Antioxidants are naturally occurring compounds that help protect against harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals can cause damage to cells and contribute to the development of chronic disease.
Amaranth is a good source of health-promoting antioxidants.
One review reported that amaranth is especially high in phenolic acids, which are plant compounds that act as antioxidants. These include gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid and vanillic acid, all of which may help protect against diseases like heart disease and cancer.
In one rat study, amaranth was found to increase the activity of certain antioxidants and help protect the liver against alcohol .
Antioxidant content is highest in raw amaranth, and studies have found that soaking and processing it may decrease its antioxidant activity.
Further studies are needed to determine how the antioxidants in amaranth may impact humans.