The uniqueness of amaranth is in the unusually high nutritional value and edibility of all its parts without exception: stems, leaves, seeds. Research conducted in recent decades has revealed many possibilities for using amaranth for the treatment and prevention of various diseases
Amaranth is an excellent food product, and its oil and sprouted seeds have amazing healing properties that relieve the most serious health problems.
Roots, stems, leaves, flowers and seeds, to varying degrees, are a source of oil, starch, vitamins, pectin, carotene, protein, microelements, mineral salts, sugar.
Amaranth has the greatest coincidence in protein content with the theoretically calculated ideal protein, and in terms of the balance of amino acid composition (replaceable and essential amino acids) it is equal to the protein of breast milk. Moreover, 100 g of amaranth protein contains 6.2 g of lysine, an essential amino acid that other plants do not have in such quantities. If there is a lack of lysine, food is simply not digested and the protein “passes” through the body in transit.
Amaranth seeds are rich in a complex of polyunsaturated fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linolenic). Their content is 77%, with 50% belonging to linoleic acid, from which arachidonic acid is synthesized, which is the basis for the synthesis of prostaglandins in the body.
The unique chemical composition of amaranth determined the limitlessness of its use as a remedy. The ancient Aztecs used amaranth to feed newborn children, warriors took amaranth grains with them on difficult campaigns as a source of strength and health. Being a real pharmacy, amaranth was used to treat the royal nobility in ancient India and China.
Currently, amaranth is successfully used in different countries to treat inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system in women and men, hemorrhoids, anemia, vitamin deficiencies, loss of strength, diabetes, obesity, neuroses, various skin diseases and burns, stomatitis, periodontitis, gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer, atherosclerosis.
Preparations containing amaranth oil reduce the amount of cholesterol in the blood, protect the body from the effects of radiation, promote the resorption of malignant tumors, thanks to squalene - a unique substance included in its composition.
Squalene was first discovered in 1906. Dr. Mitzumaro Tsujimoto from Japan isolated an extract from the liver of a deep-sea shark, which was later identified as squalene (from the Latin squalus - shark). From a biochemical and physiological point of view, squalene is a biological compound, a natural unsaturated hydrocarbon.
In 1931, Professor of the University of Zurich (Switzerland), Nobel Prize winner Dr. Klauer proved that this compound lacks 12 hydrogen atoms to achieve a stable state, so this unsaturated hydrocarbon captures these atoms from any source available to it. And since the most common source of oxygen in the body is water, squalene easily reacts with it, releasing oxygen and saturating organs and tissues with it.
Deep-sea sharks need squalene to survive in conditions of severe hypoxia (low oxygen content) when swimming at great depths. And people need squalene as an anticarcinogenic, antimicrobial and fungicidal agent, since it has long been known as a cause of aging of the body, as well as the occurrence and development of tumors.
When squalene enters the human body, it rejuvenates cells and inhibits the growth and spread of malignant tumors. In addition, squalene can increase the body's immune system several times, thereby ensuring its resistance to various diseases.
Until recently, squalene was extracted exclusively from the liver of a deep-sea shark, which made it one of the most scarce and expensive products. But the problem was not only its high cost, but also the fact that there is not much squalene in shark liver - only 1-1.5%.
Modern studies have found the presence of squalene in small doses in olive oil, wheat germ oil, rice bran, and yeast.
But during the same studies, it turned out that the highest squalene content is in amaranth grain oil. It turned out that amaranth oil contains 8-10% squalene! This is several times more than in the liver of a deep-sea shark!
During biochemical studies of squalene, many of its other valuable properties were discovered.
