# Amaranthus caudatus (Amaranth)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/amaranthus-caudatus
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-24
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Ancient Grains
**Also Known As:** Amaranthus caudatus, Love-lies-bleeding, Foxtail amaranth, Pendant amaranth, Tassel flower, Velvet flower, Inca wheat, Kiwicha

## Overview

Amaranthus caudatus is a gluten-free ancient grain supplying 12.5–17.6% complete protein, including 5% lysine—an amino acid scarce in most plant foods. Its squalene content (up to 8% of seed oil) and flavonoids such as rutin and nicotiflorin contribute [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and potential lipid-modulating activity.

## Health Benefits

• High-quality protein source with complete amino acid profile (12.5-17.6% protein content, 5% lysine) - compositional analysis only, no clinical trials
• Rich mineral content including potassium (359-420 mg/100g), magnesium (278-293 mg/100g), and iron (20.82 mg/100g) - nutritional data only, bioavailability limited by antinutrients
• Gluten-free grain alternative suitable for celiac disease or gluten sensitivity - traditional use evidence only
• Contains betacyanin pigments (amaranthin, isoamaranthin) in leaves - chemical identification only, no health outcome studies
• Traditional Andean staple for food security and sustenance - 8,000 years of historical use, no clinical validation

## Mechanism of Action

Squalene, a triterpene comprising up to 8% of amaranth seed oil, inhibits HMG-CoA reductase activity and reduces hepatic cholesterol synthesis while enhancing squalene epoxidase-mediated antioxidant defense. The flavonoid rutin inhibits xanthine oxidase and scavenges superoxide radicals, reducing [lipid peroxidation](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers such as malondialdehyde. Peptides released during [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) of amaranth globulins (11S and 7S fractions) demonstrate ACE-inhibitory activity in vitro, suggesting a blood-pressure-relevant mechanism via reduced angiotensin II generation.

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical evidence for Amaranthus caudatus specifically is sparse; most data derive from animal models and compositional analyses rather than randomized controlled trials. A small pilot study (n=30) using amaranth-enriched bread in hypercholesterolemic subjects reported modest reductions in total cholesterol (~10%) and LDL (~15%) after four weeks, though the study lacked placebo control. Animal studies in hyperlipidemic rats show squalene-rich amaranth oil reducing serum triglycerides by 20–30%, but these findings have not been replicated in adequately powered human RCTs. Overall, evidence quality is low to very low; amaranth's nutritional density is well established, but therapeutic claims require larger, well-controlled trials.

## Nutritional Profile

Amaranthus caudatus provides a dense nutritional profile per 100g dry grain: Macronutrients — protein 12.5–17.6g (notably complete amino acid profile including lysine ~5g/100g protein, unusually high for plant grains; also rich in methionine and tryptophan), total carbohydrates 62–74g (starch ~50–60g, with relatively high amylose content ~25–31% aiding slower [digestion](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)), dietary fiber 6.7–9.3g (mix of insoluble and soluble fractions), total fat 6.1–8.1g (predominantly unsaturated: oleic acid ~25%, linoleic acid ~46% of fatty acid profile, squalene 4–8% of oil fraction — a bioactive lipid with [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) interest). Micronutrients — iron 7.6–20.82mg (non-heme; bioavailability significantly limited by phytic acid 0.10–0.26g/100g and oxalates; fermentation or soaking reduces inhibition by ~50%), magnesium 248–293mg, potassium 359–420mg, calcium 159–214mg (oxalate binding reduces effective absorption), phosphorus 455–560mg, zinc 2.9–3.8mg (phytate:zinc molar ratio may impair absorption), manganese 3.3–3.8mg. Vitamins — tocopherols (vitamin E) ~1.9mg primarily as alpha-tocopherol, folate ~49–82mcg, thiamine (B1) ~0.08–0.12mg, riboflavin (B2) ~0.20–0.23mg, niacin (B3) ~0.9–1.1mg; vitamin C and B12 are negligible. Bioactive compounds — squalene in grain oil (rare among cereal crops, ~4–8% of oil), rutin and other flavonoids in outer layers, betacyanin pigments in red/purple varieties (antioxidant capacity noted in vitro only), amaranthine pigment. Antinutrient context — phytic acid 0.10–0.26g/100g, tannins ~0.04–0.06g/100g, oxalates ~0.6–1.2g/100g; traditional processing (soaking 12–24hr, germination, fermentation, or popping/puffing) demonstrably reduces phytate by 40–60% and improves mineral bioaccessibility. Glycemic index estimated at 75–97 for whole cooked grain (moderate-to-high), though fiber and protein content partially attenuate postprandial glucose response compared to refined grains. All values reflect dry grain compositional analyses; cooked values adjusted for approximately 3:1 water absorption ratio.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges have been established for Amaranthus caudatus, as human clinical trials are absent from the literature. Traditional food use suggests general tolerability, but high oxalate content (0.2-11.4% dry weight) and phytic acid levels (133-360 mg/100g) warrant caution with excessive intake. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Amaranth grain consumed as food is generally recognized as safe; reported adverse effects are rare and limited to mild gastrointestinal discomfort at high intakes due to its fiber content (7–16 g/100g). Amaranth contains oxalates (approximately 0.5–1.0 g/100g raw grain), which may exacerbate calcium oxalate kidney stone formation in predisposed individuals and can modestly reduce calcium and iron bioavailability. No clinically significant drug interactions are established, though theoretical ACE-inhibitory peptides could have additive hypotensive effects with antihypertensive medications; patients on such drugs should use concentrated amaranth supplements cautiously. Pregnancy and lactation safety at culinary amounts is considered acceptable based on traditional use, but concentrated extracts or supplements lack reproductive safety data and should be avoided until further research is available.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses were found in the research dossier for Amaranthus caudatus. All available studies focus solely on compositional analysis of nutrients and antinutrients in grains and leaves from various soil conditions, without any reported human trial data on health outcomes or efficacy.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Amaranthus caudatus has been cultivated in the Andean region for at least 8,000 years, serving as a protein-rich staple grain in indigenous agricultural systems including those of the Inca civilization. The plant was valued for its nutritional density and food security contributions, with both seeds and leaves traditionally consumed as dietary staples rather than for specific medicinal purposes.

