Amaranth flour benefits and harms how to take. Amaranth flour. Unfading flower guarding beauty and youth

People have been able to make flour from amaranth seeds since ancient times: food was prepared from it many millennia ago.

However, for several centuries the plant fell out of favor, recipes were forgotten, amaranth fields disappeared. After that, long-lived people also disappeared from the Earth ...

The history of the plant: thriller, drama and happy ending

At the dawn of mankind, amaranth was the clear favorite.

The ancient Greeks called it the "flower of immortality."

The Incas and Aztecs, who inhabited South America, called the plant nothing more than a "gift of the gods."

In their diet, by the way, amaranth occupied one of the main places. More than they consumed except corn.

Everything changed with the arrival of Europeans in America.

Having once seen a ritual in which amaranth flour was mixed with blood, they declared this botanical culture diabolical and began to destroy the plantings.

Since then, dishes made from amaranth flour have remained on the tables only in Russia.

Bread baked from it was especially appreciated. However, unexpectedly, Peter 1 forbade the cultivation of this plant and cooking from it.

Historians still do not understand what the autocrat was guided by when making such a decision.

However, they did not dare to disobey the king, and the amaranth disappeared from the Russian fields.

They say that after that, life expectancy in Russia also decreased. According to rumors, the elders used to live up to 300 years ...

Today, amaranth flour is becoming popular again.

The UN has already called the disgraced crop a plant of the 21st century, scientists are developing new varieties for mass cultivation, fields are being sown.

You can already buy amaranth flour in stores. True, it costs so far many times more than wheat or rye.

Chemical composition

The popularity of amaranth flour is due to its unique composition.

When compared with other species, the advantage will be on its side.

A characteristic feature of amaranth flour is the high quality of vegetable protein:

  • due to its special structure, it is better absorbed by the body.
  • children
  • pregnant and lactating women,
  • people with serious illnesses
  • those who follow a vegetarian diet.

Also, amaranth flour is rich in vitamins. calcium, for example, it contains three times more than milk.

At the same time, it also includes such a substance, like lysine which helps the body absorb calcium.

Amaranth grains contain up to 16% protein (consisting of more than 30% of essential amino acids), up to 15% fat (50% of which is omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid)

Despite the fact that the calorie content of amaranth flour is not much lower than that of other types, it's harder to recover.

The fact is that it contains a lot of complex fiber, about 3 times more than in wheat.

It quickly and for a long time gives a feeling of fullness, and the body spends a lot of energy on its digestion.

At the same time, fiber also provides “cleaning” in the body, removing toxins and other debris from it.

To whom is it useful

Amaranthus is called the flower of immortality for a reason. The composition of its grains includes substances that can treat even the most terrible diseases.

Squalene is a cure for cancer

Squalene is a unique substance. It is a powerful immunomodulator, saturating the tissues of the human body with oxygen, making each cell stronger and more active.

But when meeting with squalene, malignant tumors do not do well: it helps healthy cells fight sick ones, exerting an overwhelming effect on them.

A couple of decades ago, shark liver was considered the champion in squalene content.

From it began to prepare drugs for the treatment of cancer.

What was the surprise of scientists when it was discovered that amaranth contains 4 times more of this substance!

When processing amaranth grains - drying, grinding and subsequent thermal exposure, squalene does not disappear and does not lose its properties.

"Sunshine Vitamin" for Good Growth

Amaranth contains vitamin D in quantity.

The one that the doctors prescribed for children under three years of age take from September to April.

In amaranth flour, this vitamin is presented in an easily digestible form, while its concentration is high enough so that the plant can be used to treat rickets.

By the way, for the first time this property of the plant was appreciated back in the USSR. Amaranth was prescribed to be used ... in agriculture.

If you look through the livestock magazines of those years, you can find a lot of notes about nursing rickety chickens with the help of the “flower of immortality”.

And also about the unprecedented growth of pigs, which, once, having tasted amaranth, refused other food, requiring supplements.

Suitable for smart and nervous

A "bouquet" of vitamins and minerals collected in amaranth flour has a strong effect on the human brain.

