Amaranth: incredible healing properties

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

This plant grows in many vegetable gardens around the world. Today, most people know it as a weed, and a couple of thousand years ago, amaranth was used as a means for sacred rituals and food, the nutritional value of which exceeds rice.

The most unique properties of this plant are the stimulation of tissue growth and repair, the ability to reduce inflammation, prevent chronic diseases, increase bone density, reduce pressure and strengthen blood vessels.

Also, preparations from amaranth improve hair health, promote rapid weight loss.

What is amaranth

Amaranth is usually the name of over 60 different species of the Amarantus plant. Other names of the culture are scherch (shiritsa), velvet, aksamitnik, cock's combs.

Outwardly, it is a tall plant with wide green leaves. The flower is bright purple, red or golden yellow in color.

Although many varieties of amaranth are considered weeds, some varieties are cultivated as leafy vegetables and grains.

In addition, the lizard is used as a raw material for the production of essential oils.

To obtain edible seeds, usually only three plant varieties are grown - amaranth cruenus, amaranth hypochondriacus, amaranth caudatus.

From a dietary point of view, the leaves and seeds of amaranth are most important for humans. It doesn't matter in what form it appears on tables - in the form of grain, flour or tops - it is equally useful. However, the root also contains many nutrients. Despite its high levels of antioxidants and phytosterols, amaranth is still a plant that many have not heard of.

The name of this plant comes from the Greek word, which means "unfading". And it is the best fit for a plant that continues to live even after many years of total prohibitions and extermination.

Amaranth in ancient cultures

Amaranth belongs to the so-called pseudo-cereals, since outwardly it resembles cereals, but in fact it is not.

The history of the use of the shrimp is very long. The study of amaranth seeds showed that the plant has been growing on the planet for several thousand years. The ancient inhabitants of Mexico and Peru consumed grains as food. It was one of the main food crops of the Aztecs.

It is believed that the "domestication" of amaranth took place about 6-8 thousand years ago. In ancient times, the Aztecs brought amaranth annually as a tribute to their emperor. And the amount of this grain was identical to the size of the corn tribute. In ancient cultures, amaranth was the mainstay of the diet due to its high concentration of protein, minerals and vitamins. Until now, in the countries of Central America, the traditions of growing amaranth as a food product have been preserved.

The Aztecs not only grew and ate amaranth, they used these grains in religious rituals. The ancients used to create the figure of a deity out of amber and honey. After worshiping, the idol was broken into pieces and given to the participants in the ceremony as food.

In Russia, schiritsa was considered a plant that bestows immortality, and the ancient Slavs used it to make bread. Believing in the protective forces of amaranth, the Russians took it with them on campaigns and gave it to children. The keepers of culture in Russia - the elders - mainly ate amaranth. And they lived, keeping active, according to various sources, up to 300 (!) Years.

Shchiritsa today

Amaranth seeds have spread all over the world. Their leaves and grains have become important food sources in the regions of Africa, Nepal, and India. Today this plant can be found in China, Russia, Thailand, Nigeria, Mexico, and some regions of South America.

Of the several hundred known species of apex, almost 20 grows in Russia. As a habitat, amaranth prefers high-mountainous areas, but, if necessary, easily adapts to any conditions. It grows well in moist, loose soil with good drainage at almost any altitude, in temperate latitudes. But it develops equally well in low-humid regions, which makes it a particularly valuable crop in Africa.

Benefit for health

Shchiritsa is an excellent source of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. It is also the only grain that contains vitamin C. All this indicates the need to include in the diet of the seeds of the amber.

Undoubtedly, the most important aspect that makes amaranth so popular food of ancient peoples is the high concentration of protein, in some varieties there is as much protein in amaranth seeds as in chicken! This means that by consuming a plant, the body can not only meet the immediate needs for proteins, but also take care of creating protein reserves.

The green mass of amaranth, depending on the development phase, contains: 18-25% dry matter, 3, 0-3, 9% crude protein, 0, 5-0, 65% fat, 3, 9-5, 45% fiber, 0, 46-0.535% calcium, 0.04-0.055% phosphorus, 40 mg carotene. In terms of absolutely dry weight: crude protein 15, 6-16, 75%, fat - 2, 4-2, 8%, fiber - 16, -21, 7%, calcium 2, 1-2, 6%, phosphorus 0.2-0.21%, carotene 160-200 mg.

