State of Knowledge on Amaranth Grain: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Amaranth grain is a highly nutritional pseudocereal with a superior amount of proteins when compared to true cereals. It is a reasonably well-balanced food with functional properties that have been shown to provide medicinal benefits. The health benefits attributed include decreasing plasma cholesterol levels, stimulating the immune system, exerting an antitumor activity, reducing blood glucose levels and improving conditions of hypertension and anemia. In addition, it has been reported to possess anti-allergic and antioxidant activities. The present article provides a comprehensive overview of amaranth grain that focuses on recent research reporting its use in the clinical practice and its possible benefits to human health.

Comparison of Chemical Composition and Growth of Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) between Greenhouse and Open Field Systems

“…For example, proteins are involved in processes such as storage proteins, catalytic chemical reactions (enzymes), facilitating membrane transport, intracellular structure and energy generation, including electron transport reactions (Aubry et al, 2011). The protein and lipid contents found in our study were within the range reported in the literature (protein: 12-18%, lipids: 1.9-9.7%) (Caselato-Sousa and Amaya-Farfan, 2012).…”

“…Part of amaranth's importance lies in its high protein content, which is 13-18%, compared with cereals like corn (10.3%), rice (8.5%) and wheat (14%). It also contains starch (58-66%), dietary fiber (9-16%) and lipids (3.1-11.5%) (Akanbi and Togun, 2002;Caselato-Sousa and Amaya-Farfan, 2012). On the other hand, in Mexico, encouraging primary sector production is one of the greatest challenges of our time (Salomon, 2014).…”

Vegetable milks and their fermented derivative products

“…§ Protective effect against CVD § Appreciable amounts of Vit.E, niacin, thiamin, riboflavin and folic acid. § Antioxidant properties § Important source of bioactives and phytochemicals § Electrolite balance contribution § Cholesterol-free § Glucorregulation properties § High digestibility § Prebiotic effect § Low GI § Anti-inflammatory properties § Low Na content § Possible contribution in protection against some cancers, such as colon or prostate cancers § Suitable for celiacs and lactose intolerants and Gallagher, 2010;Caselato-Sousa and Amaya-Farfan, 2012;Marcone, Kakuda, and Yada, 2003;Sanz-Penella, Wronkowska, SoralSmietana, and Haros, 2013 (cereal) § High content in both soluble and insoluble fiber § Protective effect against CVD § Good lipid profile, mainly PUFA (linoleic acid), followed by MUFA (oleic acid) § Antioxidant properties § Good protein source rich in lysine and methionine § Electrolite balance contribution § High phytosterol content, mainly b-sitosterol § Glucorregulation properties § High levels of tocotrienols and squalene (cholesterol-lowering comp.) § Prebiotic effect § Important amounts of Vit.C, riboflavin and niacin.…”

Comparison of Genetic Diversity among Amaranth Accessions from South and Southeast Asia using SSR Markers

“…The genus Amaranthus includes more than 60 species, but not all are found in daily menus. Amaranth species such as Amaranthus blitus, Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus hypochondriacus are often planted for leaves, whereas Amaranthus caudatus, Amaranthus hypochodriacus, Amaranthus cruentus, Amaranthus hybridus are planted for their grain (Caselato-Sousa and Amaya-Farfn, 2012). Amaranth was consumed as a staple food during ancient times.…”