2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29
Amarnt was known to the Aztecs. However, they did not use cereals for food. They attributed a number of magical properties to the plant. The Spanish invaders feared the deified plant, painted in the colors of the rainbow, and tried to destroy it as a crop.
Its cultivation was banned for many years, mainly in order to put an end to human sacrifices in which the plant played an important role. For example, legends say that a mixture of crushed amaranth seeds mixed with honey or human blood was used to pour the venerated idols.
However, the culture was not lost, although it was forgotten for several centuries. Amaranth continued to be grown in only a few remote areas of Mexico, as well as in the Andes. Today, this bioculture is again present in an important ritual - that of healthy eating.
In addition to being useful, amaranth has its own aura. Today it is used all over the world, and there are thousands of recipes for its preparation. For example, in Mexico, where the plant is still grown, amaranth is used to make popcorn with sugar syrup.
The result is called allegria - happiness. In India, on the other hand, a delicious cake is made from small grains, and in Nepal - chapati. For medicinal purposes in Ecuador, a drink is prepared from the berries, which regulates the menstrual cycle.
Amaranth is an annual plant. In the past, it was considered eternal, hence its name - in translation, a never-withering flower. It grows up to two meters in height and is the most beautiful cereal.
Its leaves are colored from white, green, pink, orange, to purple and dark red. Its seeds - this valuable treasure, are hidden in the testicles, resembling tousled corn hair. They are the size of a lentil, creamy or golden in color.
In addition to being useful, amaranth is also easy to grow. Even indiscriminately on the ground, it only needs a little water to thrive. In the past, as well as today, more than 60 species of amaranth are known.
Amaranth has countless health benefits, which is why it should be included in the menu. It is among the gluten-free foods - few cereals can boast of similar quality.
It contains high levels of protein, lysine, fiber, calcium, iron, essential amino acids and magnesium. Small grains are quickly and easily absorbed by the body and the digestive tract, as the substances contained in them are easily soluble. The content of polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E is close to olive oil.
It is among the best products of vegetarians. In combination with wheat, corn or brown rice, amaranth provides a full range of proteins to replace foods such as fish, chicken or red meat. In addition, the plant has been shown to lower bad cholesterol.
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