Multifunctional Edible Amaranths - A Review of Nutritional Benefits, Anti-Nutritional Factors, and Potential in Sustainable Food Systems

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan

Recent decades have brought growing global attention to Amaranthus L. for its nutritional value, functional properties, and agricultural versatility. Consumed traditionally as leafy vegetables or pseudo-cereals, Amaranthus spp. are increasingly explored as foundations for modern functional foods. This review synthesizes evidence from peer-reviewed studies over 25 years, detailing nutritional composition, health-promoting bioactivity, and applications in sustainable food systems. It highlights proteins, dietary fibre, vitamins, minerals, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while also addressing anti-nutritional factors, climate resilience, and consumer-relevant sensory traits.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages22

Reading Time55 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

1. Introduction

Review Multifunctional Edible Amaranths: A Review of Nutritional Benefits, Anti-Nutritional Factors, and Potential in Sustainable Food Systems Svetoslava Terzieva 1, *, Stanka Baycheva 2, Milena Tzanova 1, Teodora Ivanova 3, Dessislava Dimitrova 3 and Neli Hristova Grozeva 1 Academic Editors: Cornelia Witthöft and Giancarlo Statti Received: 15 November 2025 Revised: 27 December 2025 Accepted: 30 December 2025 Published: 1 January 2026 Copyright: © 2026 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license. 1 Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Trakia University, Students’ Campus, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria; [milena.tsanova@trakia-uni.bg](milena.tsanova@trakia-uni.bg) (M.T.); [n.grozeva@trakia-uni.bg](n.grozeva@trakia-uni.bg) (N.H.G.) 2 Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Technics and technologies, Trakia University, 38 Graf Ignatiev Str., 8602 Yambol, Bulgaria; [stanka.baycheva@trakia-uni.bg](stanka.baycheva@trakia-uni.bg) 3 Department of Plant and Fungal Diversity and Resources, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; tai@bio.bas.bg (T.I.); dessidim3010@gmail.com (D.D.) * Correspondence: [svetoslava.terzieva@trakia-uni.bg](svetoslava.terzieva@trakia-uni.bg) Abstract In recent decades, species within the genus Amaranthus L. (amaranth) have garnered growing global interest due to their exceptional nutritional value, functional properties, and agricultural versatility. Traditionally consumed as leafy vegetables or pseudo-cereals, several Amaranthus species are now receiving renewed attention in the context of the development of modern functional foods. This review evaluates the data on nutritional composition, health-promoting properties, and potential applications of Amaranthus spp. in sustainable food systems in peer-reviewed publications from the last 25 years. Amaranth is rich in high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, positioning it as a significant factor in addressing malnutrition and enhancing food security. Furthermore, its bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and peptides, exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypocholesterolemic activities, suggesting its potential as a part of healthy diets, alleviating the risk of non-communicable diseases. The presence of anti-nutritional factors, including saponins, phytates, and oxalates, has also been explored, with implications for nutrient bioavailability and overall health effects. In addition to its nutritional advantages, Amaranthus spp. demonstrate strong adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, thus performing as a crop resilient under climate stress. Their olfactory and sensory attributes are also considered important for consumers’ acceptance and market integration. By synthesising traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific research, this review underscores the potential of Amaranthus spp. as a multifunctional food source that could support health promotion, climate resilience, and agricultural sustainability. Keywords: Amaranthus spp.; nutritional value; anti-nutritional factors; healthy food 1. Introduction The quality and diversity of the consumed food have a strong impact on human health. In light of the global population growth and increasing nutritional demands, there is an increasing need for food systems that not only ensure food security but also provide access to nutrient-dense, protein-rich foods. In recent decades, culinary diversity has gained importance due to its relevance to both nutrition and cultural heritage, as well as its role in fostering dietary adaptation to changing environmental and social conditions. The wide array of food products, ingredients, recipes, and preparation techniques across different cultures

FAQs

What nutritional qualities of Amaranthus spp. are emphasized in the review?

The review highlights high-quality proteins, essential amino acids, dietary fibre, vitamins, and minerals, positioning amaranth as a strong contributor to improved nutrition and food security.

Which anti-nutritional factors are discussed, and why do they matter?

Saponins, phytates, and oxalates are examined for their effects on nutrient bioavailability and overall health outcomes.

How does the review connect Amaranthus spp. to sustainable food systems?

It synthesizes evidence on health-promoting properties and also emphasizes strong adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, supporting crop resilience under climate stress and potential agricultural sustainability.

Sep 30, 2026

Uploaded by Rowan