Strengthening blood vessels and nerve endings, it improves memory and increases the ability to concentrate for a long time. At the same time, the feeling of fatigue comes more slowly.

At the same moment, irritability and excitement go away, as a result, a person becomes calmer, insomnia disappears.

Therefore, amaranth bread and buns are useful for schoolchildren, students during sessions and people who have to work hard and hard.

Gives youth and beauty

Since ancient times, the property of amaranth to slow down aging has been known. This is due to the set of useful substances that make up the product.
Vitamin B6 supports healthy skin.

It is responsible for the production of collagen in the cells of the epidermis.

This is the substance that is responsible for the elasticity of the skin, preventing the formation of wrinkles and sagging.

With age, collagen is produced less and less, in order to establish this process, additional stimulation is needed, which will be provided by amaranth flour.

Complex fiber is responsible for cleansing the body, which in turn also leads to an improvement in the epidermis and hair.

Calcium strengthens teeth and nails. As well as all the bones of the skeleton, helping to maintain a proud posture.

Normalizes sugar levels

Scientific tests confirming this fact are not over yet. However, scientists have already published some of the results of their research on what to eat with diabetes (written).

They managed to find out that the volunteers, who replaced part of the flour with amaranth in their diet, lowered their blood sugar levels.

And experiments on diabetic rats showed that regular consumption of amaranth flour accelerates the metabolism of lipids and glucose.

What can be cooked

Amaranth flour is used to prepare various dishes. It is diluted with milk or broth, or eaten as porridge.

On its basis, sauces and gravies are prepared, used for breading, including meat products.

The best option is baking..

You can cook from it according to any recipe that includes wheat flour.

Replace it in a 1:1 ratio.

At the same time, even if you replace 10% of the flour, the pastries will become tastier.

Amaranth flour gives it a crumbly texture and a light nutty flavor.

Application in cosmetology

The richest composition of amaranth flour did not leave indifferent cosmetologists. They recommend using this product not only internally, but also externally.

The easiest way to use is to dilute the flour in water to the state of thick sour cream and apply to well-cleansed face skin.

Wash off with cool water after 15-20 minutes.

If you make such a mask 1-2 times a week, then the effect will not keep you waiting: the skin will smooth out and tighten, and wrinkles will go away.

If desired, aromatic oils, honey, an egg can be added to this basic recipe.

Everything new is well forgotten old.

The return of amaranth flour to the diet is another proof that a person, using the full power of his intellect, all the knowledge and discoveries that he has managed to make over the millennia, cannot create anything more perfect than nature.

About the benefits of amaranth flour for the human body, see the video.

Amaranth flour is a unique powder that is widely used in food. Its production is carried out from the seeds of amaranth, which is popularly known as amaranth. In its raw form, the culture is not consumed for food. It is recommended to extract flour and cereals from it. Amaranth seeds have a rich chemical composition, which explains a large number of useful properties of this plant.

Chemical composition

The benefits and harms of amaranth are explained by its rich chemical composition. This useful product is characterized by a slight universal smell, as well as a characteristic dark yellow tint. Amaranth flour is gluten-free. Its chemical composition includes various effective components, which in rare cases can be found in useful products of plant origin.

Previously, in our state, the production of amaranth flour was not involved due to the lack of raw materials. Amaranth was considered a weed for a long time and therefore disposed of. Amaranth seeds are processed, resulting in a dry mix. This useful product is used for home baking. 100 grams of flour contains only 290 calories. That is why this useful product belongs to the category of low-calorie. The chemical composition of amaranth flour includes a large number of useful useful products:

  • 18 percent proteins - methionine, lysine, tryptophan.
  • 9-11 percent fiber.
  • 15 percent fat.
  • Vitamins A, C, E and group B.
  • biologically active substances.
  • Macro- and microelements.

If we compare an amaranth useful product with wheat or rye flour, then it is characterized by the absence of gluten in its chemical composition. That is why patients who have allergic reactions to this type of protein are prepared from it.

