Dodo seeds: A health powerhouse
Jul 31, 2011
IN households where a healthy diet is valued, dodo (amaranth) seldom misses on the menu. Many have become acquainted, probably by default, to preparing the leaves in various ways to suit their tastes.
FAB FOOD
By Anthony Olwoch
IN households where a healthy diet is valued, dodo (amaranth) seldom misses on the menu. Many have become acquainted, probably by default, to preparing the leaves in various ways to suit their tastes.
But did you know that the tiny, lens-shaped seeds of dodo are a health powerhouse.
According to Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe, a researcher at the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Makerere University, dodo seeds are highly nutritious.
They are a rich source of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fibre and plant phytochemicals which boost health.
They contain high amounts of potassium, sodium, vitamins A, E, C and folic acid compared to other cereal grains. Dodo seeds are also low in fat.
According to Goretti Masadde, a food scientist, dodo is rich in calcium and iron. It contains twice as much the amount contained in milk, and five times the amount in wheat.
Dodo healthy bars and flour are available in some supermarkets and food stores. ÂÂThe amaranth-based composite flour comprises amaranth flour, millet flour and soya flour, while the bean-based composite flour contains bean flour, amaranth flour and rice flour.
Benefits
According to Nakimbugwe, dodo contains about 12% to 13% protein. Unlike most grains, dodo seeds contain lysine, a type of amino acid which helps to build, maintain and repair body tissues.
“Amaranth flour is high in dietary fibre. It contains three times as much fibre as wheat, and twice as much as corn and oats. Because of this, it is helps promote a healthy digestive system, considering the fact that high fibre diets are known to reduce risks of colon cancer.
“In addition, the high fibre and unsaturated Vitamin E in amaranth have good cholesterol, which promotes heart health.
“Tocotrienols, a component of Vitamin E, help protect the fatty areas of the body from damage caused by free radicals, and helps slow down the ageing process,†Masadde adds.
For severely malnourished children and people who have lost weight due to disease, Nakimbugwe recommends amaranth flour for a healthy body mass index (human body fat based on an individual’s weight and height).
Also, because it contains predominantly unsaturated fats, dodo is suitable for children since their bodies require essential fatty acids for proper growth and development.
According to health studies, dodo is also recommended for diabetic patients because of its grains and oils which help improve glucose and lipid (fat) metabolism.
By Anthony Olwoch
IN households where a healthy diet is valued, dodo (amaranth) seldom misses on the menu. Many have become acquainted, probably by default, to preparing the leaves in various ways to suit their tastes.
But did you know that the tiny, lens-shaped seeds of dodo are a health powerhouse.
According to Dr. Dorothy Nakimbugwe, a researcher at the Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Makerere University, dodo seeds are highly nutritious.
They are a rich source of vitamins, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, fibre and plant phytochemicals which boost health.
They contain high amounts of potassium, sodium, vitamins A, E, C and folic acid compared to other cereal grains. Dodo seeds are also low in fat.
According to Goretti Masadde, a food scientist, dodo is rich in calcium and iron. It contains twice as much the amount contained in milk, and five times the amount in wheat.
Dodo healthy bars and flour are available in some supermarkets and food stores. ÂÂThe amaranth-based composite flour comprises amaranth flour, millet flour and soya flour, while the bean-based composite flour contains bean flour, amaranth flour and rice flour.
Benefits
According to Nakimbugwe, dodo contains about 12% to 13% protein. Unlike most grains, dodo seeds contain lysine, a type of amino acid which helps to build, maintain and repair body tissues.
“Amaranth flour is high in dietary fibre. It contains three times as much fibre as wheat, and twice as much as corn and oats. Because of this, it is helps promote a healthy digestive system, considering the fact that high fibre diets are known to reduce risks of colon cancer.
“In addition, the high fibre and unsaturated Vitamin E in amaranth have good cholesterol, which promotes heart health.
“Tocotrienols, a component of Vitamin E, help protect the fatty areas of the body from damage caused by free radicals, and helps slow down the ageing process,†Masadde adds.
For severely malnourished children and people who have lost weight due to disease, Nakimbugwe recommends amaranth flour for a healthy body mass index (human body fat based on an individual’s weight and height).
Also, because it contains predominantly unsaturated fats, dodo is suitable for children since their bodies require essential fatty acids for proper growth and development.
According to health studies, dodo is also recommended for diabetic patients because of its grains and oils which help improve glucose and lipid (fat) metabolism.