WHOLE GRAIN AMARANTH (a-mah-ran-th) is an ancient grain that is just now becoming know in North America. With it's wonderful taste and a higher level of protein (16%) than most other grains. In South America, it is often sold on the streets, popped like corn. Amaranth is gluten-free, so it must be mixed with wheat to make leavened breads.
Amaranth is one of only two grains that contain complete proteins. Besides protein, amaranth grain provides a good source of dietary fiber and dietary minerals such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and especially manganese
Several studies have shown that like oats, amaranth seed or oil may be of benefit for those with hypertension and cardiovascular disease; regular consumption reduces blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while improving antioxidant status and some immune parameters. While the active ingredient in oats appears to be water soluble fiber, amaranth appears to lower cholesterol via its content of plant stanols and squalene.
Characteristics and Benefits of Amaranth:
- Excellent Source of Fiber & Phosphorus; Good Source of Iron
- High level of very complete protein; its protein contains lysine, an amino acid missing or negligible in many grains.
- Strengthens immune system functions
- Improves the resistance of organism
- Makes the recovery faster
- Improves the resistance against radioactive and X-ray irradiation
- Retards the effects of skin ageing and development of wrinkles
- Improves mental performance, memory functions
- Reduces the feeling of tiredness and psychic stress
- Helps to regulate the conversion of fats, especially cholesterol
- Extinguishes free oxygen radicals
What is Squalene?
Squalene is a matter which takes the oxygen and brings it to the organs of the organism. So it's a powerful anticancer substance. Amaranth is known to have the highest squalene levels in any plant material. Squalene was first isolated from the liver of a shark, but it is also found naturally in the skin of humans.
Squalene is said to have properties that ward off cancer producing substances in the body. It also fights against bacteria, fungi, herpes and other viruses, and improves autoimmune disorders. Shark oil has a 1% squalene content, while the content of amaranth oil is 8%. Amaranth oil has antibacterial, anti-tumor, and burn- and wound-healing properties. Animal tests also show amaranth lowers blood serum cholesterol, and some varieties contain up to three percent rutin.