Beneficial features

The benefits of amaranth flour are invaluable, due to its rich chemical composition. Thanks to the regular consumption of this healthy product in food, it is possible to solve a variety of health problems. The chemical composition of the powder includes antioxidants in large quantities, which provides the highest quality protection of the liver from the effects of harmful substances.

The consumption of amaranth flour is recommended to stabilize the digestive system. The composition of this useful product includes fiber in large quantities, which makes it possible to use it for the prevention of constipation. With the use of powder, intestinal motility is stimulated. It is recommended to use it to clean the intestines from feces, against which intestinal obstruction is diagnosed. The use of amaranth flour is recommended for the treatment and prevention of various pathological conditions:

  • Oncological diseases. The composition of the amaranth useful product includes squalene. This is the most powerful immunomodulator, which is used to saturate the human body with oxygen. This ensures the activity and strengthening of human cells. Squalene has an inhibitory effect on cancer cells. This substance is truly unique, as it is not able to lose its properties when exposed to high temperatures. That is why there is four times more of it in amaranth flour than in shark liver. Amaranth flour is recommended not only in the presence of malignant neoplasms, but also to strengthen the immune system.
  • Insufficient growth. The composition of amaranth flour includes vitamin D, which is prescribed for children under the age of three to ensure full growth. In amaranth, this vitamin has an easily digestible form, which ensures maximum efficiency of the use of this powder. Most experts recommend taking amaranth for rickets.
  • Diabetes. A number of studies have been conducted, according to which it has been proven that when wheat flour was replaced with amaranth flour, the blood sugar level in patients decreased significantly. When consuming this powder, the acceleration of glucose and lipid metabolism is diagnosed.
  • Obesity. Amaranth flour is recommended for patients who are overweight. Since fiber is included in the useful product, this helps to stabilize the work of the gastrointestinal tract and reduce weight. To combat obesity, it is recommended to consume not only bakery products, but also pasta.

Thanks to the universal properties of amaranth flour, the most effective fight against excessive irritability and excitement is ensured. The effect of the powder is aimed at combating nervous strain and stressful situations. With regular use of flour, insomnia is eliminated. It stimulates brain activity and therefore its use by schoolchildren and students is recommended.

Amaranth contains vitamin A, the effect of which is positively displayed on the quality of vision. The intestines as simply as possible absorb fats, which are participants in metabolic processes in the body. A useful product is recommended for use by people who have undergone surgery or are constantly amenable to excessive physical exertion. The composition of amaranth includes iron, with the use of which anemia is prevented, as well as the improvement of the productive system.

Most experts recommend using amaranth to prepare a variety of dishes in old age. With the use of this useful product, a decrease in the likelihood of hormonal failure is ensured. That is why its consumption should be carried out by women in menopause. The effect of the powder is aimed at stabilizing blood pressure, so its use is recommended for hypertension. In old age, the use of amaranth flour is carried out for the treatment and prevention of strokes.

As people age, they develop a variety of diseases. Varicose veins are the most commonly diagnosed. To eliminate the possibility of the appearance of a pathological condition, the consumption of amaranth is recommended. With angina pectoris and atherosclerosis, the use of amaranth powder is recommended for the elderly.

In alcohol dependence, the liver is most often affected. For the treatment of this pathological condition, patients are recommended to consume as many dishes as possible using amaranth flour. This useful product is characterized by the presence of antioxidant properties, which is positively reflected in the state of human health. Thanks to amaranth flour, during the period of its use, the level of cholesterol in the blood is reduced by half.

Application for cosmetic purposes

Amaranth seed flour is a unique useful product that is widely used in cosmetology. The influence of this powder is aimed at slowing down the aging process. Due to the presence of vitamin B6, the health of the skin is ensured. With the external use of amaranth powder in the chemical composition of masks, the full production of collagen in skin cells is ensured. This gives the epidermis a high level of elasticity.

Amaranth flour prevents the appearance of wrinkles and eliminates the possibility of flabbiness of the skin. As we age, the body's natural production of collagen decreases. That is why it is recommended to further stimulate it with the use of amaranth flour.

The chemical composition of a useful product includes complex fiber, which is used to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins. This not only contributes to weight loss, but also has a beneficial effect on the condition of hair and nails.

