Summary
Amaranth is a gluten-free grain that contains an abundance of essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, and nutrients like selenium. Amaranth can also be kept in water for some time until the grains have sprouted. This increases their nutritional benefits and makes them even healthier for you. Amaranth grains can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cancer. So read on and discover the 8 amaranth sprout benefits that will make you want to give this grain a try.
8 Health Benefits of Amaranth Sprouts
Amaranth sprouts are high in selenium
Selenium is a micronutrient our body uses to maintain our reproductive tract, thyroid gland function, and even DNA production. It also acts as a potent antioxidant [1, 2]. Amaranth sprouts contain a high selenium level, and in mice, studies showed anti-inflammatory effects [3, 4].
When amaranth sprouts are given additional selenium, they had higher anti-inflammatory potential in mouse cells because selenium supplementation increased their betacyanin content [3].
If you want to know more about the health benefits of selenium, check out “What Are The Benefits Of Selenium.”
Amaranth sprouts contain linoleic acid
Linoleic acid is found in various plants and seeds, including amaranth grains and sprouts [5]. Linoleic acid in humans can lower cholesterol and reduce your risk of atherosclerosis. While too much can cause chronic inflammation, the right amount of this nutrient can prevent diseases, and eating foods like amaranth sprouts is the best way to get it [6].
Amaranth plants are packed with antioxidants
We need antioxidants because our metabolic cycle generates free oxygen radicals. These radicals go on to mutate DNA and cause cancer and other diseases. Antioxidants can turn radicals into harmless compounds that can’t harm our bodies. Amaranth plants are high in phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant pigments like carotenoids, all of which can prevent disease development [7, 8, 9].
Cherries are full of antioxidants. Check out “What Are The Health Benefits Of Cherries?”
Amaranth grain is great for those with allergies
Allergies to gluten, wheat, and many other products are becoming more prevalent in our society. Autoimmune allergic disorders, including asthma and atopic dermatitis, are also on the rise. Researchers working with mice found that those mice fed amaranth flour had lower rates of these autoimmune disorders.
They suggest the immune changes induced by amaranth, including cytokine production (a type of signaling molecule used by our immune system to draw more immune cells to an affected area), may be responsible for this effect. Food research has also suggested amaranth grain as a viable alternative for those with allergies to gluten or wheat [10, 11].
Amaranth sprouts contain a variety of micronutrients
While calorie counting, fats, and carbohydrates are all important to monitor, many of us forget that micronutrients are just as important (in some cases, even more important) for our body to keep running as it should. Amino acids are the building blocks for muscles and tissues, and amaranth sprouts contain trace amounts of 18 of the 20 amino acids our body needs [12].
Amaranth is also naturally high in protein, which can aid in this process as well [13]. Amaranth grains also contain trace amounts of iron, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, and many other nutrients that we need [14].
These micronutrients keep our body healing, energized, oxygenated, and working like a well-oiled machine. Amaranth sprouts can help you hit your micronutrient targets.
Amaranth extract can increase nitric oxide levels (boosting physical endurance)
Nitric oxide is used to maintain your cardiovascular system’s strength and keep you going during intensive physical workouts or sports. Nitric oxide widens blood vessels, which increases the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to those hard-working muscles [15].
In a recent study, healthy clinical trial participants given amaranth extract had higher levels of NO3 and NO2 after only a single dose, and that effect lasted 8 hours or longer [16].
Amaranth oil may prevent coronary heart disease and hypertension
Recent research in chickens found that amaranth oil decreased blood cholesterol and reduced the risk of high blood pressure. While it’s unclear how this occurs, researchers think it might be due to amaranth oil’s ability to stabilize cell membranes [17].
This research shows that amaranth oil has promise as a naturopathic remedy for our modern coronary heart disease epidemic and high blood pressure.
Amaranth peptides may prevent cancer
A carcinogen is a substance that can cause cancer (cancer is essentially a series of mutations in genetic material that stops cells from limiting replication, resulting in tumors).
Many foods are considered carcinogenic in our modern diet, including red meat, fast food, and sugary drinks. In addition, foods like sugary drinks and fast food don’t add nutritional value (beyond calories), and you shouldn’t be consuming them regularly.
Keeping your diet to strictly fresh foods, including fruits and vegetables, is the best way to maintain health and prevent diseases like cancer. In cell models, amaranth peptides showed some inhibition of cancer formation [18]. However, much work remains to be done in this area.
In conclusion, 8 Amaranth Sprouts Benefits
Amaranth grains, particularly if they are sprouted (which increases the nutritional benefits), are a great way to diversify your diet and ensure you get all the micronutrients you need to stay healthy and active. Amaranth may also prevent several diseases, including cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Check out this interesting grain today, and start your journey to a healthier you.
You may enjoy reading: “Healthiest Rice Varieties”