Beneficial features
The benefits and harms of amaranth seeds are the most important aspect that requires detailed study before using the product. The plant has been known since ancient times; people have long discovered a huge number of healing properties and actively use them for their own purposes. Let's discuss in detail what positive effects grains can have on the human body with regular moderate consumption:
- Slows down the aging process;
- Helps in the prevention of cancer;
- Improves the general condition of the body;
- Removes waste and toxins;
- Stimulates the regenerating properties of the body;
- Has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the cardiovascular system;
- Stimulates hair growth and prevents hair loss;
- Normalizes blood sugar levels;
- Reduces the amount of bad cholesterol;
- Reduces the likelihood of developing senile dementia and eye diseases;
- Normalizes the functioning of the nervous system and improves sleep quality;
- Helps synthesize new cells and promote energy production;
- Fights inflammatory processes of various nature;
- Prevents the development of free radicals;
- Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, promotes active digestion of food;
- Helps strengthen capillaries, tissues and membranes of the circulatory system;
- Stimulates muscle growth;
- Promotes proper development of the fetus during pregnancy.
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Let's take a separate look at the most important question - is it possible to use black amaranth seeds for weight loss? This method is impractical, since a large amount of protein allows you to gain weight, but does not contribute to weight loss. Do not listen to popular belief and use the product only for its intended purpose.
For weight loss, chia seeds, for example, are more suitable.
A large number of healing properties are explained by the rich chemical composition - we will definitely talk about it later, but for now we will note how to eat amaranth seeds.
Where to add and how to take
An inexperienced consumer may get confused - at first glance, it is completely unclear how to prepare amaranth seeds; is it even possible to make a tasty and healthy dish?
In fact, there can be a lot of options for use - we will tell you about the most basic methods so that you can learn how to take amaranth seeds.
- Place the kernels in the microwave and make popcorn like corn;
- Grind the raw materials in a blender or coffee grinder - the resulting flour will be useful when baking buns, pancakes, and cookies;
- Make porridge from amaranth seeds - you will get an excellent healthy analogue of buckwheat or oatmeal;
- Add the kernels to oatmeal or salad for a wonderful flavorful addition;
- Squeeze the oil out of the seeds - you can cook your usual dishes with it;
- The oil is also used for aromatic baths and for cosmetic purposes;
- The seeds are an excellent base for infusions and decoctions.
Now you know how to use amaranth seeds - your culinary (and not only) imagination is practically unlimited! You can purchase the product in a large chain store - buy it quickly and start creating.
We figured out the beneficial properties and uses of amaranth seeds. A large number of positive qualities and a wide range of uses of raw materials are due to the rich composition, which we will now talk about.
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How to cook amaranth: on the stove, in a slow cooker and in a pressure cooker
Bon appetit!
Translated, “Amaranth” means “Flower of Immortality.” Contains a rare substance - squalene, which saturates the body with oxygen. B vitamins are the key to natural beauty. Fiber - regulates blood sugar levels, normalizes weight. Unusually rich in useful minerals
Vegetable or meat broth - 1 liter. Coconut, almond or cow's milk - 250 ml. Corn flour - 2 tablespoons. Onions - pcs. GCI or vegetable oil. Amaranth seeds - 100 g.
Finely chop the onion and fry in oil. Boil the seeds and grind in a blender. Place the pan with the broth on the fire, add milk and fried onions. Add corn flour, amaranth seeds, salt, pepper, nutmeg and other seasonings to taste.
Amaranth seeds - 1 cup. Water - 3 cups. Salt - to taste
Place a pan of water on the stove. Bring to a boil. Pour the seeds into boiling water. Cook over low heat for 35 - 40 minutes. Add jam and fruit to the finished porridge. The porridge also goes well with hot seasonings.
Carrots, onions, greens - 200 gr.
Amaranth seeds - 100 gr.
Bell pepper - 5 pcs.
GHI oil - 1 tablespoon.
Salt and pepper to taste.
Tomato juice - 1 liter.
Soak amaranth seeds in warm water for 10 minutes. Fry onions and finely chopped carrots in oil. Add amaranth seeds, herbs, seasonings to the vegetables and simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place them in a saucepan. Simmer the peppers in tomato juice with added spices for 30 minutes.
Greens (parsley, green onion, basil) - 50 gr. Amaranth seeds - 200 gr. Eggs - 2 pcs. GHI oil - 1 tablespoon. Breadcrumbs - 100 gr.