Amaranth flour consists of calcium, which is used to strengthen nails and teeth. The composition of the powder includes vitamins and trace elements in large quantities. They are positively reflected in the performance of the brain. The influence of amaranth flour is aimed at strengthening blood vessels and nerve endings. This leads to improved memory and concentration. The human body becomes more resilient, which explains its benefits.

During breastfeeding

A useful product is recommended to be taken by the fairer sex during the period of bearing a child. Its chemical composition includes a large number of useful substances that positively affect the growth and development of the fetus in the womb. Thanks to vitamin E, the development of all organs and systems of the child is ensured. With its help, the genetic apparatus of the embryo cells is protected from various mutations that occur against the background of the negative impact of the environment.

Vitamin E has a positive effect on the production of breast milk, as well as improving its taste. That is why it is recommended to consume amaranth flour for women during the period of breastfeeding newborns. Calcium has a positive effect on strengthening bones and cartilage, so it is recommended to use a useful product for the proper formation of the baby's bone apparatus.

Contraindications and harm

Despite the huge number of useful qualities of amaranth flour, it has certain contraindications. If they are not taken into account, then a useful product can be harmful.

Amaranth seeds contain oxalic acid. If the patient has a pathological condition of the kidneys, then the consumption of amaranth flour is strictly prohibited. Harmful amaranth flour will be for various chronic kidney diseases. It is also worth giving up flour when other chronic diseases occur in the patient's body, amaranth consumption is allowed only during remission. Otherwise, an exacerbation of the pathology may occur. With pancreatitis, eating flour is strictly prohibited.

Before consuming amaranth flour, it is recommended to consult a doctor without fail, which will eliminate the possibility of undesirable effects. The use of raw amaranth flour is not recommended. This is due to the fact that it eliminates the possibility of the full assimilation of other useful products. With stones in the kidneys and bile ducts, the consumption of the powder must be abandoned. A contraindication to its use is the individual intolerance of the component.

Amaranth flour is a valuable and useful product. That is why its consumption in food is recommended for the treatment and prevention of various diseases. Since a useful product is characterized by the presence of certain contraindications and can be harmful, it must be consumed as carefully as possible. It is best for the patient to first consult with the doctor.

This bright and prominent plant is called both the cat's tail and the cock's comb. The most fabulous legends circulate about it: in them it is able to prolong a person’s life, it was forbidden for use by Peter I himself and was used instead of wheat for baking bread by the Aztecs. One way or another, but it is reliably known that the Food Commission under the notorious UN recognized the amaranth plant for its healing and nutritional properties as a culture of the 21st century.

Useful properties of amaranth: its composition

The ancient Indians called amaranth the "golden grain of God": the beneficial properties of this plant have been confirmed by scientific research in recent years. Of course, it will not make superhumans, it will not extend life up to 300 years (namely, such abilities have been attributed to him for a long time). However, even without that, this unique flower can bring invaluable benefits due to its chemical composition.

1. It contains a lot of special protein of the highest quality, which is rich in lysine - the most valuable amino acid for the body. Because of this substance in Japan, the nutritional value of cockscomb is compared to squid meat.

2. Not so long ago, it turned out that amaranth is a source of squalene, which has no equal in counteracting cancerous tumors. In addition, this substance is a natural component of human skin, so its role in dermatology and cosmetology is simply invaluable: no inflammation, suppuration, wounds can resist it.

3. Tocopherols in its composition restore lipid metabolism, normalize the amount of cholesterol, fight free radicals.

4. Phytosterols help tocopherols remove bad cholesterol from the body.

5. Phospholipids - building material for cells.

6. Retinol, ascorbic acid, cholecalciferol (vitamin D), niacin, pantothenic acid, folate - all these vitamins are also found in amaranth, but in smaller quantities. Nevertheless, they also contribute to the benefit of this plant for the human body, ensuring the full functioning of cells.

7. Sodium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and other trace elements guarantee the normal course of all metabolic processes.

