Shakeology Feature Ingredient- Amaranth

Amaranth

Health Benefits of Amaranth!

        Cholesterol – The oils and phytosterols in amaranth help lower cholesterol levels, including LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides.

        Inflammation – The anti-inflammatory properties of amaranth can ease pain and reduce inflammation. This is especially important for chronic conditions where inflammation erodes at health, such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

         Cancer – The same peptides in amaranth that protect against inflammation may also help prevent cancer. The antioxidants in this grain may also help protect cells from damage that can lead to cancer.

         Blood Pressure – The fiber and phytonutrients in amaranth lower blood pressure according to some recent studies. This grain tackles cholesterol, inflammation, and blood pressure, making it all around a good food for heart health.

          Protein – Amaranth is a very rich source of protein and this protein is also very bioavailable. The protein in amaranth is more digestible than other grains and has been compared to the digestibility of milk protein.

6     Lysine – Vegetables and grains are often lacking in this essential amino acid. Amaranth has a good amount of lysine which helps the body absorb calcium, build muscle, and produce energy.

7       Fiber – Amaranth is a high fiber food. This makes it filling and means it aids digestive health, cholesterol, blood pressure, and slows the absorption of sugars to let the body keep up with energy production.

8       Minerals – Amaranth is a very rich source of minerals like calcium, magnesium, and copper. It is also a good source of zinc, potassium, and phosphorus. These build strong bones and muscles, aid hydration, boost energy, and are vital in thousands of processes. 

       Vitamins – Amaranth is also a good source of many essential vitamins including A, C, E, K, B5, B6, folate, niacin, and riboflavin. These act as antioxidants, raise energy, control hormones, and much more.

      Immune System – Amaranth may boost immune function according to some studies, probably thanks to the potent vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

  

Gray Hair – Amaranth helps prevent premature graying, mainly due to the minerals.

Amaranth has a modest amount of oxalic acid. It should be avoided or only moderately used by those with gout, kidney problems, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Interesting Fact:

This tiny- but- powerful food is actually a seed! Like quinoa, amaranth is not technically a grain but is the seed of the amaranth plant. One plant can produce up to 60,000 seeds. Great alternative when cooking for those who are celiac or gluten- intolerant. Amaranth is a complete protein, because it contains all the essential amino acids. It’s protein content is about 13 percent, or 26 grams per cup, which is much higher than for most other grains. To compare, a cup of long-grain white rice has just 13 grams of protein. Amaranth can be used in place of grains in recipes for those who are celiac or gluten- intolerant. 

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**Special thank you to Huffington Post and SunWarrior for the above research**