Boil amaranth seeds in water for 15 minutes. Finely chop the greens and simmer in oil for 5 minutes. Add amaranth seeds and eggs to the greens. Simmer for 10 minutes. Place the mixture in a mold sprinkled with breadcrumbs and bake in the oven for 20 minutes at 200 degrees.
This question interests many who still decide to taste amaranth. Any product made from it - flour, cereal, butter - has similar properties. The only difference is how exactly the product is used - internally or externally.
So, amaranth seeds exhibit the following properties:
- antioxidant;
- antitumor;
- immunostimulating;
- anti-sclerotic.
In many countries, various pathologies have long been successfully treated with the help of this plant. In particular, the plant’s effectiveness has been proven for inflammatory diseases of the genitourinary system and digestive tract, anemia, hemorrhoids, vitamin deficiencies, diabetes mellitus, chronic fatigue and neuroses.
External use of amaranth helps with various dermatological diseases, wounds, burns and inflammatory processes on visible mucous membranes. In addition, plant oil improves skin condition by moisturizing and protecting it.
Therefore, for those who have firmly decided to at least try it, another question quite naturally arises: how to properly use amaranth seeds?
The simplest dish made from seeds is ordinary porridge, but with a rather unusual taste. Therefore, for those who are trying it for the first time, it is best to prepare very little to begin with. To make it tastier, just like in muesli, you can add pieces of fresh fruit, raisins, dried apricots - whatever your heart desires.
The recipe itself is quite simple - for a glass of seeds you will need three glasses of water. You need to pour the grains into boiling water. It's okay that they pop up right away. This is fine. Be sure to reduce the heat and cook until the seeds settle to the bottom. Then cover the pan with a lid and cook further, stirring occasionally with a wooden (preferably) spoon.
In addition to porridge, amaranth seeds can be added to the dough. For example, there is the most common and simple recipe for amaranth grain bread, which even an inexperienced housewife can prepare.
Ingredients for the dough:
- baking soda – 1 teaspoon;
- whole grain flour – 1 cup;
- 1 egg white;
- high-lysine wholemeal flour - ¾ cup;
- amaranth seeds – ¾ cup;
- melted margarine - 1 tablespoon;
- low-fat cream - 1 cup.
Cooking process:
- sift flour;
- mix all dry ingredients with flour;
- beat the egg;
- mix all liquid ingredients well - whipped egg white, milk and melted margarine;
- combine everything together, mix thoroughly and place in a baking dish;
- bake for about half an hour.
And now a little criticism...
The recipe is simple, but how healthy is it? Firstly, high-lysine flour is a product with a high protein content. Secondly, margarine is a “thermonuclear” mixture of trans fats. Thirdly, low-fat cream. How natural and healthy is this product that is sold in supermarkets? There are also certain doubts about them.
Even whole grain flour has long been criticized. If earlier it was considered useful, now some argue that, along with vitamins and minerals, it may contain salts of heavy metals, and the shells are often contaminated with far from the safest and most beneficial microorganisms, which may well harm the intestines.
The answer is surprisingly simple...
Usually, if you don’t really like the taste of sprouted seeds, you can mix them with a spoon of honey. It will turn out very tasty and healthy. This will be an excellent prevention of many diseases, ranging from banal hypovitaminosis to malignant neoplasms. Who doesn’t want to strengthen the immune system and increase hemoglobin?
First, let's look at how to cook porridge. It will be an excellent breakfast, nutritious and saturating the body with useful microelements and vitamins. We have selected several recipes for you, among which you will find “yours.” Or you can alternate between different porridge options to add variety to your morning diet.
Recipe one
To prepare, you will need 250 grams of amaranth grains and 750 grams of water. The seeds are poured with water and the porridge is cooked for just over one hour. Its taste is somewhat unusual, but you quickly get used to it.
Recipe two
It involves mixing water and amaranth seeds in proportions of 2 to 1:
- the water is first brought to a boil;
- only after this the grains are poured into it;
- you need to pour out the amaranth slowly, constantly stirring the water;
- then add either sugar or salt, depending on what kind of porridge you want - sweet or salty;
- add a little vegetable oil;
- Cover the pan with a lid and cook the porridge for about 10-15 minutes.
To prepare porridge with milk, you should not use grains, but polished amaranth grains. For this:
- take five large spoons of cereal;
- boil 0.5 liters of milk;
- add the cereal and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring the porridge from time to time.
Recipe four
To prepare amaranth porridge according to this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- one glass of amaranth seeds;
- one small onion;
- one small clove of garlic;
- three glasses of plain clean water or the same amount of vegetable broth;
- soy sauce.
