11 Best Grains for Healthy Beverages: Purple Corn's Unforgettable Taste

3. Amaranth: The Ancient Aztec Super Grain

Advertisement

Once revered as a holy grain among the Aztecs, amaranth has lately found fresh life in contemporary healthy drinks. Among the amazing nutrients found in this small powerhouse grain are lysine, an amino acid sometimes missing in other grains. Amaranth provides a moderate, somewhat peppery taste with subdued sweet undertones when ready for beverages. Its special qualities let it naturally provide a creamy consistency in beverages without using extra thickeners. Before being used in beverages, the grain can be popped like popcorn and provide a wonderful toasted taste note. Meal replacements and post-workout recovery drinks would benefit much from Amaranth's high protein level and whole amino acid profile. Amaranth's abundance of minerals—including iron, magnesium, and calcium—helps to explain its nutritional powerhouse reputation. The fine grain of the grain lets it be readily mixed into drinks and smoothies without adding a gritty texture. Amaranth may create a smooth, milk-like basis for many drinks when soaked and pureed. Its natural emulsifiers provide stable, creamy beverages free from separation over time. Amaranth is a great addition to wellness-conscious drinks since it also includes squalene, a chemical with possible antioxidant and cancer-fighting power.