Amaranth Nutritional Information

Puffed Amaranth nutritional information.

The amaranth used in the Instant Cereals is in a puffed (popped) form. The reason for the utilization in this form is that it provides a great texture to the cereal and a base for providing a well balanced source or protein. In the popped state the amino acids are released and made available for proper utilization by the body. The processing of the amaranth from the dry grain state to the popped state requires minimal moist hot air, under pressure. The entire process takes less than 10 seconds. The proteins are not altered such as in the extrusion process utilized in the ready to eat breakfast cereal industry. The concept is to alter the internal pressure in the amaranth grain for an instant and at that moment change the outside pressure in the pressure vessel causing the starch to expand much like that of popcorn. The grain can expand as much as 1000%. The result is a small white puff that mixes well with other ingredients.

In the small seed state the amaranth may at times passes through the intestinal track un- digested and therefore not utilized.

The process that is used in converting the grain to a puffed state is not like that used by the Indians of South and Central America. In their case they pop the amaranth in a sauce pan much like a popcorn popper over an open hot flame. In that process enzymes are altered. They used high temperature and the resulting product is somewhat toasted.

Amaranth contains all essential amino acids in the proper ratio for optimum protein nutrition. It is ranked as one of the highest sources of available protein among the non meat food groups.

As a side benefit, amaranth is also alkaline in nature. Unlike most of the cereal products, which are on the acid side of the Ph scale.

The resulting puffed amaranth is alkaline and enzyme active, which is a great combination for the health minded consumer.

Puffed amaranth is used in all of the Aztec Power Food cereals.

View Amaranth USDA Nutritional Information

Return from Amaranth USDA Nutritional Information to VitalLife Products