All of the listed ingredients are mixed in a large saucepan, placed on the fire and brought to a boil and cooked for about 20 minutes. As a result, you should end up with a non-liquid porridge. If it is not thick, then boil until the excess liquid evaporates.
Recipe five
And finally, one more recipe for amaranth porridge - it’s quite unusual, because you get... raw porridge! It is prepared as follows:
- in the evening, pour water over the amaranth seeds;
- in the morning, rinse them thoroughly;
- the porridge is ready!
To make it tastier, you should add any jam, fruit puree, honey, or cinnamon!
Now we’ll tell you what will happen to the human body if you consume amaranth porridge daily for one month. First of all, you will get a delicious breakfast. Secondly, prevent many diseases, and also get rid of the ailments you already have.
Daily consumption of amaranth porridge will ensure full restoration of gastrointestinal function and improvement of microflora.
This effect is due to the fact that amaranth seeds contain many useful substances, vitamins and microelements, which provide:
- anti-inflammatory effect;
- wound healing effect;
- neutralization of inflammatory processes in the liver, gall bladder, etc.;
- activation of microflora.
Daily consumption of amaranth porridge for one month guarantees strengthening the immune system, improving mood, and also significantly improving the appearance of hair and joints.
This effect is achieved due to the presence of the following components in amaranth: lysine, tryptophan, methionine - unique amino acids that guarantee protection against viruses. Also, these amino acids normalize heart function, ensure the synthesis of hormones, restore skin, activate liver function, etc.
The fight against so-called bad cholesterol is carried out by those present in amaranth:
- squalene;
- choline;
- vitamin E;
- magnesium and others.
Chemical composition
The benefits and uses of amaranth seeds are a consequence of the rich composition of the crop. The grains are rich in vitamins and minerals and have a perfectly balanced composition - let's take a closer look:
- Squalene, essential for the synthesis of vitamin D in the body;
- Large amount of vitamin A;
Dietary fiber that cleanses the intestines of toxins and improves digestion;- Protein and Nutrients;
- Folic acid;
- Vitamin K;
- Protein;
- Peptides;
- Lysine;
- Unsaturated fatty acids;
- Rutin;
- Ascorbic acid;
- Carotenoids;
- Potassium and calcium;
- Cellulose;
- Iron and magnesium.
The nutritional composition per 100 grams of product is as follows:
- Carbohydrates – 57.16;
- Proteins – 14.2;
- Fats – 6.07;
- 371 Kcal.
The beneficial properties and contraindications of amaranth seeds are something that needs to be studied with particular care. We have already talked about possible positive qualities, it’s time to note the negative sides - unfortunately, every product has them.
Application of amaranth
In medicine
Amaranth oil, extracts, and extracts from amaranth leaves are included in many medicines. Medicinal amaranth therapy:
- Stabilizes hormonal levels;
- Has a mild analgesic effect;
- Improves the condition of the skin;
- Increases resistance to infections;
- Strengthens blood vessels;
- Facilitates the general condition of illness.
Amaranth oil contains the highest concentration of beneficial substances. The product is used in folk medicine and in medicines. Teas and decoctions perfectly tone and saturate the body with useful elements.
Oil with beneficial properties is obtained from amaranth grains
Contraindications
You already know the benefits of amaranth seeds. They have an amazing effect on the human body - but, despite this, they also have certain contraindications. There are few of them, but they are worth studying carefully.
You should take the drug with caution in the following cases:
- Kidney disease and rheumatoid arthritis;
- In the presence of severe chronic diseases;
- If pancreatitis, cholecystitis, or urolithiasis have been diagnosed.
In case of an overdose, you may feel nausea and headache. Consult your doctor to rule out any contraindications and choose the optimal dosage and frequency of administration.
Many people are interested in whether amaranth seeds can be eaten raw? The answer will be positive, however, experts advise to refrain from this method of use and note the following:
- Raw materials are difficult to digest;
- Raw grains may interfere with nutrient absorption;
- There may be a feeling of discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.
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The question arises, how to consume amaranth seeds raw in this case?
That is why a slight heat treatment is recommended before internal use. Possible harm can only be caused if simple rules are not followed - do not overuse, take into account the individual characteristics of the body and get the maximum benefit from the rich composition.
By the way, it is better to make amaranth seed extract yourself - please note that the temperature during heat treatment should not exceed forty degrees, otherwise a large number of important microelements will simply go to waste.
Amaranth seeds: what to do with them after purchasing? Let's find out below!