Amaranth Grain: Complete Vitamin Profile

Amaranth Grain ‐ Vitamin Information

The nutritional benefits of amaranth grain are becoming more recognized in countries around the world, as its significant health benefits are increasingly acknowledged and accepted. Amaranth is a pseudocereal native to Mexico and South America, which means it has many of the same characteristics as other cereals such as wheat and barley, yet itself consists of different components. It is gaining more popularity not only because of its earthy taste and gluten-free designation, but also due to the presence of numerous vitamins and minerals which make this amazing grain so incredibly nutritious. One cup of uncooked amaranth grains contains about twenty-one essential vitamins and minerals including key vitamins like thiamin, niacin, vitamin B6, riboflavin, folic acid, biotin, pantothenic acid, vitamin E, and retinol (vitamin A).

Thiamin, or vitamin B1, is essential for releasing energy from carbohydrates, assisting nerve conduction, and promoting growth and development. Niacin, or vitamin B3, plays an important role in converting food into usable energy, supports healthy brain function, skin integrity, cholesterol levels, and gastrointestinal functioning. Vitamin B6 helps help form red blood cells and maintain normal nerve function. Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, can help the body break down fats, proteins, and carbs, while supporting cell growth and energy production. Folic acid contributes to the formation of red blood cells, proper immune system functioning, DNA synthesis, tissue growth and repair, digestion and nutrient absorption. Biotin works with enzymes to assist in metabolizing fatty acids, amino acids and glucose. Pantothenic acid assists in breaking down fats and protein, producing hormones, and forming red blood cells. Additionally, it provides some structural and functional support to lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant that protects cells from oxidative damage and disease-causing free radicals. Retinol (also known as vitamin A) is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids immunity, vision, fertility, reproduction, bone maintenance and organ functioning. These beneficial nutrients found in amaranth all together contribute to creating an environment where the human body can thrive and ward off chronic diseases. Furthermore, the concentrations of these vitamins and minerals are up to 13 times greater than those found in common grains. This makes amaranth a notable source of nutrition.

While the various vitamins and minerals provide most of the advantages to eating amaranth grain, it should be noted that this grain is high in complex carbohydrates as well, acting as slow-energy producers. The dense fortification of minerals within amaranth further strengthens its activity against conditions such as diabetes, cancer, hypertension, heart disorders, obesity, and osteoporosis, amongst others. With all that being said, there is something else specific to amaranth worth mentioning: phytates – which bind with valuable minerals, lowering their absorbability. If a person consumes too much, the minerals cannot be absorbed into the bloodstream; thus, consuming too much of any single food source is unadvised. On the bright side, it also functions to reduce inflammation, anti-carcinogenic properties, inhibit bioavailability of toxins, improve insulin sensitivity and decrease lipid peroxidation.

In conclusion, amaranth grains are one of the highest naturally occurring sources of vital vitamins and minerals accessible to humans. Its versatile texture and nutty flavor make it easy to use in a wide variety of dishes, appealing both to dieters living with limitations and those looking to boost their wellbeing. Combined with servings of vegetables, fruit, nuts, and legumes on a daily basis, foods containing amaranth will lead to better overall health and an improved quality of life.