Chemical Composition (Rajgeera) Amaranth

 

3. Chemical Composition of Amaranth

The main biological compounds found in amaranth are proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals [8]

. The protein content (~18%) of amaranth seeds is higher than that of traditional cereals

 and varies according to the variety of the plant, the climate, and soil conditions and the method of fertilization [7,10].

 Among proteins, albumins are the largest fraction. Protein contains all the essential amino acids required by the body [6],

 especially a lot of lysine and tryptophan. Starch is the main carbohydrate found in amaranth [7]. 

The amount of starch in amaranth seeds is 

approximately 45–65% [10] ok. IfAn important group of compounds found in amaranth is the fiber fraction (high level)—its soluble (mainly pectins) and insoluble parts. The insoluble fraction consists of lignin, cellulose, and hemicelluloses, 

which have a beneficial effect on the digestive system.

 The amount of fiber in seeds, depending on the source of origin, averages 2–8% of dry weight [5]. 

The nutritional value of amaranth seed is mainly caused by lipids (~7%) [5] 

with a good ratio between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and high protein content with the essential amino acids composition better than that in FAO/WHO standards [3,10].

 Among unsaturated fatty acids, the most abundant are linoleic (~62%), oleic (~20%), linolenic (~1%), and arachidonic acid [5,11]. 

Amaranth contains saturated fatty acids (palmitic (~13%), stearic (~2.6%), arachidic (~0.7%), and myristic (~0.1%) in small amounts [5]. 

Among the lipid fraction of amaranth, tocopherols, tocotrienols, and sterols play an important biological role [12]. 

Squalene has been identified in the seeds and leaves of the plant, and they are also very rich in vitamins

 (especially the B group) and minerals [8]. 

The percentage content of squalene in oil derived from amaranth is 2–8% [6]

 or 6–8% [5,13],

 depending on the source and author.

 Amaranth seeds are a very good source of minerals, representing an average of 3.3% of their weight [10].

 The levels of calcium, potassium, and magnesium are quite high, with iron, phosphorus present in the largest amount. Other minerals identified in amaranth include copper, zinc, sodium, chromium, manganese, nickel, lead, cadmium, and cobalt. The seeds and leaves of amaranth contain small amounts of polyphenols, saponins, hemagglutinins, phytin and nitrates (V),

 and oxalates. Astringent effect of amaranth also depends on the presence and activity of betacyans. Betacyans belong to the red or purple betalain pigments; the most known is betanidin. These compounds are identified in various species of amaranth [14].

 Betalains have recently been recognized as highly bioactive natural compounds with potential human health benefits.

Ref 

Foods. 2022 Feb 21;11(4):618. doi: 10.3390/foods11040618

 

ustyna Baraniak 1,*, Małgorzata Kania-Dobrowolska 1

Editor: Antonello Santini1