In folk medicine, amaranth oil is increasingly used: eczema, fungal skin diseases, acne, herpes, scars, burns. Treatment with amaranth and drugs based on it is reviving and developing. Amaranth contains many vitamins, minerals and
microelements, biologically active substances (rutin, amaranthine, vitamins C and E), which significantly enhances its antioxidant properties. Spectrum of amaranth extend to the treatment of: inflammatory processes of the genitourinary system, chronic gastric ulcers and gastric diseases, diabetes, burns, obesity, atherosclerosis, anemia, vitamin deficiency, angina, hypertension and, surprisingly, psoriasis - a disease considered incurable. In addition, this miracle plant gives a powerful regenerating and rejuvenating effect, strengthens the immune system, helps in the treatment of radiation sickness, in cleansing the body of salts of heavy metals, toxic substances, radionuclides. It helps to increase the level of hemoglobin and a significant increase in the number of red blood cells in the blood. In other words, it has a hematopoietic effect. In the form of infusions and decoctions, it is used as a hemostatic agent, for liver and heart diseases, for the treatment of tumors, gastrointestinal infections and disorders. It is said that a decoction of its seeds can cure nocturnal enuresis in children in a week.
In general, it can be said that amaranth oil, juice, infusions, decoctions and greens have a powerful healing and long-term preventive effect on the entire body.
To rejuvenate the body and remove harmful substances from it, it is necessary to make a collection of amaranth, St. John's wort, birch buds, and chamomile in equal parts. In the evening, 2 tablespoons of this collection should be poured with 0.5 liters of boiling water, infused for two to three hours, then strained and a glass of infusion should be drunk before bedtime with the addition of a teaspoon of honey. After this, in the morning, the tincture should be heated and drunk 30 minutes before meals. The entire course will require about 400-500 grams of infusion. The course should be repeated after two to three years.
Amaranth has recently found increasing cosmetic use. Due to the biologically active substances contained in all its parts, including unique ones, it has an effective protective, healing, and long-term rejuvenating effect on the skin, hair and nails in various cosmetic forms of preparation. Lotions, masks, compresses based on amaranth moisturize, nourish, soften and smooth the skin, and also give it freshness and velvety. The use of amaranth in hair care strengthens their roots, promotes growth and restoration of their structure, gives elasticity and shine.
RECIPES
LOTION: freshly squeezed juice is used as a lotion for the skin of the face and neck. 1 tbsp. dried herbs (or 2-3 fresh leaves) pour a glass of boiling water, insist 1-1.5 hours, filter. Wipe the face and neck 3-4 times a day.
MASKS: 1) For all skin types: mix 2 tbsp. juice with 2 tbsp. sour cream and apply a thin layer to the face and neck for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
2) For oily skin: mix mashed greens with crushed oatmeal. Apply the mixture as a mask to the face for 15-20 minutes, rinse with warm water. Then apply a damp, cold napkin soaked in amaranth infusion to the face for 5 minutes.
3) For dry skin: 2 tbsp. juice, one raw egg yolk, 1 tsp. low-fat sour cream, 3-4 drops of amaranth oil. Mix the ingredients and apply the mask to the skin. Rinse with warm water after 20 minutes.
COMPRESSES: 1). for the skin around the eyes: apply crushed amaranth greens to the eyelids of closed eyes and the area around them, cover with wet tampons. Remove after 15 minutes and rinse the eyes with warm water. Repeat the procedure 2 times a week until a visible effect is achieved.
2). for the skin of the neck and chest: mix the crushed greens with warm milk until the consistency of a gruel. Apply an even layer to a napkin and apply to the neck and chest for 15-20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
HAIR CARE: Rinsing hair with amaranth decoction has a conditioning effect. Preparation of the decoction: brew 3 tablespoons of dry crushed leaves or 6-8 fresh leaves with boiling water in a 1 liter thermos. Keep for 24 hours. Dilute with warm water in a 1:1 ratio. Use 1-2 times a week. BATHTUB INFUSION: 300-400 g leaves are poured with 2 liters of boiling water, boiled in a tightly closed container for 15 minutes, cooled, filtered; the decoction is mixed with water in the bath. Duration of taking an amaranth bath - 20 minutes.
FOOD: It is not at all difficult to invent salads with amaranth yourself, since it goes well with any salad vegetables. You just need to add it there. We can say that
"you can't spoil a salad with amaranth." And it can also be used in all raw food dishes that you prepare from other greens (green cocktails, soups, sauces, smoothies, etc.).