In translation from Greek the amaranth means an unfading flower. Perhaps, such interpretation is connected with the fact that in a dried look the plant keeps the form. It has branchy stalks, leaves of the large sizes and kolosovidny flowers which can be various flowers. The amaranth has the medicinal properties having beneficial influence on human health.
Structure of a seed
The amaranth (shchiritsa) is grain culture which in ancient times was grown up by Aztecs and Inca. These tribes ate it and also worshipped it. Being a grassy plant, it belongs to Amarantov' family. Has wide circulation in the countries of Africa, Asia and America.
Vitamins of such groups as A, B, C, E, K, PP, flavonoids, saturated fatty acids, protein are a part of a seed of a plant.
Also it contains the following mineral substances: sodium, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, copper, selenium, zinc, manganese.
Whether you know? If to compare by criterion of power value, then oils of an amaranth and an olive are similar among themselves and also have beneficial influence on processes of a GIT and help to lose excess weight.
Considering power efficiency of seeds of an amaranth, we will note that in 100 g of a product 371 kcal contain. Specific weight of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is not identical and respectively is 13.6 g (15%), 7 g (7%) and 68.6 g (74%).
Besides, according to data of USDA Nutrient Database, 100 g of an amaranth include also 11.3 g of water, 6.7 g of cellulose and 2.9 g of ashes. Also 16% of proteins and 50% of a lysine, pectin and starch are a part of its seed.
Application
Though the amaranth is one of the most ancient crops, it can be eaten also in present time, it is not difficult to create climatic conditions for its growth.
Learn what properties and as apply amaranth flour.
The amaranth is applied to various purposes. So, from it it is possible to prepare not only nutritious porridge, but also to make broth or infusion which are excellent means for prevention of cold. Acceptance of a bathtub with addition of this plant will well influence integuments.
If to grind seeds, then from the received flour it is possible to bake roll, flat cake, cookies, pancakes and other culinary dishes. If to wring out from them oil, then it is possible to use it at mosquito stings or burns. Also do popcorn of seeds of this plant.
Important! Seeds of an amaranth are not eaten crude. And its oil should not be used for preparation of dishes because at heat treatment all useful substances will turn into poisoning.
Some countries of China and Asia are engaged in production of more than 30 assortment groups of products and food products. Pasta, cakes, bread, chips, flour, a biscuit, baby food, wafers and others belong to them.
Learn what chia seeds, buckwheat, millet, porridge, rice black, red, brown, bran, a yachka, a pshenichka, semolina, spelled, bulgur, a kinoa, pearl barley, peas, a flax, corn are useful.
Useful and medicinal properties
The amaranth is valuable the chemical composition. In it vitamin and mineral and nutritious components are ideally combined. It contains also the squalene which is irreplaceable for synthesis of vitamins of group D in a human body. That it was better acquired, it is necessary to use it together with fruit.
In leaves of some species of a plant, such as red amaranth, contains carotene and more than 2.7% a routine. Such concentration of vitamins allows to eliminate hemorrhagic manifestations, beam damages and a hypertension. At oncological pathologies it is appropriate to eat germinated seeds which can be added to food in the form of spice.
At the regular use of the oil made of this plant the improvement of sight, increase in brain activity, reduction of risk of tumoral diseases is observed. For removal of inflammatory process in a mouth it is possible to use amaranth oil as means of rinsing. Besides, such means is used for treatment of such diseases as tuberculosis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, a stroke, a heart attack, stenocardia, a hypertension and others. It is considered the antioxidant strengthening immunity and also the substance having the haematogenic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect.
Harm and contraindications
Before accepting this plant in food, it is necessary to be convinced that you are not sick with rheumatic arthritis, pyelonephritis, a gluten enteropatiya, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, pancreatitis and any chronic diseases.
Important! The amaranth perfectly cures a stomach, a liver and a pancreas, however it is necessary to begin treatment with its help in a remission stage. In case of a sharp state it is better to avoid this dietary additive.
It is necessary to consider that there is a probability of individual intolerance. In this case it is necessary to refrain from application of this plant and its use in food.
Ration
It is better to eat an amaranth in day of its preparation. 100 g of the crushed seeds make day consumption rate for the person. Besides, it is possible to have the tea made on the basis of leaves of this plant. As for amarantovy oil, 3 tablespoons a day will be enough.
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How to choose
When choosing seeds it is necessary to consider that they the small size, pale yellow color also have a smooth surface. As a rule, the amaranth is on sale in the form of flour or flakes. As this plant is cultivated less than other grain, its cost is slightly more.
Storage
As blossoming of an amaranth takes place in July, same month collect its seeds. They are valuable the fact that they are full of vitamins and have oily structure.
Whether you know? Amaranth oil surpasses sea-buckthorn in the utility indicators twice and also is applied to treatment of radiation sickness.
Grains need to be separated, and to prepare leaves for drying. For this purpose it is necessary to distribute them on a plain surface a thin layer and to organize ventilation of the room, occasionally mixing them to avoid a zaprevaniye. Or it is possible just to suspend the plant connected in bunches: at the same time the shchiritsa will evenly dry.
Except drying it is possible to resort to pickling. For this purpose it is necessary to put small cut plant in a glass jar, having added at the same time sugar, salt and water then it is necessary to store a product in the dark cool place.
Seeds of an amaranth are suitable for the daily use as they contain a large amount of useful substances. This plant has wide circulation and, acting in various forms, is capable to have medical effect on an organism.