Amaranth oil: benefits and harms

Amaranth oil is considered one of the most useful vegetable oils. It is used in dietetics, and in cosmetology, and as one of the means of complex therapy.

What amaranth oil is made of

This product is made from amaranth seeds - one of the oldest cereal plants. In nature, there are about a hundred of its species. Many of them grow in wastelands like weeds. These are fairly tall plants with dense spiky-paniculate inflorescences of a red or purple hue. The fruits of the plant are boxes in which up to 0.5 million small seeds are collected - from which they later produce oil.

Interestingly, in pre-Columbian America, not only butter, but also flour was obtained from seeds and grains. She also enjoys well-deserved recognition in medicine and nutrition. But it is oil with its unique vitamin-mineral complex that represents the main value.

In industrial conditions, amaranth oil is obtained in several ways:

1. Extraction. In this case, any vegetable oil is involved in the process, the main condition is that it should not be refined. The cheapest way is to use sunflower or corn oil for this. In the production process, part of the nutrients contained in the seeds of amaranth fall into the oil base. But at the same time their number is much lower than with other methods of production. But the product obtained with this is universal, it can be used for food purposes, and in medical, and for home cosmetology.
2. Hood with carbon dioxide. This method is used only in industrial environments. The product obtained with its help cannot be used for medical purposes or for cooking, it is suitable only for cosmetology.
3. Cold pressed. No solvents are involved in this process. It’s just that amaranth seeds, which have undergone strict selection according to their physicochemical parameters, are placed in a special machine and without additional heating or processing with a chemical reagent they squeeze the oil out using a powerful press. Cake is also used in the pharmaceutical and food industries, as it contains many useful substances.

Cold-pressed oil is the purest and most concentrated in terms of the content of active substances.

Composition and calorie content

The energy value of amaranth oil is 736 kcal per 100 g of product. It would seem that with this indicator it can not be called a dietary product. But the whole thing is in those substances that it contains. Amaranth oil contains:

1. Squalene (8–10% depending on the quality of the feedstock). This is a very rare compound in nature that helps regulate lipid metabolism and is involved in the synthesis of a number of hormones.
2. Phytosterols, the properties of which will be discussed below.
3. Ascorbic acid, a beneficial effect on the state of blood vessels and enhances immunity.
4. Vitamins of group B involved in metabolic processes.
5. Vitamin E (and in its most active form - tocotrienol). It is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Carotenoids, which are precursors of vitamin A with antioxidant properties.
7. Vitamin D, which is responsible for bone health.
8. Various trace elements, including potassium, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, etc. They help the body to perform all its functions.
9. Phospholipids, the main component of which is lecithin - a substance directly involved in lipid metabolism.
10. Polyunsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic and oleic.
11. Essential amino acids.

For humans, amaranth oil is the only source of squalene (this substance is also found in shark fat, but it can hardly be called an affordable product). Meanwhile, it is squalene that has antitumor properties. It is especially active in revealing its properties in combination with vitamin C, tocotrienol and amino acids also found in these oils.

Squalene has not only anti-inflammatory, but also analgesic effect, it stimulates tissue regeneration, takes part in the proliferation of cells, which is due to its wound healing properties. In particular, squalene can cope with burns, trophic ulcers, eczema. It helps fight various forms of stomatitis. With its help, diseases of the salivary glands are treated.

Also, this substance has protective properties. Its antimicrobial, fungicidal and, most importantly, anticarcinogenic effect has been proven.

Squalene provides cells with oxygen, has antioxidant properties, which explains its ability to inhibit the development of tumors.

This substance is actively used in cosmetology, because it has moisturizing and softening properties, and also helps to remove toxins from the body that negatively affect the condition of the skin.

In addition to squalene, amaranth oil has another important component - phytosterols. These are hormone-like substances that have all the properties of hormones, but are devoid of the side effects that standard hormone replacement therapy gives. In addition, the main property of phytosterols is the ability to reduce the level of "bad" cholesterol in the blood.

Useful properties of amaranth oil

General benefit

Amaranth oil, regardless of what kind of seeds it is obtained from, has many useful properties. It is combined with various medications, it is recognized by official medicine and is part of complex therapy for various diseases.

