If you want to eat healthier in the new year, make sure your menu includes highly nutritious foods. A product worth paying attention to is amaranth. Especially if you want to support your heart and stable blood sugar levels.
Amaranth, also called amaranth, comes from South America. It is a plant known since the times of pre-Columbian civilizations, which was used in the diet of the Aztecs and Mayans. Interestingly, although amaranth seeds are used to produce flour, groats and flakes, they are not classified as classic cereals. They are referred to as pseudo-cereal or pseudo-cereal. It belongs to the amaranth family, although it somewhat resembles wheat, rice and oats. It has a wide range of culinary uses and a rich nutritional profile. You’ve never eaten amaranth and wonder what it tastes like? It is somewhat similar to quinoa and has a neutral, slightly nutty flavor.
Amaranth contains a lot of high-quality protein, which contains amino acids necessary for the body. Protein is a very important component of the diet because it is the building material of all cells and tissues. It is responsible, among other things, for the proper functioning and regeneration of muscles, as well as the condition of the skin, hair and nails. This macronutrient is also important in the context of metabolic changes taking place in the body. Additionally, proteins in meals ensure better satiety, which reduces the desire to snack after eating them. People who have tried to lose weight certainly know that snacking is one of the biggest enemies of losing excess weight.
Amaranth is also a good source of dietary fiber, which supports digestion and intestinal function. prevents constipation and satisfies well. It also contributes to maintaining proper blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Also exhibits antioxidant propertiesneutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals, protects against oxidative stress and has anti-inflammatory properties.
There is no shortage here as well vitamins and mineralssuch as:
- B vitamins – support the circulatory, nervous, muscular, hormonal systems and many metabolic processes,
- vitamin E – has antioxidant properties, improves skin condition and fertility,
- calcium and phosphorus – strengthen bones and teeth, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and caries,
- potassium – regulates heart function and water and electrolyte balance,
- magnesium – supports the functioning of the heart, brain and muscles,
- zinc – is important for the body’s immunity, improves the appearance of the skin, hair and nails, influences proper metabolism,
- iron – protects against anemia, is responsible for oxygen transport, supports the immune and nervous systems.
It is worth adding that amaranth does not contain glutenso it will work well in the diet of people suffering from celiac disease and those who do not tolerate wheat products very well.
It is available in stores, among others amaranth in the form of groats, flakes, flour, and also in an expanded version. Groats can be used as an addition to classic dinners, stews, stews or soups. Flour can be used to prepare pancakes, pancakes, bread and baked goods. Amaranth flakes can be an interesting alternative to oat flakes.
If you like to eat a sweet breakfast, expanded amaranth will be perfect. You can sprinkle it on oatmeal, yogurt with fruit, or cocktails.
It will fit perfectly with the so-called smoothie bowlwhich can be a proposition not only for the beginning of the day, but also for a fruit dessert. Just mix a banana, 100 g of frozen fruit, e.g. blueberries or raspberries, and about 150 ml of skyr yogurt in a blender. You can also add a teaspoon of honey. Put the prepared smoothie into a bowl, add 3-4 tablespoons of expanded amaranth, a few chopped nuts and some fresh fruit (you can leave a few banana slices).
Sources: Terazgotuje.pl, melisa.pl, doz.pl
