Nutritional Functional Value and Therapeutic Utilization of Amaranth

Abstract

Amaranthus is a dicotyledonous pseudocereal and one of the New World's oldest crops, having originated in Mesoamerica, and was a major food crop of the Aztecs who named it Huautli or Xtes. Popularity in the cultivation and consumption of Amaranthus seed in the modern era began in the mid-1970s with the rediscovery and promotion of amaranth due to its superior nutritional attributes as compared to cereal grains. Today, amaranth is still included in the human diet because of its nutraceutical relevance. Amaranth is considered as a "superfood" because it contains high nutraceutical values such as a high-quality protein, unsaturated oils, squalene, dietary fiber, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. Compared to other grains, amaranth has a higher amount of protein, dietary fiber, calcium, iron, and magnesium; therefore although it is an ancient crop nowadays, it is considered a millennium crop or superfood with relevant nutraceutical values and its agronomic versatility. This comprehensive chapter is focused on amaranth composition and antioxidant properties and provides several potential medical benefits of its valuable components.

Characterization of the Phenolic Compounds in Different Plant Parts of Amaranthus cruentus Grown under Cultivated Conditions

“…Tender amaranth leaves showed higher ( p < 0.05) tryptophan contents than mature leaves, late maturity leaves, tender grains, mature grains, and flowers. However, Soriano-García and Aguirre-Díaz [ 30 ] reported amaranth grains to be rich in tryptophan. This compound is known as an essential component of the diet, which plays an important role in protein synthesis, and it is a precursor of biologically active compounds such as serotonin, melatonin, quinolinic acid.…”

The Role of Alternative Crops in an Upcoming Global Food Crisis: A Concise Review

“…These crops have been proposed as ACs due to their acclimatization potential to marginal environments and/or their tolerance to biotic (pests and diseases) or abiotic stress (high salinity and sodicity, droughts, and high temperatures). Common Name Scientific Name Family Area of Origin Nutritional Value Referance Amaranthus Amaranthus retroflexus Amaranthaceae Americas Seeds abundant in protein content (13–19%), high levels of oils rich in squalene, and high amounts of antioxidants [ 31 ] Buckwheat Fagopyrum esculentum Polygonaceae Asia Protein content similar to that of wheat, aproximantely 3% fat content, and high crude fiber concentration [ 32 ] Canihua Chenopodium pallidicaule Amaranthaceae Andes Exeptional protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate content [ 33 ] Einkorn Triticum monococcum Poaceae Asia Minor Rich in antioxidant compounds such ascarotenoids, tocols, conjugated polyphenols, alkylresorcinols, and phytosterols [ 34 ] Emmer wheat Triticum dicoccon Poaceae Eurasia Rich in resistant starch, minerals, fibre, carotenoids, and antioxidant compounds [ …”

Pseudocereals: A Novel Path towards Healthy Eating

“…Amaranth is known as one of the New World's oldest crops, originated in Mesoamerica [6]. It is a dicotyledonous pseudocereal that belongs to the family of Amaranthaceae.…”

“…The word Amaranthus is derived from the Greek word "anthos" (flower) which means everlasting or unwilting. Presently, it is widely cultivated and consumed throughout India, Nepal, Southern, and Eastern Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Central America, and Mexico [6]. The common species of Amaranthus grown for alleviating the dietary beneficiaries for human consumption includes Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus cruentus, and so on.…”

“…Earlier studies are also stated that the protein content of the amaranth is also relatively rich in sulfur-containing amino acids, which are generally limited in the pulses [12]. Since, it is well known that protein is required for every cell for growth and maintenance of the body, for supporting neurological functions, aids in digestion balances hormones naturally as well as maintaining the immune system [6].…”