| Amaranth is an 8,000 year old
crop called the “super food” by the
ancient Aztecs. Once an abundant part of the empire’s
crop base, Amaranth was fed to runners and warriors
because of its reputation for providing large bursts
of energy and improving athletic performance. The
crop was regarded so highly that each year bushels
of Amaranth were presented to their leader, Montezuma.
Because the crop figured so prominently in Aztec
culture and religious ceremonies, the conquering
armies of Cortez burned the fields to the ground.
As European crops replaced indigenous ones, Amaranth
slowly fell out of use. Twenty years ago, the “ancient
crop with a future” enjoyed a renaissance
when the National Academy of Sciences recommended
Amaranth as one of twenty foods to be re-introduced
to the American diet.
The main reason for Amaranth’s recommended
re-introduction was its phenomenal nutritional
profile, which provides several important nutrients
that are often difficult to incorporate into a
restrictive diet. For example, Amaranth contains
large amounts of dietary fiber, iron, and calcium
as well as other vitamins and minerals. Amaranth
also has naturally high amounts of lysine, methionine
and cysteine combined with a fine balance of amino
acids making it an excellent source of high
quality, balanced protein, which is more
complete than the protein found in most grains.
In addition to Amaranth’s outstanding nutritional
value, it is also very low in sodium and contains
no saturated fat. Another outstanding feature
is that our Amaranth is organically grown and
is naturally Non-GMO.
Today, research supports what the ancients already
knew; Amaranth is an ideal food that packs a lot
of value into its tiny seed. It makes a great
alternative to rice and potato-based products
and because of its versatility, can be used in
a far range of food applications.
If someone is following a strict gluten-free
diet, trying to eat a heart healthy or diabetic
diet, is vegetarian/vegan or is just trying to
eat a healthier and more balanced diet, amaranth
is a wonderful solution for them. Amaranth is
perfect for those people trying to build a diverse
and great tasting diet rooted in the guidelines
of the healthier eating. Amaranth is a unique
ingredient that lends itself to several food applications
as well as having a high nutritional profile and
a rich and colorful history.
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