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. Amaranth leaves (Callaloo herb) are rich in vitamin A. 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.
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.
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.
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. It promotes osteoblastic activity. Also, it is beneficial for those who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease as it controls the neural damage done in the brain.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.
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. 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.
The leaves of this wonder plant are full of potassium. The element is needed for good cardiac health. Amaranth leaves and grain are rich in protein, leaving behind even oats as a protein-rich grain. Having a protein-rich diet leads to suppression of hunger as it reduces insulin levels in the blood and keeps one feeling satisfied.
Nutrition Facts:
Amaranth leaves, raw contains 6.4 calories per 28 g serving. This serving contains 0.1 g of fat, 0.7 g of protein and 1.1 g of carbohydrate. The latter is g sugar and g of dietary fiber, the rest is complex carbohydrate. Amaranth leaves, raw contains 0 g of saturated fat and 0 mg of cholesterol per serving. 28 g of Amaranth leaves, raw contains 40.88 mcg vitamin A, 12.1 mg vitamin C, 0.00 mcg vitamin D as well as 0.65 mg of iron, 60.20 mg of calcium, 171 mg of potassium.
WARNING:
Amaranth greens, like spinach, carry higher contents of oxalic acid (1.09 g/100g), a naturally-occurring substance found in some vegetables, which may crystallize as oxalate stones in the urinary tract in some people.
Because of its high vitamin-K content, patients taking anti-coagulants such as "warfarin" are encouraged to avoid amaranth in their food since it interferes with drug metabolism.
