Red amaranth, or amaranth, is a familiar vegetable to every Vietnamese family. With this vegetable, you can cook delicious dishes such as red amaranth crab soup and red amaranth meat. To learn more about this vegetable, especially to know how many calories it contains and whether it is really effective for weight loss, please read the following article.
1 What is Red Amaranth?
White Amaranth with Long Fruits
Red amaranth, also known as Corchorus olitorius L, is a small, woody plant that can grow up to 2 meters tall. Red amaranth leaves are pointed at the tip, and the slimy shoots are often used for cooking soup. Only the leaves, stems, and fruits of the red amaranth plant are edible; the stems can be used medicinally, and the ripe fruits can be used for planting. The flowers are yellow and grow in the axils of the leaves and stems.
In Vietnam, red amaranth is grown in all regions, and this plant is easy to grow and adaptable to various climates.
There are two types of red amaranth, distinguished by the color of their stems:
Red Amaranth (Purple Amaranth): This type of red amaranth has a purple stem and round fruits. Its scientific name is Corchorus capsularis L. This type of red amaranth is more common than white amaranth.
White Amaranth (Long-fruited Amaranth): This type of red amaranth is scientifically known as Corchorus olitorius L and is characterized by its white stem. White amaranth is a newer variety that has only appeared in the last few years.
Red amaranth contains many nutrients such as calcium, iron, and olitorisid.
2 How Many Calories are in Red Amaranth?
Red Amaranth has a Low Calorie Content
According to the International Medical Clinic, 100 grams of red amaranth contains only 24 calories, which is extremely low. In addition, this amount of red amaranth also contains many other nutrients, including 7 mg of iron, 495 mg of potassium, 650 mg of phosphorus, and 168 mg of calcium.
The number of calories in a bowl of crab and red amaranth soup depends on the cooking method and the ingredients used. Typically, the main ingredients for this dish are red amaranth, crab, and luffa.
If you cook with a ratio of 100 grams of red amaranth, 300 grams of crab, and some other ingredients and spices, the number of calories in a bowl of soup will be approximately 124.85.
See also: ? Is it good to eat a lot? What vegetables help with weight loss?
3 Does Eating Red Amaranth Help with Weight Loss?
Crab and Red Amaranth Soup for Weight Loss and Cooling
If you are wondering whether eating red amaranth soup helps with weight loss, the answer is yes!
Typically, the recommended calorie intake for each main meal is around 667 calories. In contrast, a bowl of crab and red amaranth soup only contains about 124.85 calories, which is relatively low. Therefore, if the calorie intake is lower than the body’s requirement, it will help you lose weight effectively.
Not only is red amaranth low in calories, but it also provides your body with many essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals that are beneficial to your health.
4 Benefits of Red Amaranth
Red Amaranth is Very Good for Health
Specifically, what are the benefits of red amaranth? Find out in the following content!
Prevents Anemia
According to the International Medical Clinic, red amaranth has a high iron content. Therefore, people with anemia are advised to include red amaranth in their diet to improve their condition.
Diuretic
The leaves of the red amaranth plant contain substances that increase urine production and stimulate urination. People with urinary problems such as frequent urination and painful urination are encouraged to eat red amaranth to improve their condition.
Good for Cardiovascular Health
Red amaranth contains a substance called olitorisid, which helps improve cardiovascular health.
Beneficial for Digestion
Red amaranth contains the nutrients polysaccharide, dietary fiber, and pectin, which help increase intestinal motility, soften stools, aid digestion, and treat constipation effectively.
Improves Bone and Joint Health
Red amaranth is rich in calcium and is considered an ideal food for people with osteoporosis and degenerative bone and joint diseases. It helps reduce the risk of rickets and slow bone development.
Increases Lactation
Obstetrics and Gynecology specialists encourage postpartum women and breastfeeding mothers to eat red amaranth because it contains many vitamins and minerals that help increase milk production.
5 Precautions when Consuming Red Amaranth
Do Not Eat Red Amaranth if You Have Diarrhea
Although red amaranth is a healthy vegetable, there are some precautions to keep in mind when consuming it:
If you have diarrhea, do not eat red amaranth, as it can stimulate digestion and worsen diarrhea.
Red amaranth contains more nutrients than white amaranth, so breastfeeding mothers are advised to eat more red amaranth.
Do not eat too much red amaranth for many consecutive days, as it may cause digestive problems and diarrhea. Use this vegetable in moderation and combine it with other vegetables to ensure your family gets a balanced intake of nutrients.
We hope that this information about red amaranth has been helpful. Crab and red amaranth soup is a delicious and cooling dish that also supports weight loss, so don’t hesitate to cook it for your family to enjoy!
Source: International Medical Clinic
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