It is proved that the prophylactic use of amaranth oil can significantly reduce the risk of developing coronary heart disease, prevent heart attacks and strokes. There are studies confirming that prolonged intake of amaranth oil prevents the development of malignant tumors.

Amaranth oil:

1. Eliminates various side effects after applying various medications.
2. Improves the function of the hepatobiliary system, restores the liver, has a beneficial effect on the kidneys.
3. Strengthens the immune system.
4. Suppresses the development of pathogenic microbes, contributes to the rapid excretion of their vital products from the body, which are often toxic to humans.
5. Beneficial effect on the mucous membranes of the stomach and intestines, thereby normalizing digestion processes.
6. Improves blood composition.
7. Normalizes the work of all body systems.

Amaranth oil helps to remove heavy metal salts from the body. It is also considered an excellent remedy for anemia.

For women

Amaranth oil contains substances such as phytosterols, which can normalize the hormonal background. The use of this product has a positive effect on the state of the organs of the reproductive system.

For men

There are a number of studies that confirm the positive effects of amaranth oil on the male reproductive system. This product also has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to prevent diseases of the prostate - both inflammatory in nature and associated with the proliferation of tissues. This remedy effectively fights erectile dysfunction and infertility.

During pregnancy

Amaranth oil is recommended for expectant mothers in the first trimester, since it allows you to get rid of toxicosis.But this is not limited to its useful properties, because it contains many antioxidants, vitamins and minerals necessary for the normal development of the fetus, and can also prevent anemia, the risk of which during pregnancy increases significantly.

External use of amaranth oil during this period helps prevent stretch marks.

When breastfeeding

Amaranth oil is useful for young mothers in that it helps to restore normal hormonal levels and has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin and blood vessels. In the first three weeks after birth, it is undesirable to include this product in the diet, because at this time the baby's digestive system is especially sensitive to any products.

For kids

For children under the age of 3, amaranth oil is prescribed for the prevention of rickets due to its unique composition. The fact is that all of the above substances are very useful for strengthening bone and muscle tissue. However, before giving the child such a product, you must always consult a pediatrician.

As for external use, amaranth oil is especially useful here as a wound healing agent against constant scratches and abrasions, which young researchers often acquire.

When losing weight

Amaranth oil improves metabolic processes, accelerates the breakdown of fats, and helps to reduce the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. All this helps to get rid of extra pounds. Therefore, amaranth oil in a small amount - up to 1 teaspoon per day - can be included in the diet. In particular, it is suitable for dressing vegetable salads.

Amaranth oil in medicine

This superfood has earned the recognition of American and European doctors, it is actively used in modern medicine, including folk medicine. In particular, amaranth oil is effective:

1. With dermatological diseases. In this case, it is used in the form of compresses or simply lubricate the damaged areas of the skin twice a day, leave it for about 10 minutes, and then remove the excess oil with a cotton swab. This remedy is effective even against open wounds, as well as with dry eczema, psoriasis, neurodermatitis, and even in such severe cases when it comes to mycosis or infectious lesions like herpes or mycosis.
2. With anemia. In this case, the oil is taken orally, because it contains components important for the synthesis of hemoglobin, such as copper and iron.
3. For diseases of the respiratory system and oral cavity (including pathologies such as gingivitis, stomatitis, and other inflammatory processes on the gums). In such cases, amaranth oil is recommended both to be taken with food and to prepare a rinse based on it.
4. With diabetes and obesity. In such cases, it improves lipid metabolism, and it is recommended to include it in small amounts in the diet.
5. With gynecological diseases. In particular, it is considered particularly useful in the treatment of uterine erosion. But it is also used in the treatment of pathologies such as colpitis, endometritis, fibroids, etc. In particular, baths and applications are made with this oil, since it can directly affect the mucous membranes and accelerate regenerative processes. Also, the oil is taken orally to improve the hormonal background, which is very important during menopause or with irregular menstruation.
6. With ophthalmic diseases. Amaranth oil is believed to be an excellent prophylactic to prevent cataracts, macular degeneration (retinal disease), "night blindness", etc. Amaranth oil also helps reduce the risk of developing retinopathy, which is often a complication of diabetes. It also fights against blepharitis and conjunctivitis of various nature.

