AMARANTH PLANT ( local name is *Aleefu /Aleefi*)
By *Emmanuel Akwasi Antwi*
By *Emmanuel Akwasi Antwi*
Amaranth grain is extremely nutritional pseudocereal with a higher amount of proteins when compared to true cereals. It is a reasonably well-balanced food with functional properties that have been shown to provide medicinal benefits. The health benefits credited include decreasing plasma cholesterol levels, exerting an antitumor activity,Hypocholesterolemic effect,Antioxidant activity,
Effect on liver function,Anti-diabetic properties,Anti-cancer benefits,Cognitive health, reducing blood glucose levels and anemia.
*Reproductive health*
Amaranth leaves and seeds are endowed with nutrients that are highly beneficial for reproductive health in both men and women. In terms of boosting fertility, a number of nutrients in amaranth are involved in delivering this benefit. Calcium has been mentioned by several studies as an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy reproductive system and optimum fertility. Amaranth supplies calcium needed for optimum sperm activity necessary for ensuring successful conception. Research indicates that calcium improves the ability of sperms to swim while calcium deficiency impairs that same ability.
*Healthy pregnancy*
Amaranth is rich in various nutrients essential for maintaining healthy pregnancy. For instance, the high iron content of amaranth is extremely vital for boosting blood supply to both mother and unborn child. This important attribute of iron in amaranth helps offset anemia during pregnancy. Iron also helps transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the unborn child. Then there is calcium which promotes fetal growth and development.
*Child development*
Amaranth is an important food for child development. Folate maintains adequate blood supply in children, a necessary tool for proper development.
Furthermore, amaranth has healthy omega3 fats. Seeds tend to have a much higher concentration of these fats than leaves do. An
ever growing body of evidence continues to show that omega3 fats are essential for promoting cognitive performance. This greatly aids the development of a child’s mental skills relating to
learning ability and memory. Amaranth is also high in protein, a major player in promoting mental and physical development in a child. Adequate protein also helps a child build a strong immune system for fighting off infections and other diseases. Then beta carotene in amaranth is used for production of vitamin A, an important nutrient which keeps the immune system strong.
*Reproductive health*
Amaranth leaves and seeds are endowed with nutrients that are highly beneficial for reproductive health in both men and women. In terms of boosting fertility, a number of nutrients in amaranth are involved in delivering this benefit. Calcium has been mentioned by several studies as an important nutrient for maintaining a healthy reproductive system and optimum fertility. Amaranth supplies calcium needed for optimum sperm activity necessary for ensuring successful conception. Research indicates that calcium improves the ability of sperms to swim while calcium deficiency impairs that same ability.
*Healthy pregnancy*
Amaranth is rich in various nutrients essential for maintaining healthy pregnancy. For instance, the high iron content of amaranth is extremely vital for boosting blood supply to both mother and unborn child. This important attribute of iron in amaranth helps offset anemia during pregnancy. Iron also helps transportation of oxygen and nutrients to the unborn child. Then there is calcium which promotes fetal growth and development.
*Child development*
Amaranth is an important food for child development. Folate maintains adequate blood supply in children, a necessary tool for proper development.
Furthermore, amaranth has healthy omega3 fats. Seeds tend to have a much higher concentration of these fats than leaves do. An
ever growing body of evidence continues to show that omega3 fats are essential for promoting cognitive performance. This greatly aids the development of a child’s mental skills relating to
learning ability and memory. Amaranth is also high in protein, a major player in promoting mental and physical development in a child. Adequate protein also helps a child build a strong immune system for fighting off infections and other diseases. Then beta carotene in amaranth is used for production of vitamin A, an important nutrient which keeps the immune system strong.
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