Amaranth leaves are back in food buzz. Once savored by the ancient Aztecs, Mayans and Incas in their staple diet, this gorgeous greens is witnessing a food renaissance recently. Packed with antioxidants, protein, vitamins, calcium, carbohydrates, iron and minerals, health benefits of amaranth leaves are numerous. Read to know the reasons for including amaranth leaves into your daily diet.
Health benefits of amaranth leaves
Provides energy: Highly packed with carbohydrates, proteins, vitamin K, folate, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, amaranth leaves boost energy in the body.
Prevents electrolyte imbalance: Amaranth leaves are terrific source of manganese, iron, copper, calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus necessary for maintaining proper mineral balance in the body.
Excellent gluten-free diet: Vegetarians with gluten-intolerance or those suffering from celiac diseases can meet daily recommended dose of protein from amaranth greens. Compared to other plant sources namely wheat, rye, rice and oats, Amaranth contains 30% more protein with complete set of amino acids.
Improves digestion: High dietary fiber content (3 times that of wheat) in the greens improve digestive health and reduces constipation. It is easily digestible and good for both young ones and elders.
Aids in weight management: Protein in the leaves help to reduce insulin levels in the blood and also release a hormone that lessen hunger pranks and prevent "binging catastrophe".
Reduces bad cholesterol: One of the key benefits of amaranth leaves is cholesterol-lowering ability. Being fibrous, this leafy vegetable is effective in reducing LDL levels in the blood and promotes weight loss. Presence of tocotrienols (a type of vitamin E) also aids in cholesterol-lowering activity.
Good for anemic patients: Iron-rich (5 times that of wheat) red amaranth leaves promote coagulation and increase hemoglobin content and red blood cell counts.
Decreases risk of cardiovascular disease: Amaranth leaves are an excellent dietary source of phytosterols that lowers blood pressure and prevents heart ailments including stroke.
Fight-off cancer: Presence of lysine (an essential amino acid) along with vitamin E, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium and vitamin C helps to fight against free radicals responsible for aging and formation of malignant cells.
Ayurvedic treatments: Juice extracted from fresh amaranth leaves are prescribed for treating diarrhea, and hemorrhage conditions.
Stop hair loss and graying: Besides regular consumption, applying juice from the leaves prevent brittle hair falling. This wonderful cosmetic benefit of amaranth leaves also retards the onset of premature graying.
Prevents calcium-deficiency ailments: Calcium present in amaranth leaves reduce risk of osteoporosis and other calcium deficiencies because it has twice the calcium as milk. Indeed good news for lactose-intolerants!
Improves eyesight: Vitamin C found in the leaves contribute to towards healthy vision.