4 Exotic Grains That Can Improve Your Health
These ancient superfoods from all corners of the world are worth rediscovering.
By Leslie Goldman
Amaranth
Sold as seeds, flour, and puffed cereal—all with a nutty, toasted flavor
Origin: Central America
Why It's Healthy:
One cup of cooked amaranth has nearly as much calcium as a cup of low-fat cottage cheese, an impressive 5.2 grams of fiber (many cold cereals have about 1 gram per serving), and more protein than a hard-boiled egg. Unlike most other grains, it contains lysine, an amino acid that the body needs for growth and tissue repair. Amaranth is also gluten-free.
Whip It Up:
Bring 3 cups water or broth and 1 cup seeds to a boil; cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cooked amaranth has an oatmeal-like consistency. Enjoy as a hot cereal, or use it to stuff mushrooms or tomatoes. When baking, replace up to ¼ of the white flour with amaranth flour.
Buy it online: bobsredmill.com
Origin: Central America
Why It's Healthy:
One cup of cooked amaranth has nearly as much calcium as a cup of low-fat cottage cheese, an impressive 5.2 grams of fiber (many cold cereals have about 1 gram per serving), and more protein than a hard-boiled egg. Unlike most other grains, it contains lysine, an amino acid that the body needs for growth and tissue repair. Amaranth is also gluten-free.
Whip It Up:
Bring 3 cups water or broth and 1 cup seeds to a boil; cover and simmer 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cooked amaranth has an oatmeal-like consistency. Enjoy as a hot cereal, or use it to stuff mushrooms or tomatoes. When baking, replace up to ¼ of the white flour with amaranth flour.
Buy it online: bobsredmill.com
Published 01/13/2011