Vol. 9, Special Issue 2, Part E (2025)

This research seeks to evaluate the nutritional quality and health advantages of amaranth seeds, a pseudo cereal that remains largely unexplored in Tanzania. Evidence indicates that amaranth seeds are abundant in both macro and micronutrients. The seeds exhibit a high dry matter content (91.82±0.01%), along with notable levels of protein (18.98±0.13%), crude oil (8.25±0.95%), crude fibre (5.55±0.25%), and total carbohydrates (65.27±0.45%). Additionally, they provide a total energy value of 359.71±2.25 Kcal per 100 grams, with an ash content of 3.05±0.12%, ascorbic acid at 4.69±0.02 mg per 100 grams, and β-carotene at 2.67±0.08 mg. The mineral composition includes iron (69.24 mg/100 g), zinc (12.31 mg/100 g), calcium (182.21 mg/100 g), magnesium (292.15 mg/100 g), manganese (6.03 mg/100 g), and potassium (407.13 mg/100 g). Furthermore, the seeds are rich in essential amino acids, including lysine (7.89±0.17 g/Ng), leucine (6.39±0.03 g/Ng), aspartic acid (10.87±0.16 g/Ng), and glutamic acid (17.34±0.16 g/Ng). Amaranth seeds also offer numerous health benefits, such as enhancing bone health, promoting gut health, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory, anti-hepatitis, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic properties, thereby aiding in the prevention of various diseases. Despite their potential, amaranth seeds are underutilized in developing nations. The findings of this study advocate for increased incorporation of these seeds into food products aimed at addressing macro and micronutrient deficiencies, as well as combating non-communicable diseases in these regions.