Poor food and poorer eating habits are the leading reasons of poor health of Pakistani people. Dr Shahzad Basra, professor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, is struggling hard to introduce new superfoods in the country. Amaranth is a group of more than 60 different species of grains that have been cultivated for about 8,000 years. These grains were once considered a staple food in the Inca, Maya and Aztec civilizations. Amaranth is classified as a pseudocereal, meaning that it’s not technically a cereal grain like wheat or oats, but it shares a comparable set of nutrients and is used in similar ways. Its earthy, nutty flavor works well in a variety of dishes.Besides being incredibly versatile, this nutritious grain is naturally gluten-free and rich in protein, fiber, micronutrients and antioxidants.
Pakistan has diversified agro climatic condition for which some grain crops are not sufficient. New grain crops with more economic and edible value for future food security may be grown. Amaranth has excellent nutrient value compared to other grains for being introduced in different countries successively Amaranth is an ancient pseudo-cereal crop. It can be used as new alternate crops to replace our conventional food system with new super and functional foods like Quinoa, Buckwheat and Chia and also with a high-protein grain like Amaranthus caudatus and a leafy vegetable like Amaranthus dubius, Mexico and Guatemala have their domestic amaranth variety Amaranth seeds have high protein content (14 to 16.5%). Carbohydrate of amaranth seeds is observed as nutraceutical effect because of hypocholestelolemic effect and helps in reduction of free fatty acids in the membrane. This is a gluten free food so can be used by the patient of celiac disease. Amaranthus lipids have high degree of unsaturation. Amaranth have a high content of riboflavin of 0.19 to 0.23% and ascorbic acid with 4.5 to 5%. Its mineral contents are very high almost double to the cereals. These seeds have high calcium of 180.1 to 217 mg/100g that is the main functiallity to use against the osteopenia and celiac disease patient. Amaranth is also rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants.#Anticancer #Anti-inflammation #Painfighter #Superfood #Nutraceuticalvalue #Glutenfree #Medicinalplant, #amaranth #bioactive #functionalfood, #NutritionalValueofAmaranth, #ShahzadBasra, #Antioxidant
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