Amaranth
What it is
Amaranth is a seed used like a grain, often called a pseudocereal. The reference here is cooked amaranth grain, not amaranth leaves or dry flour.
What it does
Per 100 g cooked, it supplies 3.8 g of protein, 2.1 g of fiber and 65 mg of magnesium. Magnesium participates in energy metabolism and normal muscle and nerve function.
Research context and ingredient forms
The water absorbed during cooking changes the amount of grain present in a given weight. Comparing 100 g cooked amaranth with 100 g dry grain gives a misleading picture of their nutrient density.
Using this information
Use a cooked weight for this table. For a mixed porridge, count milk, fruit and other additions separately; the reference does not describe the completed recipe.
Food sources and composition
| Nutrient | Amount and serving basis | Food and source |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 102 kcal per 100 g edible portion | Amaranth grain, cooked; Amaranth grain, cooked SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Protein | 3.8 g per 100 g edible portion | Amaranth grain, cooked; Amaranth grain, cooked SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Total lipid (fat) | 1.58 g per 100 g edible portion | Amaranth grain, cooked; Amaranth grain, cooked SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Carbohydrate, by difference | 18.7 g per 100 g edible portion | Amaranth grain, cooked; Amaranth grain, cooked SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Fiber, total dietary | 2.1 g per 100 g edible portion | Amaranth grain, cooked; Amaranth grain, cooked SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Magnesium, Mg | 65 mg per 100 g edible portion | Amaranth grain, cooked; Amaranth grain, cooked SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Potassium, K | 135 mg per 100 g edible portion | Amaranth grain, cooked; Amaranth grain, cooked SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
| Sodium, Na | 6 mg per 100 g edible portion | Amaranth grain, cooked; Amaranth grain, cooked SR Legacy April 2018; FDC published 2019-04-01 |
Scientific Research & References
- Amaranth grain, cooked
2019 · USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Historical food/preparation-specific composition, not a current brand label or clinical-outcome estimate.
Source assessment recorded.
- USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Legacy Release: Documentation
2018 · USDA Agricultural Research Service
Limitations: Historical dataset; values may be analytical, calculated, imputed, or assumed zero. Not clinical-outcome evidence.
Source assessment recorded.
- Magnesium: NIH Office of Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet
NIH Office of Dietary Supplements
Limitations: Supports only the stated food identity or normal nutrient role; not proof of a food-specific treatment benefit.
Source assessment recorded.
- Whole Grains A to Z
Oldways Whole Grains Council
Limitations: Grain-education organization used only for identity and processing descriptions. Promotional health statements and historical remedies are not used.
Source assessment recorded.
Related dictionary entries
Products containing it
No label-specific product relationship has been reviewed for this entry.