Amaranth oil is good for the health of the nervous system. It helps prevent the development of dementia, it is also prescribed as part of complex therapy for various psychoemotional disorders.Due to its antioxidant and analgesic properties, it is believed to cope with problems such as headaches and insomnia, and also helps improve cognitive abilities and memory. It is proved that its regular use contributes to the production of the hormone of joy, serotonin.

The bactericidal properties of amaranth oil are noteworthy. However, you need to understand that it does not replace antibiotics, and even more so - antiviral drugs, but it can increase their effectiveness. Therefore, it is prescribed in the treatment of tuberculosis, various infectious diseases, including fungal.

Amaranth oil due to its high content of antioxidants can be used in the treatment of cancer. However, it must be borne in mind that it does not replace full-fledged therapy, but simply enhances its effectiveness. This product also helps those who undergo chemotherapy recover.

Amaranth oil is used in the treatment of muscular dystrophy, as well as diseases of the musculoskeletal system, including arthritis of various nature, osteochondrosis, osteoporosis and even rickets. The fact is that the substances contained in it strengthen bone tissue.

Amaranth oil is taken to strengthen immunity. To do this, it is recommended to drink daily 1 teaspoon of the product twice a day, during breakfast and dinner. Shake a bottle of oil before use. This tool is taken in a course. Its duration should not exceed 30 days. It is recommended to take this course twice a year, in the spring and in the fall, because it is at this time that the immune system is especially vulnerable.

Application in cosmetology

The unique composition of amaranth oil allows its use in cosmetology. It is part of many popular cosmetic products, including those from the most famous brands. The moisturizing properties of amaranth oil help to retain moisture in the skin, prevent dryness and dehydration, and the squalene contained in it is responsible for maintaining collagen and prevents the appearance of premature wrinkles. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of this product help fight acne and eliminate traces of acne, accelerate the healing of any wounds and rashes. Moreover, squalene also regulates the functioning of the sebaceous glands, the dysfunction of which leads to such unpleasant consequences.

Amaranth oil also protects the skin from sunlight and allows you to actively remove toxins, improves the condition of the dermis.

For face

Amaranth oil is sold in small packaging specially for cosmetic purposes. It can be used in pure form or diluted with other vegetable oils and extracts. Apply it in small quantities, while it is important to organize the right skin care in general.

Amaranth seed oil can be used to massage the face, applying it to the skin with your fingers or a soft cotton pad. The whole procedure should take 30-40 minutes, after which it is recommended to wash with warm, but not hot water.

You can also use the following recipes:

1. Mask for dry skin. For 2 teaspoons of oil, add the same amount of liquid honey and one raw yolk. All ingredients are thoroughly mixed and applied to cleansed face skin. The mask is washed off after 15 minutes with warm water. This tool provides deep hydration and nutrition, eliminates peeling, redness and irritation.
2. Mask for sensitive skin. To prepare it, take 40 g of high fat cottage cheese, it is better to take homemade, mixed with 2 teaspoons of amaranth oil. The mixture is applied to the cleansed face for 15-20 minutes. This mask helps to lighten the skin a little, remove irritation, and narrow the enlarged pores.

For problem skin suffering from acne, you can prepare a tonic based on 2 tbsp. tablespoons of freshly squeezed orange juice, the same amount of oil and 0.5 tsp of lemon juice (this active component has a whitening effect). The tonic is applied to problem areas of the skin, and then a thin layer on the entire face.When it is absorbed into the skin, the procedure is repeated. And so several times within half an hour.

For hair

Amaranth oil is also good for hair, because it also needs hydration and nutrition. In addition, it fights against dryness and peeling of the scalp, and thanks to squalene it can reduce itching and manifestations of oily seborrhea. At home, you can try the following remedies:

