makes the skin supple and soft but is also said to be an effective anti-aging ingredient. Studies are currently underway.

How does amaranth taste?

The taste of amaranth is neutral to slightly earthy. However, it can easily be masked by other aromas. So taste shouldn’t be a problem. By the way, the leaves of the amaranth plant can also be eaten. They taste like spinach with a very slight bitter note. Crete even has its dish. It’s called With. The leaves are boiled and served as a salad with olive oil, lemon, feta, and zucchini.

Amaranth is a healthy all-rounder: You can add the pseudo-cereal to muesli, a smoothie, or a shake and use it for baking and cooking. Amaranth is also available in the puffed form, which is just as healthy as the pseudocereal in its original form. There are no known side effects or interactions with amaranth, so there are no consumption restrictions either: you can eat as much amaranth per day as you like. Because amaranth does not contain gluten, it is also a good alternative for people with gluten intolerance (celiac disease).

What are alternatives to amaranth?

If you don’t like amaranth, you can use various alternatives. Quinoa, for example, has almost the same ingredients as amaranth, but offers one crucial difference: while amaranth swells and becomes soft in liquids, quinoa remains pithy and firm. Otherwise, chia seeds, buckwheat, and flaxseed are also good substitutes. Finally, it should be said that amaranth (like quinoa and chia seeds) does not have a good ecological balance. Because amaranth is often imported from South America. This is neither good for the environment, nor do many South American countries have the same strict rules on the use of pesticides as in Europe.

By the way: Amaranth is called a pseudocereal because it has properties similar to cereals, but falls under a different plant genus. But there is another difference: amaranth is even healthier than plain grain.

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Written by Elizabeth Bailey

As a seasoned recipe developer and nutritionist, I offer creative and healthy recipe development. My recipes and photographs have been published in best selling cookbooks, blogs, and more. I specialize in creating, testing, and editing recipes until they perfectly provide a seamless, user-friendly experience for a variety of skill levels. I draw inspiration from all types of cuisines with a focus on healthy, well-rounded meals, baked goods and snacks. I have experience in all types of diets, with a specialty in restricted diets like paleo, keto, dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan. There is nothing I enjoy more than conceptualizing, preparing, and photographing beautiful, delicious, and healthy food.

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