Amaranth Grain: Complete Mineral Profile

Amaranth Grain ‐ Mineral Information

Introduction

Amaranth grain is a cereal grain with many important health benefits, especially for individuals looking to improve their nutrition. Many people may not be aware of the value in amaranth as it has only recently started gaining traction in popular culture. Amaranth grain is rich in vitamins and minerals that can enhance the human body's physical performance, support cognitive development, and even reduce the risk of disease. This paper will explore the specific types of minerals found in amaranth grain and how they benefit our mental and physiological well-being.

Composition of Vitamin and Minerals

The mineral content of amaranth varies depending on where it’s grown and processed. Depending on the harvest, some key minerals that are found in amaranth include: calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, manganese, copper, selenium, sodium, and potassium. All these minerals come together to provide numerous dietary benefits.

Calcium

Calcium is an important mineral that helps build strong bones and teeth while also aiding in the muscle contraction process and promoting nerve transmition throughout the body. Along with this, Calcium aids in clotting preoteins which help regulate the amount of blood within veins and arteries. Each 100 grams of cooked amaranth grain provides about 56 milligrams (mg) of calcium, or 6% of the daily recommended intake for adults.

Magnesium

Magnesium is another essential nutrient in amaranth. It plays important roles in metabolic and enzyme reaction processes, allowing your body to obtain energy from food sources as well as aiding in neuromuscular functions. Magnesium also assists in reducing inflammation and regulating electrolytes in the bloodstream. A single serving of cooked amaranth contains 24 mg of magnesium, accounting for roughly 6% of the average adult's daily recommended intake.

Iron

Iron is required for proper oxygen transportation throughout the body and production of hemoglobin molecules. Unfortunately, our bodies do not produce iron, meaning we need to incorporate dietary sources of it. Amaranth contains 2mg of iron per 100 g serving or 11% of the daily suggested requirement. Eating foods high in iron regularly can lead to improved immunity, better cellular metabolism and brain function, lower cholesterol levels, and increased energy.

Phosphorus

Phosphorous forms part of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is responsible for supplying cells with energy for bodily functions. Consumption of phosphorous may prove beneficial for bone growth, improving metabolic efficiency and aiding in the formation of proteins. One hundred gram servings of cooked amaranth contain 97 mg of phosphorous, making up 14% of the average person's daily needs.

Zinc

Zinc is prevalent in many enzymes and proteins in the body, helping with immune system functioning and aiding in cell division and regeneration. Likewise, Zinc increases fertility in men, alleviates stress levels, facilitates wound healing and supports normal hormone production. Cooked amaranth contains 1.5 mg of zinc in a single serving, at least 10% of what would be recommended daily based on RDI guidelines.

Manganese

This trace metal is useful for maintaining healthy skin, bones, liver, kidney and pancreas, further providing anti-inflammatory properties. It also participates in the synthesis of carbohydrates and fatty acids. Of note, our bodies cannot create manganese so adequate amounts must be regularly ingested. Amaranth grain offers a total 0.8 mg of manganese for every 100 g serving, or 32% of one's regular needs.

Copper

Together with other minerals, Copper works synergistically as a catalyst for several chemical reactions within the digestive tract and creates red blood cells. The body requires Copper to stabilize connective tissue maintenance and balance hormones. Every 100 grams of cooked amaranth provides approximately 0.5 mg of Copper; around 6% of our recommended daily allowance.

Selenium

Like most nutrients, consuming modest doses of Selenium provide protective measures against oxidative damage and increase awareness of the thyroid gland. Furthermore, selenium prevents cancer cells from forming and encourages restructuring of DNA segments damaged by excessive free radicals. A great source of Selenium can be found in Amaranth grain, nearly 9 micrograms per 100 g or 16 % daily requirements.

Sodium

Though often demonized due to its role in adverse illnesses like hypertension, Sodium still finds importance in certain systems in humans. In smaller concentrations, Sodium helps maintain water distribution between cells, stimulate nerves endings, and excrete substances in urine. Traditional preparations of amaranth grains have around 3 mg of Sodium, equivalent to less than 2% of the daily value.

Potassium

Finally, Potassium is present in significant quantities in amaranth grain, necessary for muscle contractions as well as to control acid-base balance and nerve conduction velocities. Notably, potassium works hand in hand with sodium to keep the level of fluids and electrolytes stable inside the body. For 100 g portions of cooked amaranth grain, one can expect 200 mg or 5% of their sugested daily allowance. 29

Conclusion

Amaranth grain is a treasure trove of valuable minerals and vitamins, comprising a variety of essential elements used to promote overall human health. Some prime examples are Calcium, Iron, Phosphorus, Manganese, Magnesium among others. Crucially, Amaranth grain comes packed with valuable micronutrients that form part of our basic nutritional building blocks. Implementing a regular consumption of amaranth into one’s diet is an effective way to ensure that you stay supplied with all the essential minerals needed by the human body.