1. Mask for dry and brittle hair. Pure amaranth oil is applied to the hair roots and scalp, and is also distributed along the entire length of the curls. After 15-20 minutes, it can be washed off with ordinary shampoo. Also 1 tbsp. A spoonful of amaranth can be added to the finished mask for dry hair. Then the product is kept for 5-10 minutes, and then washed off.
2. Mask for strengthening hair. For its preparation take the flesh of avocado, 1 tbsp. a spoonful of flower honey, as well as 2 tbsp. tablespoons of amaranth oil. The avocado pulp, peeled, is mashed in a blender, then honey and oil are added and all the ingredients are whipped until a homogeneous mass and cream condition. The resulting product is applied to clean damp hair and scalp, covered with a film and a towel. After 20 minutes, wash off the mask with shampoo.
3. A universal mask to give your hair a healthy shine. For its preparation you will need several liters of draft beer (the exact amount depends on the length of the hair), 1 tbsp. spoon of amaranth oil, 2 tbsp. tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice, 1 raw yolk. All ingredients except beer are thoroughly mixed. Meanwhile, the beer is slightly heated, the resulting mass is poured into it and mixed thoroughly. With this tool they wash their hair. It is clear that after the procedure, a not very pleasant smell remains, but it can be removed by simply rinsing the hair with water, it is no longer necessary to use shampoo.
4. Mask for dry seborrhea. At 4 tbsp. tablespoons of liquid honey take 2 tbsp. tablespoons of amaranth oil. Both ingredients can be slightly warmed up, but not more than 40 degrees, because otherwise the beneficial substances from honey will be destroyed. The mixture is applied to the scalp, put on a plastic shower cap, cover with a towel on top and hold on the hair for 30 minutes, and then washed with a neutral shampoo.

Also, based on amaranth oil, you can make a balm for dry hair. To do this, at 3 tbsp. tablespoons of amaranth oil take twice as much rum and a few drops of lavender essential oil. All this is mixed and rubbed into the scalp. It is advisable to do the procedure at night. In the morning, the hair is thoroughly washed without shampoo. At the same time, they do not save water, otherwise it will not work to eliminate an unpleasant odor.

For body

Amaranth oil can perfectly replace conventional massage oil. It can be used for the skin of the abdomen, hips, buttocks, chest. In addition, it helps fight cellulite. For these purposes, it is recommended to use it at least twice a week.

Amaranth oil can also be an excellent alternative to hand creams, as it also softens, moisturizes and nourishes the skin. Alternatively, you can add amaranth oil in a small amount to a regular hand cream. This is especially useful in winter when the skin suffers from cold.

In summer, amaranth oil is used to fix the tan, give it a beautiful shade and at the same time protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays. To do this, after exposure to the sun, smear the skin with a small amount of amaranth oil or add it to a regular moisturizer. If the oil is applied in pure form, it is allowed to soak for 10 minutes, and then the excess is removed with a paper towel.

Amaranth oil is considered very useful for strengthening nails. To do this, make special baths. The composition for them is prepared as follows - 2 tbsp. tablespoons of oil mixed with 1 tbsp. a spoonful of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Fingers are lowered into such a bath for 15-20 minutes. It is best to carry out this procedure before bedtime, and after it wear soft cotton gloves on your hands so that the oil is well absorbed into the skin. If you need to paint the nails after that, then their surface should be additionally degreased with alcohol.

Amaranth oil in cooking

This cooking product can replace olive oil. Most often it is used for dressing salads and making cold sauces. In addition, nutritionists advise adding it to whole grain cereals, but only in small quantities. Instead of vegetable oil, it can even be added to baking, and in this case, familiar products will acquire spicy notes and even become tastier - not to mention what is more useful.

Is it possible to fry in amaranth oil

There are different opinions regarding the possibility of heating amaranth oil. Some experts believe that this is quite acceptable, because even when exposed to high temperatures, harmful substances do not form in this product. Others note that fried foods are generally not useful, and that this method of cooking leads to the destruction of some of the beneficial substances contained in amaranth oil. So whether to use it for frying or not, everyone decides for himself personally.

Harm and contraindications

The main contraindication is the individual intolerance of both the oil as a whole and the individual components that make up its composition. If during the application of amaranth oil such unpleasant symptoms as rashes on the skin, severe nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting, as well as headaches, diarrhea, heartburn and signs of dyspepsia occur, then taking this product should be stopped. All these are signs of an allergic reaction and individual intolerance.

Amaranth oil is used with caution in the presence of certain chronic diseases, such as gastritis with high acidity and peptic ulcer of the stomach and intestines (especially in the acute stage), cholecystitis, pancreatic dysfunction, pyelonephritis associated with inflammatory processes in the kidneys.

How to choose and store

All the beneficial properties of amaranth are manifested only if quality oil is used. Its concentrated form can be obtained only by cold pressing, when the temperature of the medium during its production is not more than + 36-37 ° С. This must certainly be indicated on the product label. Such oil is sometimes called live.

