18+ Amazing Amaranth Recipes (2024)

FAQs

Can you eat too much amaranth? ›

Avoid eating too much amaranth from agricultural fields. The leaves (like those of spinach, sorrel and many other greens) also contain oxalic acid, which can be poisonous to livestock or to humans with kidney issues of eaten in large amounts.

She recommends you soak the amaranth at least 8 hours (up to 24) to unlock the nutrients and to help it aid in digestion.

Amaranth is a highly nutritious grain that is packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is high in fiber, protein, and iron, and is a good source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and folate. It can help regulate blood sugar levels, improve heart health, and aid digestion.

While amaranth and quinoa share some similarities, there are a few key differences, says Sheth. For starters, while both grains cook pretty quickly, amaranth has a more distinct earthy flavor when cooked "as the seeds release an intense grassy aroma." Quinoa, on the other hand, has a milder taste.

A ban on the plant was made on religious grounds. The Catholic Church found the use of small cakes made of amaranth seed and honey (sometimes allegedly mixed with human blood) in pagan rituals, to be eerily similar to using the host during Mass, and declared it blasphemy.

Scientific Evidence on Amaranth's Safety

Sure, it contains some anti-nutritional factors like oxalates and saponins, but these are largely neutralized by cooking. So, if you're boiling those leaves and tossing the water, you're in the clear.

If it isn't moldy, check to see if there is any odor coming from the amaranth. If it doesn't fall under either of those conditions, the taste can be off. It should be sweet and nutty. If it isn't, it may be rancid.

Saponins. Saponins are extremely bitter in taste. Similarly to phytic acid, they can form complexes with proteins or minerals, such as zinc and iron, to inhibit absorption into the body. Since they are only present in small quantities in amaranth, they are characterised as low toxicity and don't pose any danger.

Simmer until the water is absorbed and the grains are tender, about 20 to 30 minutes. Add additional water if needed to desired consistency. Amaranth cannot be overcooked and the seeds will always retain a slight crunch. Serve with honey, maple syrup or brown rice syrup.

For people with intolerance to lysinuric protein, eating amaranth may cause diarrhoea and stomach pain. Moreover, another side effect of lysine increase body's calcium absorption, and bring free, damage-causing amount of calcium in the body. So avoid taking large amounts of calcium and lysine at the same time.

Is amaranth a laxative? ›

Amaranth contains both soluble and insoluble fiber. Fiber plays an important role in digestion. It can help relieve diarrhea and constipation by ensuring a person has a consistent stool texture. Additionally, it helps the body manage blood sugar , so it is especially important for people living with diabetes.

Amaranth is relatively high in protein, with about 30% of its calories coming from this key macronutrient. It provides lysine, an amino acid missing in many other comparable grains. It is also higher in the amino acids cysteine and methionine than in some common cereal grains such as rice and maize.

Amaranth seeds used to be the staple food of many people including the Aztecs in the past. Their popularity had resurged a few years back and they came to be known as a superfood when the Amaranth seeds were found to have health benefits.

Edibility. In spite of some wild rumors, all amaranth can be eaten — even glyphosate-resistant Palmer pigweed — with a couple of caveats. What is this? For one, any plant that has been sprayed or grows in pesticide-sprayed soil will most likely absorb the toxic chemicals, making the plant itself toxic.

How to Cook the Seeds. To cook amaranth seeds, boil them just like rice or quinoa. The tiny granules stick together to form a porridge-like consistency. Some package instructions call for about two parts water for every one part grain, but you might need to increase the water to three parts.

With just a cup of amaranth providing over 100 percent the daily recommended dose of manganese, it can be eaten as part of a diabetic diet that helps reduce high blood sugar levels. Manganese is needed to help with proper production of digestive enzymes responsible for a process called gluconeogenesis.

People who develop a rash, difficulty breathing, or other signs of a severe allergic reaction after eating amaranth should seek emergency medical care. Consuming large quantities of fiber may also cause bloating and gas in some people.

Eases Inflammation

Early studies show that amaranth can slow down the body's production of immunoglobulin E, reducing inflammation. Two studies in animals show that amaranth and its oil have the potential to lower “bad” LDL cholesterol significantly without lowering “good” HDL cholesterol.

Promotes cardiovascular health: Amaranth has several nutrients including vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fiber that maintain heart health, regulate blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels.