Veggies in Lusangazi Farm

Red Amaranth, Boricole and Irish Potatoes from right to left.
Its very dry there now and these need daily watering.
We grow the amaranth for seed to supply to villagers who use the plant for iron in the diet.
Anemia is a major issue in Malawi particularly among pregnant women and maternal death from hemorrhage is among the highest in the world, so we are promoting amaranth instead of iron tablets.
The good news is that they are using amaranth in their daily relish.

More Pics from the farm




Boricole is high in Iron also while
An average (~5.3 oz) Irish Potato has:
potato with the skin contains:
45% of the daily value for vitamin C
620 mg potassium, comparable to bananas, spinach and broccoli
trace amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, folate, magnesium, phosphorous, iron and zinc
all for only 110 calories and no fat.

Miraculous Health Benefits of Amaranth
http://expertscolumn.com/content/miraculous-health-benefits-amaranth

Originated from the Americas, amaranth is gaining popularity today throughout the world for its rich benefits of healing and restoring health. It has been a part of the human diet in both the grain and leaf forms. The Aztecs called it as the "food of immortality" and in India it is known as the "king of grains".

Although amaranth had been recognized long ago by people from countries like Mexico, Argentina, and India, only recently the health benefits of amaranth have begun to be rediscovered in the Western world. Originated in South America or Mexico, amaranth was introduced in Asia only in the 15th century. Today, this popular green leafy vegetable is grown all over India and is greatly recognized for its curative properties in all the medicinal systems of India. It is a rich mine of mineral and vitamin wealth and regular use of amaranth in our food items prevents the deficiency of vitamins A, B1, B2, and C, calcium, iron and potassium. It is strongly recommended to be added in the Nutritious Noon Meals of Indian Education since it protects against several disorders such as defective vision, anemia, respiratory infections, recurrent colds and retarded growth.

Amaranth belongs to spinach variety and contains over 60 species with a variety of colors. Having its botanical name Amaranthus gangeticus, it is called in English as China spinach. Amaranth leaves are very popular in Indian cooking, especially in the South, and is liked for its various colors and special taste.

Health benefits of amaranth

1) An excellent elixir of nature

Amaranth is an excellent remedy for growing children. Its juice can be given to children as a natural protein tonic since it contains all the essential amino acids such as arginine, nistidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, cystine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and valine. A teaspoonful of the fresh amaranth juice mixed with few drops of honey can be given once every day to infants after a fort night of the birth which assures healthy and strong growth in babies.

2) A boon to treat respiratory disorders

Amaranth is a valuable remedy in treating respiratory disorders. Drinking a table spoon of fresh juice along with honey is remedy for chronic bronchitis, asthma, emphysema and tuberculosis.

3) Controls cholesterol

According to an article published in a medical journal called "Lipids in Health and Disease" it is shown that amaranth is similar to oats in its ability to lower cholesterol when it is included as a regular part of a dietary plan. Amaranth oil is very beneficial to sufferers of hypertension and coronary heart disease. It can also be used as a natural antioxidant supplement to arrest many diseases. Moreover, amaranth seeds are low in saturated fats, high in fiber, and rich in the amino acid lysine and are very beneficial for digestion and elimination.

4) An effective remedy for anemia

India a country which has innumerous children suffering from anemia and malnutrition. Amaranth is an unfailing remedy to these problems and that is why is recommended to be added in the Nutritious Noon Meals of Indian Education Scheme.

5) Prevents premature aging

Regular use of amaranth is useful in preventing premature old age since it prevents the disturbance of calcium and iron metabolism which usually occurs in old age. Regular supply of calcium and iron found in amaranth can prevent improper molecular movements of iron in the tissues and prevent premature aging.

6) Excellent source of protein

Amaranth seeds provide a rich source of protein which can satisfy a large portion of protein recommended for the growth of children. WHO (World Health Organization) has recommended that a combination of rice and amaranth in the 1:1 ratio can be an excellent way of achieving protein need.

7) Rich content of folic acid

The rich content of folic acid in amaranth helps women greatly in their reproductive years. This vitamin reduces 75% of the neural tube defects of the spinal cord and brain in new born babies. It also protects women from ovarian cancer and miscarriage