16 Benefits of Red Amaranth Leaves For Health That You Must Know

Red amaranth leaves is not only suitable for eating. It is also extremely good for health. According to traditional medicine, this vegetable has a sweet taste, cool properties, heat-clearing effect, blood cooling, diuretic, antiseptic, treatment of dysentery, and boils. Red amaranth can be boiled, sautéed, or cooked in a very delicious and sweet soup.

Today, Shemartglobal want to introduce of the amazing uses of red amaranth leaves, such as:

Health benefits of Rea Amaranth leaves

1. Storehouse of nutrients

Amaranth leaves are a storehouse of essential phytonutrients and antioxidants which help to reduce inflammation in the body and provide an extra boost of nutrition to one’s health.

2. Low in calories

100gms of Amaranth leaves carry only unbelievably light baggage of just 23 calories. Traces of fat and absolutely no cholesterol make them a healthy go-to food option, especially those who are watching their weight or who want to reduce it.

3. High in fiber

Amaranth leaves are rich in soluble and insoluble fibre that has many benefits. Eating fibre helps us to reduce our weight and wards off heart disease as it lowers the cholesterol in the blood. Amaranth is high in protein and fibre, both of which may help to reduce appetite and increase weight loss

4. Good for anemics

Iron is needed for producing red blood cells and is also needed for cellular metabolism. Reap maximum benefits of this powerful punch of iron that amaranth leaves provide by adding some source of vitamin C as it facilitates maximum absorption of iron in the blood. So, you could add a dash of lemon or have the amaranth leaves dish with a glass of orange juice.

5. Boosts immunity

Here is another reason why you should make amaranth leaves a regular part of your diet. These leafy greens are rich in vitamin C. having 100gms of the leaves will meet 70% of your daily requirement for vitamin C. This vitamin is a water-soluble vitamin and is needed for fighting off infections and for quicker wound healing. It also helps to reduce the effect of free radicals in the environment which are responsible for ageing and many types of cancer.

6. Rich In vitamin A

Amaranth leaves are rich in vitamin A and a cup can meet 97% of your daily need for this antioxidative vitamin. They are also full of flavonoid polyphenolic antioxidants like beta-carotene, zeaxanthin and lutein which provide a protective layer against oxidative stress caused by free radicals. Vitamin A is also needed for healthy skin and proper vision.

7. Rich In vitamin K

Amongst all the green leafy vegetables, across the board amaranth leaves have the highest quantity of vitamin K. This vitamin is needed for good bone health and also plays an important role in blood clotting. It promotes osteoblastic activity and strengthens bone mass. Also, it is beneficial for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease as it controls the neural damage done in the brain.

8. Rich In vitamin B

Amaranth leaves are replete with vitamins of the B group. Folates, riboflavin, niacin, thiamin, vitamin B6 and others are all found in these leafy greens. They help prevent birth defects in newborn babies and are needed for optimal mental and physical health.

9. Rich In potassium

The leaves of this wonder plant are full of potassium. The element is needed for good cardiac health. Potassium is necessary for creating a balanced cellular fluid environment. It also controls the heart rate in the human body.

10. Amaranth is gluten-free

The seeds of the amaranth plant are used as a grain and can be ground to be made into flour. This is a protein-rich flour that is entirely gluten-free, so it is incredibly beneficial for those who have gluten intolerance.

11. Rich In protein

Amaranth leaves and grain are rich in protein, leaving behind even oats as a protein-rich grain. Receiving protein from a plant source is considered much healthier than obtaining it from an animal source as the former has no or very little fat and cholesterol. Eating amaranth leaves suppresses appetite as they are rich in protein. Having a protein-rich diet leads to suppression of hunger as it reduces insulin levels in the blood and keeps one feeling satiated.

12. Amaranth leaves have Lysine

Amaranth leaves have lysine, an essential amino acid that is needed for energy production and absorption of calcium. It also promotes hair growth and good skin. Those who suffer from hair loss or greying will benefit significantly from eating amaranth leaves.

13. Reduces bad cholesterol

Amaranth leaves are known to lower bad cholesterol which is responsible for many cardiac problems.

14. Rich In calcium

Amaranth leaves are rich in calcium and thus are beneficial for those who are suffering from osteoporosis and other bone health problems related to deficiency of calcium.

15. Easy to digest

Amaranth leaves are offered to those convalescing after an illness or those who are fasting as they are easy on the digestive system. Amaranth leaves are helpful in treating diarrhoea and haemorrhages. Regular consumption has been known to benefit digestion.

16. How to include it in your diet?

In India, mostly the red variety of Amaranth leaves are used in cooking. It is usually prepared by sautéing the Amaranth leaves a few spices, garlic and onion. It is known as lal saag or chaulai saag. Sometimes, it is also cooked with lentils and served alongside rice or roti. This dish is known as dal saag. In Andhra Pradesh, it is prepared with moong dal or toor dal and known as thotakura pappu. Another variation is done where a sort of curry is made with Amaranth leaves and gram flour. In Kerala, a dish called cheera thoran is prepared. It is made by finely chopping the amaranth leaves and then sautéing them with grated coconut, chillies, curry leaves and certain spices. In Tamil Nadu, it is known as keerai masial and served with steamed rice.

Fresh, tender leaves and shoots of Amaranth can be eaten raw in salads or as juice. In the mainland of China, Amaranth is known as yin-tsai. It is used in various soups and stir-fries. In Greece, they are known as vleeta where they are eaten with dandelion, mustard green, chicory greens, extra virgin olive oil, and lemon juice. The name of the dish is vrasta chorta.

In addition, eating it regularly will also prevent cancer, improve anemia, be good for the digestive system, …

However, because amaranth has cool properties, so people with lose diarrhea and chronic diarrhea, pregnant women should not eat this vegetable.