For comparison, the green mass of corn in the phase of milky-wax ripeness of grain contains 7.5-8% protein, which is 2 times less than in amaranth.

The amino acid content in 1 kg of dry matter of the vegetative mass ranges from 81.5 g. up to 148.0 g., and amaranth protein is characterized by a high content of essential amino acids. 1 kg of dry matter of the vegetative mass contains lysine 7, 1-7, 15 g, and in corn - 2, 8 g, i.e. 2, 4 times less. In terms of amino acid balance, amaranth leaf protein is close to ideal for pigs. Therefore, for a person! You can't argue against Nature …

Positively characterizes amaranth as a fodder crop: low fiber content 16-20%, the concentration of water-soluble sugars 6, 4-7, 2%, and pectin 9, 5-11, 3% on dry weight.

Regular consumption of proteins is the growth and development of cells, tissues, energy and proper metabolism. About 13-18 percent of the chemical composition of amaranth is protein, which significantly exceeds the level of this nutrient in other types of cereals. Even the leaves of the squid are high in protein. In addition, the protein from this plant is called complete, since it contains lysine, an amino acid that is much less in other plant proteins.

The benefits of the proteins from the squid were first studied in Peru in the 1980s. During the study, children were given amaranth in the form of cereals and flakes. It turned out that this plant can be consumed as a main component of children's diets in developing countries.

Another study was conducted in Guatemala in 1993. The results of this experience were similar to those of the Peruvian. Scientists again concluded that amaranth protein is one of the most nutritious of all plant proteins and is very close in chemical composition to animal proteins.

And not so long ago, molecular biologists from Mexico began researching bioactive peptides in amaranth proteins. And in 2008, they found the peptide lunasin, which had previously been identified in soybeans, in the squid. It is believed that lunasin is an anticancer substance, and also eliminates inflammation in chronic diseases (such as arthritis, gout and others), protects against diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Down with "bad" cholesterol

Research carried out over the past 14 years has proven the effectiveness of the grains of this plant in lowering cholesterol.

In 1993, American scientists discovered that regular use of amaranth oil lowered the level of "bad" cholesterol.

In 2003, scientists from Ontario, Canada, found that shrimp is an excellent source of phytosterols, which, when ingested, reduce the concentration of "bad" cholesterol.

And in 2007, Russian researchers discovered the benefits of amaranth for people with cardiovascular disease. It turned out that the croup has a positive effect on the condition of patients with coronary heart disease, hypertension. Their amaranth lowers the total cholesterol level, regulates the concentration of triglycerides and "bad" cholesterol.

Gluten free

Gluten is the main protein found in most grains. It is responsible for the elasticity of the dough, the texture of baked goods and plays the role of a leavening agent. But recently, more and more people have appeared whose bodies, as a result of autoimmune diseases, are unable to digest this protein. In addition, the role of gluten as a mediator in the occurrence of many diseases has been proven, outside of the connection with the so-called celiac disease!

In this case, shiritsa copes well with the role of a substitute for gluten-containing cereals, partly fulfilling the technological properties of gluten when baking bread.

The leaves of the squid contain many useful micro- and macroelements. One of them is calcium. By the way, there are very few leafy vegetables that contain such a high concentration of this element as amaranth. In the leaves of amaranth, during the flowering of the plant, the calcium content increases to 2000 mg /% in terms of dry matter. That even slightly (by 25%) exceeds the calcium content in poppy grains - the record holder in this matter (1500-1700 mg%)! And 15 times more than cottage cheese!

Therefore, the greens of the ass is considered an excellent medicine for the prevention of osteoporosis, a remedy for strengthening bone tissue. Schiritsa prevents bone demineralization, which, in fact, prolongs the period of active life.

Benefits for digestion

There are a number of benefits that make it a healthy ingredient in the digestive system. A high concentration of fiber improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the intestines, contributing to the effective absorption of nutrients by the walls of the colon.

Against varicose veins

With age, more and more people are concerned about varicose veins. This disease not only worsens the appearance, but is also a very dangerous violation of the work of blood vessels.

Amaranth products contain flavonoids, in particular rutin, which prevents varicose veins by strengthening the capillary walls. In addition, the squid contains a fairly high concentration of ascorbic acid, and it is known to promote the production of collagen, a substance that restores and strengthens the walls of blood vessels.

Vision

The concentration of carotenoids and vitamin A contained in the leaves of the apex are important components for maintaining eye health. These components are able to slow down or completely stop the development of cataracts, restore visual acuity.