The quality product has a light brown tint with greenish notes. He has a specific taste, but quite pleasant. Many characterize it as nutty, but mention a light bitterness that gives piquancy.

Amaranth oil should be stored at room temperature, in a dark and dry place, because the sun's rays destroy its beneficial substances.

How to make amaranth oil at home

At home, the easiest way to get amaranth oil is the method of extraction. And for this it’s not necessary to even take the seeds of this culture, you can just buy high-quality flour from them, take olive or sunflower oil, which literally will help to extract all its useful substances, including squalene, from the source material. However, their concentration will still be lower than that of the finished cold-pressed oil. Moreover, there are no guarantees that sunflower oil was made without chemical treatment of the seeds.

Nevertheless, if there is confidence in the quality of the feedstock, a home-made method for producing oil will provide an excellent product for food and cosmetic use. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

1. Take 1 kg of amaranth seeds and, dividing into portions, grind it in a coffee grinder to obtain flour. To get a better product, it is recommended that the raw materials be slightly calcined in a pan without oil. Then the flour will have a pleasant nutty smell.
2. In a three-liter glass container, pour 1 liter of cold-pressed olive or sunflower oil.
3. Amaranth flour is poured into the oil, slowly, constantly stirring the resulting mass, so that there are no lumps in it until it becomes homogeneous.
4. The container is tightly closed with a plastic lid and put in a dark place for 14-21 days. Periodically, it will be necessary to check the container and shake the contents.

At the end of the specified period, it remains only to separate the oil from the grounds. Filter it with ordinary gauze folded in four layers to get small cells. Through this makeshift filter, the oil is poured into a separate container. The gauze itself, with the thicker remaining on it, needs to be squeezed once again in order to get more oil. All this is done manually and it is clear that after that anyway some amount of oil remains in the flour. Therefore, it is not necessary to throw it away. It can be used for compresses or cosmetic masks. Only you need to store it in the refrigerator and best of all in a dark glass container. And even if you managed to squeeze it so well that the cake seems dry, it can still be used for compresses.

How to take amaranth oil

The energy value of the oil is very high, and in large quantities this product is not recommended. For an adult, the daily norm should not exceed 10 ml, and for a child - 5 ml (and only after checking the allergic reaction). At the same time, it is not recommended to consume oil on an empty stomach, this can only be done with meals, 1 teaspoon in the morning and evening. The course of treatment does not exceed one month, and, of course, before starting it, you need to consult a doctor.

For external use, amaranth oil is taken literally a few drops to lubricate the affected areas of the skin. Unabsorbed residues are cleaned with a cosmetic towel. If the oil is used to protect from the sun, it is applied to all exposed areas of the body in front of the beach or the solarium, and this may require up to 10 ml of the product. But you need to understand that after the end of solar procedures, you again need to lubricate the skin with oil. In order to avoid overdose, it is better to add a small amount - up to 2-3 ml in the lotion after tanning.

Interesting facts about Amaranth

Sometimes this plant is called "Aztec bread." Indeed, pre-Columbian civilizations actively used amaranth in cooking, it is even considered one of the oldest cultivated cereals. Moreover, it was grown by Maya, the Aztecs, and Incas, but everyone knew it under different names - for example, some called it huatli and others called it pale. But translated from Greek, "amaranth" means "a flower that does not fade."

After the Spanish conquest of Latin America, the cultivation of amaranth ceased; its planting was preserved only in remote areas where the colonialists had not reached. But gradually they turned their attention to amaranth again. Moreover, it was also grown in India and Nepal, where from ancient times it was known about its healing properties.

Currently, this plant is popular all over the world. Japanese doctors compare amaranth greens in composition with squid meat. It is believed that it is perfectly balanced in terms of the availability of proteins, vitamins and other beneficial components. Even more substances needed by the body contain the seeds of this culture. Sprouted grains in their chemical composition are close to breast milk.

Today, when humanity is facing a food crisis and governments are looking for cultures that can solve this problem, amaranth has become especially appreciated. At the UN, it was even called 21st century culture. Not only seeds and flour are obtained from it, but also the oil described above, which in its useful properties is superior to sea buckthorn and can even be used to treat radiation sickness. Unfortunately, the product has one drawback - it is quite expensive, overtaking all vegetable oils in this indicator.