All this unique composition provides amaranth with its medicinal properties, for which it was so revered in ancient times and which are so valued by today's doctors and cosmetologists. It remains only to find out exactly how and in what cases to use this unusual plant, which in Greek means "unfading flower." But first you need to know about the other side of the coin: how safe is this flower for health?

Harmful properties of the plant: contraindications

The rich chemical composition of amaranth makes beginners, who have never dealt with it before, wary of it. In small doses, any form of its use (greens, grains, flour, oil) will be absolutely harmless. If you set out to regularly use it to improve your body, it would be nice to get advice from a specialist first. It is unlikely that they will be allowed to use it in unlimited quantities for the following diseases:

  • individual intolerance;
  • pancreatitis;
  • cholecystitis;
  • cholelithiasis and urolithiasis.

In each of these cases, amaranth (this is how this plant is called in many regions of Russia) can become a harmful component of your diet, cause an exacerbation of chronic diseases, and weaken the work of problem organs. Only in the absence of contraindications will amaranth be able to bring the benefits that are expected from it. What can you hope for?

Secrets of the cat's tail in folk medicine

Amaranth has long been used in folk medicine: the healing properties of this miracle plant are literally in all its parts. You can eat fresh greens (leaves) of food varieties, you can boil them. Amaranth flour made from grains is the most valuable and delicious product that easily replaces wheat in nutritional properties. And from this flower they make an unusually healthy oil, which is enriched to the maximum with the same squalene. All this can be eaten, because amaranth:

  • strengthens the immune system;
  • prevents the formation of tumors;
  • protects from radiation;
  • normalizes cholesterol;
  • treats skin diseases;
  • helps wounds heal in the shortest possible time;
  • prevents peptic ulcers;
  • facilitates the course of cardiovascular diseases, atherosclerosis;
  • useful in diabetes;
  • restores disturbed metabolism;
  • normalizes the hormonal system;
  • promotes rejuvenation of the whole organism;
  • quickly and very effectively restores lost strength;
  • is a dietary product for autism and celiac disease.

Amaranth flour is considered especially valuable: the use of this product is due to the fact that it has excellent baking qualities. It can be used in the preparation of confectionery and bakery products. If you add amaranth flour to homemade pastries made from wheat flour, it will turn out magnificent, will amaze everyone with an unusually pleasant, very delicate nutty taste and will not go stale for a long time. But it will have an increased protein value. It is better to buy a ready-made product in the store and successfully and regularly use it to improve your body. It will also come in handy in homemade face masks.

Unfading flower guarding beauty and youth

Chopped fresh amaranth greens and flour from this plant (not to mention the rich, skin-friendly oil) can also come in handy in beauty recipes for your face and hair. They contain a lot of antioxidants, vitamins, but the main thing is the very squalene that restores damaged tissues and cells, making them alive and healthy again. Use this plant as part of masks - and you will forget about brittle hair and aging skin.

  • Leaf mask for face

Grind amaranth greens, beat it (2 tablespoons) with sour cream (2 tablespoons). Perfectly tones tired skin.

  • Leaf rinse for hair

Dry the leaves, chop, pour (1 cup) boiling water (500 ml). Insist 3-4 hours, strain.

  • Rejuvenating flour face mask

Pour amaranth flour (1 tablespoon) with warm water so that a porridge-like mixture is obtained.

Such an amazing plant amaranth exists in 900 species - these are fodder, food, medicinal, decorative forms. Some species have the properties of several of these forms at once, so that they are universal in application. Anyone who seeks to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, who wants to truly prolong their youth, should go beyond the boundaries of decorative amaranth and join its food varieties.


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At the dawn of mankind, amaranth and its flour were very popular. The ancient Indians were well aware of the unique, healing properties of this plant. Therefore, it was cultivated throughout the Americas, widely used in medicine and cooking. Later, it was undeservedly forgotten, amaranth fields were overgrown with weeds, useful recipes disappeared ...

Today, adherents of a healthy diet have resurrected amaranth. The plant itself, its leaves and stems are not used for food, except for the preparation of medicinal tinctures. Its grains are of nutritional value.

