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After being advised by my doctor to adopt a heart-healthy diet due to elevated cholesterol levels, I found myself in a situation where I had to get more familiar with a little grain known as amaranth. For those not in the know, it’s packed with protein and fiber and should ostensibly lower LDL cholesterol. Enough reason for me to give it a go.
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Started out by substituting my morning oatmeal for amaranth. I prepared it with almond milk, cinnamon, and fresh berries. The first few attempts were spent/wasted on finding the right consistency until I learned that simmering slowly was the key step. Amaranth has an earthy, nutty flavor in a good kind of way, and it kept me well full throughout the morning. All that and zero sugar spikes.
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Next up after that, I found out that popped amaranth made for a yummy salad topper, adding a a satisfying crunch to boot. Feeling even more adventurous, I used it as a soup/stew thickener. It actually provided a silkier texture, though it is an acquired taste situation.
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Another key aspect of my nutrition overhaul was increasing my water intake, an area I used to severely lack in. Reading up on [https://myinstantiv.com/blogs/hydration](https://myinstantiv.com/blogs/hydration) helped me learn all sorts of tidbits on electrolyte balance and hydration’s role in metabolic health. I incorporated more hydrating foods, incorporating amaranth, of course. The amaranth/cucumber combo proved to be a standout.
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Fast forward to the end of last week, and my blood tests came in. To my absolute delight, the tests confirmed an improvement. Amaranth is by no means a miracle cure, but it certainly played its role in my improvement.
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Anyone who’s looking for a high-protein/fiber food with cholesterol-lowering properties – this is the food for you. If you don’t quite enjoy the taste of whatever you prepared with amaranth, don’t ditch it quite yet – play around with different recipes, there’s an amaranth favorite for everyone out there.
by HarrisonMckinney312