Three things to avoid when eating amaranth

Amaranth contains a lot of protein, fiber, calcium, iron and antioxidants - very beneficial for health but if used incorrectly, amaranth can cause some harm to the body.

Amaranth is easy to grow and has many nutritional values. (Photo: Ban Mai)

Should not eat regularly

While amaranth has many benefits, eating large amounts every day can cause nutritional imbalances. The oxalate and nitrate content of the vegetable can overload the kidneys, hindering the absorption of minerals such as zinc and calcium.

Nutritionists recommend rotating your intake of different types of green vegetables rather than just eating one type. According to the Harvard School of Public Health (USA), excessive consumption of nitrate-rich vegetables can cause problems for people with poor kidney function or those taking diuretics or blood pressure medications.

A study published in the International Journal of Food Science and Nutrition found that raw amaranth contains high levels of oxalates, which can interfere with mineral absorption and cause urinary tract problems if consumed in large amounts. Therefore, you should cook this vegetable before eating it.

Do not reheat multiple times.

Reheating spinach multiple times can cause the nitrates in the vegetable to convert into nitrites, a compound that is harmful to health. Nitrites combine with amines in food to form nitrosamines - some of which have been shown to cause cancer.

According to a report by the European Food Safety Authority, high levels of nitrite are linked to an increased risk of cancer and methemoglobinemia (a condition that causes a lack of oxygen in the blood, which is especially dangerous for infants).

Should not be taken with foods rich in oxalates or purines.

Amaranth should not be eaten with foods high in oxalate (sweet potato leaves, spinach) or high in purine (such as animal organs, herring, anchovies), especially for people with a history of gout or kidney stones. This combination can significantly increase the amount of uric acid and oxalate crystals in the body.

Eating foods containing oxalates at the same time may increase the risk of forming calcium oxalate stones, according to a study published in the journal Renal Nutrition.

Who should not eat amaranth?

- People with kidney disease: Due to the high potassium and nitrate content, eating too much amaranth can be harmful to people with poor kidney function. Amaranth contains a lot of oxalate, which can combine with calcium in the body to form calcium oxalate crystals - a common cause of kidney stones. People with a history of kidney stones should eat less and prioritize cooked amaranth to reduce oxalate levels.

- People with gout or high uric acid: Amaranth contains purines, which when broken down will form uric acid. Eating too much can cause gout to flare up.

- Infants and young children: Reheated or improperly stored amaranth dishes can convert nitrates into nitrites, which can easily cause methemoglobinemia, which is very dangerous for young children.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ba-khong-khi-an-rau-den-318439.html