During pregnancy

Folic acid is especially important for the health of pregnant women. Deficiency of the substance can cause abnormal development of the fetus. If grains and leaves of amaranth appear in the diet of the expectant mother, there is no need to worry about the lack of folic acid.

Weight loss

Considering that the consumption of proteins releases the so-called saturation hormone, which reduces appetite, amaranth is a faithful assistant for everyone who wants to lose weight.

On the one hand, the fiber contained in the plant reduces appetite, on the other hand, a high concentration of protein also works to dull hunger. Together, this makes amaranth a suitable plant for weight loss.

Healthy hair

It contains the amino acid lysine, which the body is not able to produce on its own, but which is very necessary for humans. This substance promotes better absorption of calcium and prevents premature hair loss.

The juice from the leaves of the squid will protect against hair loss. It is used as a rinse aid after washing.

In addition, amaranth grains contain a component that prevents early graying of hair.

A treasure trove of vitamins and minerals

Axamitnik is an excellent source of many vitamins, including A, C, E, K and group B. They act as antioxidants on the body, increase tone, and regulate hormonal balance.

Among the minerals contained in the plant are calcium, magnesium, copper, zinc, potassium, phosphorus. Working in combination, they maintain the health and strength of bones and muscles, and are also responsible for the adequate flow of most vital processes in the body.

According to recent studies, amaranth can also increase the functionality of the immune system.

Possible dangers of amaranth

Like other green leafy vegetables, amaranth leaves contain a certain amount of oxalates (salts and esters of oxalic acid), which are equally beneficial and harmful to the body. In particular, this substance is undesirable for people with kidney or gallstones. For this reason, amaranth can aggravate the manifestations of the disease.

However, it should be borne in mind that the use of amaranth in the form of RAW leaves and grains does not carry this danger!

Allergy as a reaction to the consumption of amaranth is an extremely rare phenomenon. And even if it appears in exceptional cases, it usually disappears within a few minutes.

How to grow a lizard

As already noted, amaranth is an easily adaptable plant, therefore it can grow in almost any conditions.

But sowing is best done when the earth warms up, and there will be enough moisture in the soil. With proper sowing, weed control will become irrelevant - the squid will "crush" unwanted neighbors.

To obtain early shoots, the scorch can be sown not in spring, but in autumn - before the first frost.

Sowing amaranth is carried out in rows (the distance between which is not less than 45 cm), and the space between the plants should not be less than 7-10 cm. Otherwise, you should not expect a large harvest.

Compost, humus, nitroamminofosku, phosphates, potassium or nitrogen agents are used as fertilizers during sowing.

Seedlings appear in 10 days. At the initial stage of germination, it is important to thin out the plants to the required planting density. The second time, fertilization of plants is carried out when they reach 20 cm. During growth, it is important to provide the required amount of moisture, then the squid will grow quickly enough - up to 7 cm daily.

The appearance of a panicle on the butt is a sign that it is time to harvest. This usually occurs 110 days after sowing. However, it is important to remember that all panicles do not ripen at the same time. Therefore, the harvest is harvested as the seeds ripen.

Cleanse the seeds by sifting through a sieve. After drying, they are ready for sowing again.

Dry grains are also suitable for cooking. You can marinate or freeze the yogurt crop.

Amaranth as a medicine:

1. In case of disruption of the intestines, hemorrhoids, heavy menstruation, inflammatory processes in the genitourinary system, use an aqueous infusion of amaranth.

2. For the treatment of dysentery and jaundice, a decoction of the roots and seeds of the plant is used.

3. Against malignant formations, the juice of the amber will help.

4. Burns, bedsores, scars, insect bites are treated with amaranth oil.

5. Inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth can be cured by rinsing with the use of a squirt (5 parts of water are taken for 1 part of the juice). How to cook…

… root infusion:

15 g of crushed roots are poured into 200 ml of boiling water. Let it brew in a water bath for 30 minutes. Refrigerate. Take three times a day before meals for a third of a glass

… infusion of leaves:

Pour 20 g of leaves with a glass of boiling water, insist in a water bath for about a quarter of an hour. Remove from steam and leave for another 45 minutes. Take 2-3 times a day before meals for a third of a glass

… seed infusion:

Grind the panicles with seeds. 1 tablespoon of inflorescences pour about 200 ml of boiling water. Insist for a couple of 20 minutes. When cool, strain. Take 1 teaspoon of infusion with 50 ml of water three times a day. This remedy is effective for enuresis

… bath product:

Pour 300-350 g of the plant with two liters of boiling water. Boil for 15 minutes. Cool, drain. Add to a bathtub half full of water

The benefits of amaranth oil

Amaranth oil, produced from the seeds of the plant, is an extremely useful remedy. Due to its unique chemical composition, it is used to strengthen immunity and fight cancer. It contains squalene.

