Amaranth, Organic 500g

Scientific name of Amaranth is Amaranthus. It was first cultivated by the Aztecs 8000 years back and called “huauhtli”. It accounted for 80% of their energy requirements. It was called the “Queen of all Cereals”. It was used to make a treat called “Alegria” (‘Joy’ in Spanish).

One cup (2.4 dl, 245 g) of cooked amaranth grain (from about 65 g raw) provides 251 calories and is an excellent source (20% or more of the Daily Value, DV) of protein, dietary fiber, and some dietary minerals. Amaranth is particularly rich in manganese (105% DV), magnesium (40% DV), iron (29% DV), and selenium (20% DV).[10] Cooked amaranth leaves are a rich source of vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, manganese, and folate.[11] Amaranth does not contain gluten.

Amaranth contains phytochemicals that may be antinutrient factors, such as polyphenols, saponins, tannins, and oxalates which are reduced in content and effect by cooking.