Oil is squeezed out of them, grits and flour are made. It is about the last product that we will talk about. What is so special about amaranth flour, what are the benefits and harms, how to take it and to whom - perhaps in the answers to these questions you will find the key to solving many health problems.

Interesting to know: Amaranth or amaranth also grows in Europe, but it was massively cultivated by the Indians of South America, along with maize. Once Europeans saw a ritual rite in which amaranth powder was mixed with blood. The plant was innocently declared a "devil's seed" and subjected to disgrace, while among the Indians amaranth was called the "gift of the gods."

Today, scientists have studied its properties and called amaranth a product of the 21st century. True, amaranth flour is still much more expensive than wheat or rye flour.

Composition and properties

Grains are extracted from the bright inflorescences-spikelets of amaranth. They are dried and then ground. The finished product contains:

  • amino acids, including essential lysine and tryptophan;
  • polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3;
  • vegetable fiber;
  • antioxidants, including sclavene;
  • phospholipids and flavonoids;
  • phytosterols;
  • vitamins of groups B, A, C, D and E;
  • minerals - magnesium, calcium, fluorine, iron, copper, zinc and many others.

If we talk about the nutritional value of the product, then 100 g contains approximately 300 kcal, of which 9 g are proteins, 1.7 g are fats, 61.7 g are carbohydrates. But most importantly, there is no gluten in amaranth flour! For this reason, it can even be included in the diet of infants and allergy sufferers, because many people now suffer from gluten intolerance.

Compared to wheat flour, amaranth flour contains more fats and proteins. But recovering from it is more difficult, since it contains three times more fiber. Shiritsa dishes saturate quickly and for a long time, while the body needs a lot of energy to digest them. That is, it is an ideal supplement for losing weight.

So this unique product is shown:

  1. All children, starting from the first feeding, especially premature, often ill and allergic.
  2. Pregnant and lactating.
  3. Suffering from excessive weight, slagging of the intestines and liver.
  4. People experiencing great mental and emotional stress.
  5. Those who have a predisposition to diseases of the nervous and cardiovascular systems.
  6. With weak bones, teeth, hair and nails.
  7. Adhering to a vegetarian diet.

Recent studies have shown that amaranth helps fight high blood sugar and prevents cancer.

Application in cooking

A spoonful of priceless amaranth flour can be added to children's cereals, soups, vegetable and fruit purees. But best of all, she has proven herself in baking. Amaranth flour makes bread more crumbly and airy. Ideally, mix it with wheat in a 2: 1 ratio. But even one part of amaranth to two parts of wheat flour will do its useful work.

Other uses:

  • instead of breading for meat and fish;
  • instead of bread in meatballs;
  • in half with ordinary flour for pancakes and pancakes;
  • as a thickener for gravies and sauces.

Raw amaranth flour cannot be consumed in its pure form, a large amount of solid fiber will be aggressive for the intestines, and useful substances will not be fully absorbed. Dishes with amaranth must undergo at least 10 minutes of heat treatment.

Finally, you can buy amaranth flour in health food stores or order it online. A quality product has a uniform fine grinding, a gray color with a brownish tint and a characteristic nutty smell.

Today we will talk about amaranth flour, learn about its benefits, harms, and how to take the product.

The UN has recognized amaranth flour as an ingredient of the 21st century, which has generated a lot of controversy about how to eat the plant, as well as its benefits and possible harm to the body.

In fact, amaranth, from which flour is made, has a history of many thousands of years of use, but for a long time it was banned solely for political reasons.

In ancient times, the Slavic bread diet was based on amaranth pastries. The first flour in the past was obtained by grinding the grains of the plant between two large stones. They used it for cooking stew and for making cakes and bread. For this, not only grains were used, but also spices, herbs, and other ingredients.

Most of the knowledge about the preparation of healthy and nutritious bread and cakes has been irretrievably lost, but some unique recipes have survived to this day.

With the ascension to the throne of Peter the Great, a ban on the use of this product was introduced for the Slavic population on amaranth flour.