Squalene - the medicine of the future

Entering the human body, squalene rejuvenates cells, and also inhibits the growth and spread of malignant tumors. In addition, squalene is able to increase the strength of the body's immune system several times, thereby ensuring its resistance to various diseases.

Until recently, squalene was extracted exclusively from the liver of a deep-sea shark, which made it one of the most highly scarce and expensive foods. But the problem was not only in its high cost, but also in the fact that in the liver of a shark squalene contains only 1-1, 5%.

Not long ago, squalene was discovered in the embryos of amaranth seeds and these seeds have become a viable alternative to deep sea shark liver. The cost of squalene has dropped, so for example now 6 ml of squalene can be purchased for $ 20, only it will be in 100 ml of amaranth oil.

Squalene is contained only in the embryos of seeds and nowhere else, there is a lot of false information on the Internet about the alleged presence of squalene in amaranth foliage, this is not the case, squalene is found only in amaranth oil, in other vegetable oils it is also found, but its percentage is incommensurably small.

The oil content in amaranth seeds is about 7-9% of which only 3% of oil can be cold pressed. The squalene content in amaranth oil is about 25%. In amaranth oil, a safe concentration of squalene of 6% is specially left, if you increase the percentage of concentration, then the oil will burn the skin and esophagus when taken orally.

The squalene content in amaranth oil can be checked in a simple way, let the oil settle in the refrigerator for about a month and you will see squalene exfoliated at the bottom of the bottle. For this reason, it is recommended that before using amaranth oil, shake the bottle a little so that the squalene is evenly mixed in the oil.

In the course of biochemical analysis of squalene, many other interesting properties were found. So it turned out that squalene is a derivative of vitamin A and during the synthesis of cholesterol it is converted into its biochemical analogue 7-dehydrocholesterol, which becomes vitamin D in sunlight, thereby providing radioprotective properties. In addition, vitamin A is significantly better absorbed when it is dissolved in squalene.

Squalene was found in the sebaceous glands of humans and caused a whole revolution in cosmetology. After all, being a natural component of human skin, it is able to be easily absorbed and penetrate into the body, while accelerating the assimilation of substances dissolved in a cosmetic product.

In addition, it turned out that squalene in amaranth oil has unique wound healing properties, easily copes with most skin diseases, including eczema, psoriasis, trophic ulcers and burns.

Vitamin E, omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids, arginine, methionine, carotenoids - and this is not the whole list of components of amaranth oil.

This nutty-flavored product is effective in treating and preventing:

• cancer;
• bedsores;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (cirrhosis, fatty degeneration of the liver, colitis, enterocolitis, pancreatitis, gastroduodenitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis, gastritis, stomach ulcers);
• diseases of the cardiovascular system (heart attack, stroke, atherosclerosis, angina pectoris, coronary heart disease, myocarditis, pericarditis, hypertension and others);
• diabetes mellitus;
• obesity;
• psoriasis, eczema, mycosis;
• anemia;
• diseases of the throat and oral cavity (tonsillitis, stomatitis, periodontitis);
• disorders of the nervous system;
• dysfunction of the immune system;
• muscle dystrophy;
• bone diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, osteoporosis, polyarthritis, weakened bones);
• ophthalmic disorders ("night blindness", conjunctivitis, diabetic retinopathy and other eye diseases);
• infertility in men;
• erectile dysfunction;
• erosion of the cervix;
• fibroids.

But so that the treatment with amaranth oil does not bring harm, it is important not to abuse the product. People with pancreatitis, cholecystitis, stones in the urinary system or in the gallbladder should be especially careful, since an incorrectly chosen dosage can (treating an ailment!) Exacerbate the course of the disease.

Before starting a course of taking amaranth oil, it is important to consult your doctor.

While consuming this product (in the first few days), dizziness and nausea are possible. If the symptoms persist, it is better to refuse from the oil of the shrimp.