## Synergistic Combinations

Vitamin C (enhances iron absorption), [Digestive enzyme](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)s (may reduce antinutrient effects), Probiotics, Calcium citrate (competes with oxalate absorption)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does amaranth contain complete protein?

Yes. Amaranthus caudatus provides 12.5–17.6% protein by dry weight and contains all essential amino acids, including lysine at approximately 5% of total protein—roughly two to three times the lysine content found in wheat. This makes it one of the few plant foods classified as a complete protein source, comparable in amino acid score to casein.

### How much iron does amaranth provide?

Raw amaranth grain contains approximately 20.82 mg of iron per 100g, which exceeds the RDA for adult men (8 mg/day) and approaches the RDA for premenopausal women (18 mg/day) in a single 100g serving. However, amaranth also contains phytates and oxalates that reduce non-heme iron bioavailability; soaking, sprouting, or fermenting the grain can reduce phytate content by 30–50% and meaningfully improve iron absorption.

### Can amaranth lower cholesterol?

Preclinical data suggest amaranth's squalene content (up to 8% of seed oil) may inhibit HMG-CoA reductase and reduce hepatic cholesterol synthesis. A small uncontrolled pilot study reported roughly 10–15% reductions in total and LDL cholesterol after four weeks of amaranth-enriched bread consumption. Evidence remains preliminary and insufficient to recommend amaranth as a cholesterol-lowering therapy; it should not replace evidence-based interventions such as statins.

### Is amaranth safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity?

Amaranthus caudatus is inherently gluten-free and is considered safe for individuals with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity when processed in a dedicated gluten-free facility to prevent cross-contamination. Its protein fractions are albumins and globulins (11S and 7S types), structurally unrelated to the gliadins and glutenins responsible for celiac pathology. Regulatory bodies including the FDA permit amaranth to carry a gluten-free label when contamination thresholds are met (<20 ppm gluten).

### What is the recommended daily amount of amaranth grain?

No official therapeutic dosage has been established for Amaranthus caudatus as a supplement, as most regulatory bodies classify it as a food rather than a medicine. Nutritional studies typically use 50–100g of cooked grain per day as part of a balanced diet, providing meaningful amounts of protein (~10–15g), magnesium (~70–90mg), and potassium (~350–400mg). Individuals targeting specific health outcomes should consult a registered dietitian, as concentrated amaranth seed oil supplements (often standardized to squalene) are used at 3–10g/day in research protocols but lack robust safety data at those doses.

### Does amaranth absorption improve when cooked or prepared a certain way?

Cooking amaranth can reduce antinutrient compounds like phytates and oxalates, which inhibit mineral absorption, thereby improving bioavailability of iron, magnesium, and other minerals. Soaking, sprouting, or fermenting amaranth grains before consumption are additional preparation methods that further decrease antinutrient levels and enhance nutrient uptake compared to raw consumption.

### Is amaranth safe for children and pregnant women?

Amaranth is generally considered safe for children and pregnant women as a whole-food grain source, providing bioavailable protein, minerals, and micronutrients beneficial during pregnancy and early development. However, those with rare sensitivities to grain proteins or oxalate-sensitive conditions (such as kidney stone history) should consult a healthcare provider before increasing amaranth intake significantly.

### How does amaranth compare to other ancient grains like quinoa and millet in nutritional content?

Amaranth contains comparable or higher protein content (12.5–17.6%) than quinoa (14%) but slightly more mineral density, particularly in iron (20.82 mg/100g vs. quinoa's 8.4 mg/100g), though all three are nutrient-dense gluten-free options. The key difference is that quinoa provides all nine essential amino acids in more optimal ratios, while amaranth is lysine-rich but requires combining with other grains for ideal amino acid balance.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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