The ancient grain hailed as the ‘healthiest carb’ is one of the most nutritious foods you can eat

Experts are singing the praises of another ancient grain that they say would be a welcome addition to any health-conscious kitchen pantry.

Amaranth is a pseudo grain, technically a seed, packed with more nutrients than brown rice and quinoa, healthy living staples.

First cultivated by the Aztecs for its nutritional profile, the grain is also packed with health-boosting vitamins and minerals; A 3.5-ounce portion contains about half of a day’s needs for manganese and iron.

Studies have shown that consuming whole grains can help lower cholesterol levels, promote weight loss, and reduce inflammation.

Available at many health food stores and retailers such as Target and Walmart for about $15 for a 24-oz package, people can cook amaranth the same way as rice or quinoa and stir it into dishes such as veggie stir-fries.

Lindsay Schoenfeld, a registered dietitian in Texas, told the Daily Mail: ‘Amaranth is a good source of fibre, iron, magnesium and antioxidants. It is also known for its quality protein, fiber and gluten-free properties.

‘It provides all nine essential amino acids, making it an excellent grain for plant-based or vegetarian meals.’

But he added that it was best as part of a balanced diet and said people should consider consuming the grain alongside a variety of other foods.

Amaranth, the microgreen shoots pictured above, is a nutrient-packed pseudo-cereal, technically a seed.

A 3.5-oz serving of amaranth contains approximately 100 calories, 3.6 g protein and 2 g fiber.

The same serving of brown rice contains 89 calories, 2 g protein and 1.4 g fiber. Quinoa contains 96 calories, 3.5 g protein and 2.2 g fiber.

With amaranth, it also has the advantage of being gluten-free and having beneficial amino acids.

It also contains 105 percent (2.4 mg) of the daily value of manganese and 42 percent (7.5 mg) of the daily value of iron, which supports metabolism, antioxidant defense and bone health.

Previous research has already pointed to its cholesterol-lowering potential, with a study conducted in 2003. to work In hamsters fed amaranth oil, total and ‘bad’ LDL cholesterol levels were reduced by 15 percent and 22 percent, respectively.

Another study In a study where chickens were fed amaranth, it was seen that the cholesterol levels of the birds decreased by up to 30 percent.

It’s not clear why it can lower cholesterol levels, but experts have previously suggested this may be because it binds to cholesterol in the gut, preventing it from being reabsorbed in the body.

It’s also possible that the high fiber content in amaranth could help someone lose weight. Fiber helps a person feel full for longer and, as a result, consumes less food, triggering weight loss.

One 2023 articleResearchers followed 4,477 people and found that those who consumed more fiber had a lower risk of gaining body weight and fat.

A 3.5 oz serving of amaranth contains approximately 100 calories, 3.6 g protein and 2 g fiber (stock image)

There is also some evidence that amaranth may further boost health by reducing inflammation levels.

It’s high in the antioxidant phenolic acid, which researchers say may reduce inflammation and help protect against conditions like heart disease.

But despite the strong profile, Schoenfeld urged people to eat a variety of foods rather than focusing solely on amaranth.

He told the Daily Mail: ‘Amaranth is powerful, but it is not magical on its own. The magic is eating a variety of grains.

‘A grain should not remain alone. They complement each other!’

He added: ‘It is more important to rotate foods rather than order them. Eat a variety of grains, such as amaranth, brown rice, quinoa, oats and farro.

‘If we put a food on a pedestal, people will often only eat that food and then run out. They’re also missing out on the nutritional benefits of mixing a variety of whole grains and fake grains, which supports gut health and is much more realistic for people to enjoy.

‘No one wants to eat just one meal for the rest of their lives! He’s not even the pickiest eater in the house!’