Amaranth

Amaranth refers to the grain or seed derived from the *Amaranthus* plant genus, including species such as *Amaranthus tricolor L.* and *Amaranthus hypochondriacus*. It is a highly nutritious food source, rich in essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, calcium, vitamin E, and vitamin D, as well as macronutrients such as protein, dietary fiber, and beneficial monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids, including squalene. Amaranth is utilized as a dietary supplement and food ingredient to address nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia and zinc deficiency, especially in vulnerable populations like children and pregnant women. Beyond its fundamental nutritional value, amaranth exhibits potential anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, attributed to its phenolic acids and fatty acids. It is also being investigated for its role in modulating insulin resistance and reducing oxidative stress, making it a subject of interest in managing conditions such as overweight and obesity. Furthermore, starch extracted from *Amaranthus hypochondriacus* seeds has been explored for its biopolymeric stabilization properties in advanced applications like bioimaging and photodynamic therapy.

Other names

Red AmaranthGrain AmaranthPigweedAmaranthus tricolor L.Amaranthus hypochondriacus