Following from the previous article about roucou oil, amaranth oil is another oil that isn’t very popular but is excellent for hair and skin.
In this article, I’ll go over the benefits of amaranth oil, what it’s good for and some amaranth oil recipes for hair.
I will also be sharing some great amaranth grain recipes. It’s a really good grain to add to your diet. Read on for why.
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What is Amaranth Oil?
Amaranth oil is extracted from the seeds of two plants known as amaranth grain. The plant originated from Latin America but is now grown and consumed throughout Asia, America and parts of Africa.
Amaranth grain is nutritious and a good source of anthocyanins and polyphenolics. It also contains a significant amount of quality protein and 8 amino acids with lysine being the most prominent.
Amaranth grain is rich in vitamins A, B, B6, C, K and minerals such as calcium, copper and iron. If you’re a vegetarian, this is a great grain to add to your diet.
Some favourite amaranth grain brands include Arrowhead Mills Organic Amaranth and NOW Foods Organic Amaranth Grain.
If you’re interested in including amaranth grain in your diet, I’ve shared links to some great recipes below.
Amaranth oil is composed of linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid and stearic acid with linoleic acid content being the highest.
It is a natural source of squalene, a powerful antioxidant. Other oils that contain squalene include argan oil, macadamia nut oil and olive oil.
Amaranth oil has a light texture and is a medium yellow colour with a neutral smell. Traditionally, amaranth oil and extracts were used to treat several ailments such as UTIs, diarrhoea and respiratory disorders.
What Are the Benefits of Amaranth Oil?
1. Squalene Content
Amaranth oil contains more squalene than argan oil and olive oil. Squalene is an emollient that helps hair retain moisture and promote softness.
2. Lysine Content
Amaranth oil contains a significant amount of the amino acid, lysine. Lysine nourishes hair and scalp and promotes stronger hair and better growth.
By the way, other excellent sources of lysine include eggs, fish, poultry, salmon, spinach, soybeans and red meat.
3. Vital Vitamins for Healthy Hair Growth
Amaranth oil contains vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B6, vitamin C and vitamin K. These are all vitamins that help promote healthy hair growth.
Is Amaranth Oil Good for Hair?
Without a doubt, amaranth oil is great for the hair and its profile suggests it can assist with strengthening hair and preventing hair fall. Additionally, it can soften dry hair and aid in moisture retention.
I think it should be combined with a few other oils to get the best benefits for hair growth. I’ve shared a great recipe for this below.
Amaranth Oil for Hair Growth
The combination of squalene, lysine and other vitamins in amaranth oil makes it an excellent oil for hair growth.
I recommend combining with other hair growth oils for best results. Amaranth oil may also help prevent premature greying.
Amaranth Oil Scalp Massage Oil
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of amaranth oil
- 3 tablespoons of castor oil or Jamaican Black Castor Oil
- 3 tablespoons of pumpkin seed oil
- 1 teaspoon of emu oil
- 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil
- 1 teaspoon argan oil
- 1 teaspoon of crushed hibiscus
- 4 oz bottle like this one
Directions
- Open the 4 oz bottle and add all the oils then close and shake.
- Add the crushed hibiscus and shake again. Set aside for a few days to infuse.
- Use for a scalp massage every few days using the inversion method. No need to wash out until full regimen day.
- You can also apply a few drops of the oil to your hand and apply to your ends before styling. Great for preventing split ends and enhances shine.
Amaranth Oil Shampoo
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of amaranth oil
- 2 tablespoons of your favourite moisturizing shampoo
- Applicator bottle like this one
- Rosewater or distilled water
Directions
- In the applicator bottle, mix the shampoo with the amaranth oil and shake.
- Add in enough rosewater or distilled water and shake again.
- Shampoo your hair with the mix followed by deep conditioning.
- Use as often as required.
This recipe also enhances shine and guards against split ends. Mix a fresh batch every time you want to wash your hair.
Where to Buy Amaranth Oil?
Invest in cold pressed organic amaranth oil that is delivered in glass containers such as below:-
Flora Aromatics Amaranth Seed Oil
5AM Organic Amaranth Oil
Activation Amaranth Seed Oil
Erbology Organic Cold-pressed Amaranth Oil
Amaranth Oil Side Effects
Amaranth oil has no known side effects. However, if you are pregnant or nursing, avoid in the meantime especially if you want to consume the oil.
Amaranth Oil Beauty Products
- Clarins Instant Light Lip Comfort Oil
- Nature’s Gate Professional 99999 Professional Performance Heat Protect and Shine Spray
- Ouai Haircare – Hair And Body Shine Mist
- One Love Organics Discover Easy Does It Foaming Cleanser
- Root Science Youth: Preservation Botanical Serum
Amaranth Grain Recipes
If you want to try out amaranth grain in your diet, check out the simple and delicious recipes below from some great food bloggers.
How to make Popped Amaranth
Get this recipe for pop corn like grain from Green Healthy Cooking...
Creamy Amaranth "Polenta"
Get the recipe for this polenta like creamy amaranth from Food and WIne...
Maple-Amaranth Granola
Get the recipe for this amaranth based granola from Food and Wine...
Amaranth Breakfast Porridge
Get the recipe for this porridge from Food and WIne...
Amaranth Salad with Coriander Roasted Cauliflower Salad
Get the recipe for this amaranth based salad featuring coriander and roasted cauliflower from Naturally Ella..
Amaranth Porridge with Roasted Pears
Get the recipe for this porridge featuring pears from Naturally Ella...
Apart from vegetarian recipes, amaranth is also excellent for gluten-free diets. Amaranth also helps the body absorb iron better. Buy organic amaranth grain HERE.
Arrowhead Mills Organic Amaranth
References
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