## 5 Potential Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of _Amaranthus_ Leaves
The seeds of _Amaranthus_ have eight to nine grams of protein in a one-cup serving, offering a nutritionally complete plant food with all the essential amino acids needs of the human body, without gluten. Iron: _Amaranthus_ is rich in iron [24; 56; 57]. Iron is required for producing red blood cells and is also needed for cellular metabolism. However, iron found in _Amaranthus_ leaves can be maximized through cooking methods like the blenching method of food processing, which has been known to improve the bio-availability of iron [58]. In addition, iron could be made available with the presence of vitamin C-rich foods or supplements in the diet. This is because vitamin C food sources such as lemon, apples, or orange, have been proven to facilitate maximum absorption of iron in the blood [58; 59]. This implies that maximum iron absorption and can help fight anemia. In addition, iron-rich foods, such as _Amaranthus_, can be explored to combat iron deficiency challenges. Hence, it is a source of immunity boosters to the world where the iron problem prevails. Vitamin C. Leafy green _Amaranthus_ are rich in vitamin C. It is reported that one cup of boiled and drained _Amaranthus_ leaves contains 90% vitamin C daily dietary requirement [4]. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, and it is essential and potent to fight infections as well as enhance the quick healing of scurvy and other wounds. Besides vitamin C, phenolics and flavonoids are phytochemical compounds responsible for most of the antioxidant activity in fruit and vegetables; hence, they are identified as essential for the biosynthesis of collagen, carnitine, which is a metabolism booster and a source of antioxidants and anticarcinogenic compound [49; 60]. These compounds occur as secondary metabolites that act as defenses against several diseases like atherosclerosis, including cancer, arthritis, cataracts, emphysema, retinopathy, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease [61]. As a result, there is increasing interest in the exploitation of plant-based drugs. The plant-based drug is considered a safe and cost-effective alternative to other therapy [47]. Therefore, the inclusion of _Amaranthus_ leaves as a regular part of a diet is a promising nutraceutical therapy that can be explored as a preventive mechanism against non-communicable diseases ravaging people's life. Vitamins are organic compounds, having essential nutrients that cannot be synthesized by the body; hence, they must be derived from the diet consumed, including _Amaranthus_ leaves diet [62]. Essential vitamins and minerals are good boosters of immunity [63]. Several studies have linked diets rich in vegetables like _Amaranthus_ to have the potential to reduced risks of chronic diseases or vitamin deficiency syndromes [62; 64]. Similarly, studies report that a healthy lifestyle and ample consumption of vegetables and fruits are linked to lowering non-communicable diseases, including heart diseases [8]. Hence, it is generally agreed that people who consume adequate fruits and vegetables are usually healthier and free from hidden hunger and its consequential issues. Fruits and vegetables, including _Amaranthus_ are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin A. It is reported that _Amaranthus_ leaves are endowed with vitamin A properties amounting to 73% of dietary needs. A cup of _Amaranthus_ leaves has been proven to supply 97% of daily human dietary needs [4].Vitamin A is essential for several processes in the body. It is good for the maintenance of a healthy vision. It aids the functioning of the immune system and organs, as well as aids the proper growth and development of babies in the womb [65]. Vitamin K. Vitamin K is a fat-soluble vitamin. It occurs naturally in two forms; phylloquinone (vitamin K1) and menaquinone (vitamin K2) [66]. It has been reported that phylloquinone levels in fruits and vegetables range from extremely low to quite high [62]. Green leafy vegetables, including _Amaranthus_ leaves, have been reported to have the highest amount of vitamin K [62; 67].