Amaranthus Viridis: 7 Impressive Green Amaranth Benefits

Amaranthus Viridis (Green Amaranth) is a nutrient-filled plant of the Amaranths species.

Green Amaranth Uses

Serves as food (both the seed, oil, and leaf), and as a medicinal plant.

Method of Use

Consumed as a cooked, steamed, or fried vegetable. You can use the leaves to prepare smoothies.

Nutritional value

Before discussing Amaranthus Viridis Benefits, let us know that this plant can supplement lacking body micro and macro nutrients due to its rich vitamins and minerals contents as listed below. [1a]

• Amino Acids
• Ash
• Calcium
• Carbohydrate
• Cystine
• Fat
• Fiber
• Flavonoids
• Histidine
• Isoleucine
• Lysine
• Magnesium
• Niacin
• Phenylalanine
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Protein
• Quercetin
• Resins
• Riboflavin
• Rutin
• Sodium
• Threonine
• Tryptophan
• Vitamin B
• Zinc

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Most people know this plant as Green Amaranth, but that is only one specie among many others of the same species such as
Amaranthus tricolor, Amaranthus retroflexus, and Red Amaranth.

(Amaranthus Viridis) Green Amaranth Benefits

Green Amaranth is known to have a high medicinal value and is used traditionally to treat several ailments such as indigestion, fever, headache, nausea, stomachache, ulcers, diarrhea, swelling of the mouth or throat, high cholesterol, and many others detailed.

1. Useful in treating helminthic infections

Studies have indicated that the leaf extract of green Amaranth has demonstrated a strong anthelmintic effect against parasites. This anti-parasitic property can also help in neutralizing snake venom and can be used to treat helminthic infections. [1b]

2. Fights Reactive Oxygen Species

The antioxidant effect of the leaves of this plant can help lower the impact of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). Reactive oxygen species have a damaging impact on our bodies. For example;

It affects the aggregation and denaturation of protein in the body.
It impedes the peroxidation of lipids.
Affect the synthesis of carbohydrates.
And may alter the DNA structure.

It increases oxidative stress which may lower body immunity, quicken premature aging, and damage body molecules and cells. [2]

3. Excellent Sources of Antioxidants

Do you have weak immunity? Now make a delectable diet with green Amaranth, and see a boost in your body’s immune system.

Studies suggest that the intake of these leaves may boost the antioxidant activities in our body and is helpful in the fight against diseases.

The antioxidant compounds in the leaves of green include β-carotene, vitamin C,
β-cyanin, β-xanthin, carotenoids, betalain anthocyanin, chlorophylls, phenolics, and flavonoids. [ 3, 4]

4. Alleviates pains and fever

In countries such as India and Nepal the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of the leaf extract of green Amaranth have been confirmed by their traditional medicine practices. It is used in treating feverish conditions and relieving pains.

Also, research shows that the Negritos of the Philippines apply the bruised leaves directly to eczema, psoriasis, and rashes as a treatment

5. May Help in treating ulcers

The leaves are fortified with a certain phytochemical compound that is found to possess anti-ulcer properties and may help people with an ulcer when they consume the leaves of this plant as a diet or add it to other foods.

6. May supplement lacking body vitamins and minerals.

The leaves of green amaranth may be eaten as a dietary supplement for those lacking minerals and vitamins in the body due to its rich nutritional composition.
Gather a few leaves of this plant, use it and prepare smoothies and drinks, or cook it as a vegetable diet and eat you will be good.[5]

Green Amaranth Side Effects

As Food
It is completely safe to be eaten as a vegetable diet and smoothies.

As Medicine
It is safe if taken as medicine, but the duration should not exceed 4 weeks.

There is no clear evidence about the possible side effects of using it as medicine but be wise to consult with your doctor before using any herbal medicine extract from Amaranth

[Amaranthus Viridis] Green Amaranth for fertility

Green Amaranth may improve fertility in both males and females due to the presence of fertility minerals and vitamins such as vitamin B, zinc, and lots of other antioxidant compounds that can improve body defense against infectious diseases.

FAQs

Is amaranth an herb?

Amaranth is a vegetable plant that can be used to curb malnutrition due to its rich nutritional value, can also be used as a herb for making herb for treating several ailments such as indigestion, fever, headache, nausea, stomachache, ulcers, diarrhea, swelling of the mouth or throat, and high cholesterol

Is amaranth seed a herb?

Both the seeds, leaves, and roots can be used as ingredients in making herbal medicine.

Is amaranth good for diarrhea?

Studies indicate that green amaranth may help treat diarrhea.

Can I eat Amaranthus spinosus?

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Yes! Amaranthus spinosus is edible, it is one of the species of Amaranth.

Is amaranth leaves good for kidney disease?

Studies suggest that Amaranth species may be anti-inflammatory in treating urinary tract and venereal diseases, 2003 studies

Is Amaranth a Superfood?

Green amaranth (Amaranthus species) may be used to curb nutrient deficiency in the body due to its high content of both micro and macro minerals and vitamins including phytochemicals compounds that improve the functions of various organs of the body.

Are amaranth leaves safe to eat?

All amaranth species are edibles and can serve as food and medicinal herbs

Can we eat amaranth leaves daily?

Amaranth can be eaten daily as food (vegetables), but not as herbal medicine. It is not safe wise to feed on herbal medicine every day.

Is amaranth poisonous to dogs?

All Amaranth species are edible for humans and hence may not harm animals like dogs. After all, the dog doesn’t eat grass.

Is amaranth grain carcinogenic?

Research suggests that the grain may be carcinogenic and hence should be avoided.