Amaranth flour in ancient times was widely used not only by the Slavs, but also in China, as well as by the peoples of such half-forgotten civilizations as the Incas and Aztecs. The plant was grown in the USA, Africa and other countries of the world and used for food and medicine.

Useful properties and chemical composition

To judge the benefits or harms, as well as to think about how to take amaranth flour, you need to turn to scientific research. The plant has a high content of useful vitamins, minerals and other substances, such as:

  • vitamins A, E, D, group B, as well as PP, very rich in vitamin C;
  • contains a large amount of calcium and magnesium, iron and zinc, phosphorus and copper, potassium;
  • amino acids useful for the functioning of the housing and communal services and the whole organism as a whole;
  • contains about 20% protein, carbohydrates and fats make up only 14-15%;
  • the content of complex fiber is 3 times higher than that of wheat flour.

For pregnant and lactating women, eating cereals or flour will help replenish the supply of folic acid, calcium and other nutrients that a child needs. These components will strengthen the immune system of mother and baby.

One of the organic compounds important for the development of the fetus is vitamin E, which is involved in the formation of internal organs and prevents the occurrence of genetic abnormalities. And potassium, which the plant is rich in, is the foundation for the formation of the brain of an unborn child.

For children, for whom it is extremely important to receive a huge amount of nutrients, amaranth flour and cereals will be very useful, since the calcium content in it is much higher than in dairy products, and lysine helps to process it. In addition, it is easily absorbed, without causing allergic reactions and other unpleasant consequences in the body. And vitamin C, which is found in large quantities in the plant, helps to strengthen the immune system.

For adults and the elderly, taking amaranth flour is very useful. Due to the harmonious content of nutrients, it has a beneficial effect on the body, lowering blood sugar levels and reduces the level of hormonal disruptions that lead to unpleasant chronic diseases.

Shiritsa is useful for diabetes, varicose veins, cardiovascular diseases and for maintaining the health of the body.

Flour is also used in the treatment of the liver, as it does an excellent job of removing harmful toxins from this organ.

The plant also cleanses the body of harmful substances that accumulate in the body due to unhealthy food and bad ecology. Shiritsa lowers the level of cholesterol in the blood, which only increases the level of its usefulness.

Contraindications

But, despite the positive aspects in the use of amaranth flour, its benefits for the body, not knowing how to take it correctly, you can harm yourself and family members. There are a number of contraindications for eating the plant in food:

  • any chronic pathology during the period of exacerbation;
  • diseases associated with inflammatory processes in the kidneys and urinary system;
  • cholecystitis and the presence of stones in the bile ducts;
  • pancreatitis.

Amaranth flour can cause harm due to the high content of oxalic acid, which adversely affects the functioning of the kidneys and urinary system during an exacerbation of inflammatory processes.

It is also always worth considering the risk of individual intolerance to one of the components of this plant. When the first signs of allergy appear, the use of amaranth flour should be stopped.

Selection and cooking

Fresh amaranth flour should have a pleasant nutty smell. Due to its low calorie content, it is often used in dietetics. For the best effect, it is better to choose a low-fat product. It is prepared from the meal through the preliminary extraction of oils. This not only improves the energy characteristics of the product, but also extends the shelf life.

To use amaranth flour in recipes, it is not necessary to give up rye or wheat flour.

Shiritsa is used as an additive. It replaces from 10 to 50% of flour in the manufacture of pastries. But amaranth can be used in another way:

  • Fritters. By mixing half a liter of kefir with a chicken egg, you can make a nutritious breakfast. To do this, half a glass of ground wheat and 2 times less amaranth flour are added to the liquid mixture. It remains to add a little baking powder, salt and sugar to taste. It is better to cook with a minimum of sunflower oil.
  • Amaranth porridge. Shiritsa can be an excellent substitute for semolina. A dish is being prepared from the ratio: a glass of amaranth flour for half a liter of water. Porridge is cooked using the same technology as semolina, adding ground grains in a thin stream and mixing thoroughly. The dish will turn out much tastier if it is seasoned with butter and honey or jam.

Also, amaranth is perfect for replacing breading. But to fully reveal the possibilities of flour only through your own culinary experience of using it.