Ancient Grain Reassessed

Amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) is a gluten-free grain with a high protein concentration.  Alvaro Montoya-Rodriguez,from Ciudad Univ (Mexico), and colleagues identified 15 main proteins present in amaranth: a number of these showed high occurrence frequencies of angiotensin-converting enzyme-inhibitor peptides and dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitor, thereby suggesting antihypertensive effects.  As well, the team identified bioactive peptides with antioxidative properties.  The study authors submit that: “The results of this study support the concept that amaranth grain could be part of a ‘healthy’ diet and thereby prevent chronic human diseases.”