The Efficacy and Functions of Amaranth

Mar 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My mother-in-law bought some amaranth leaves in the morning, but we are not familiar with the health benefits of amaranth. Could you please tell us, Doctor, what are the functions and benefits of amaranth?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Yu Yongchao

Amaranth has various functions and benefits, including clearing heat and detoxifying the body, supplementing calcium to strengthen bones, nourishing the blood to improve complexion, moistening the intestines to relieve constipation, and enhancing physical fitness.

1. Clearing heat and detoxification: Amaranth is cool in nature and sweet in taste, possessing the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying the body. It can serve as an auxiliary treatment for symptoms such as赤白痢疾 (dysentery with mucus or blood caused by damp-heat),目赤肿痛 (red, swollen, and painful eyes caused by excessive liver fire), and 咽喉红肿 (red and swollen throat).

2. Supplementing calcium to strengthen bones: Amaranth is rich in calcium and free of oxalic acid, making the calcium easily absorbed by the human body. Consuming amaranth in appropriate amounts helps prevent osteoporosis and promotes bone health.

3. Nourishing the blood and improving complexion: Amaranth contains abundant iron and vitamin C, which aid in hemoglobin synthesis and enhance the oxygen-carrying capacity of blood, thus exerting a blood-nourishing effect.

4. Moistening the intestines and relieving constipation: Amaranth is rich in dietary fiber, which stimulates intestinal peristalsis and increases stool bulk, helping to prevent and alleviate constipation.

5. Enhancing physical fitness: Amaranth contains abundant proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and multiple vitamins and minerals. It provides comprehensive nutritional support, enhancing immunity and resistance.

As amaranth is cool in nature, individuals with weak spleen and stomach function should avoid excessive consumption to prevent discomfort such as diarrhea. Amaranth also contains photosensitive substances; individuals with allergic constitutions should avoid direct sunlight after consumption to prevent phytophotodermatitis.