Amaranth vs Firm Tofu: Difference, Benefits, More

Although amaranth and firm tofu belong to different food groups, while amaranth belong is a grain, and firm tofu belong to legumes food group, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares amaranth and firm tofu, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from grains and legume food groups are both high in carbs and protein and valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how amaranth and firm tofu compare specifically.

Amaranth

Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.) is a group of annual plants that are native to Central and South America.

It is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fibers, and small amounts of vitamins and minerals like magnesium, phosphorus, and B vitamins. It is also gluten-free and easy to digest, making it a great option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

Amaranth is an ancient grain that has been used for centuries in traditional cuisine and has a nutty and slightly earthy flavor. It can be used as a side dish, added to soups and stews, ground into flour and used in baking, or popped like popcorn. It is also a valuable food source for people in its native regions, particularly in Mexico and Peru.

Amaranth is considered a functional food, as it has been shown to have a positive impact on health when consumed regularly as part of a balanced diet. It is also a sustainable crop, as it is drought-tolerant and can be grown in poor soil conditions.

Amaranth is an excellent source of Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) and some Vitamin C, Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin E.

Firm Tofu

Firm tofu, also known as regular tofu or Chinese-style tofu, is a type of tofu with a firmer, more dense texture than soft or regular tofu.

It is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds into blocks, with the addition of weight or pressure to remove excess moisture.

Firm tofu has a pale, beige color and a slightly nutty flavor, and is a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes.

It can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and sandwiches, and can also be grilled, fried, or baked.

In addition to being a tasty and versatile food, firm tofu is a good source of protein, fiber, and several important nutrients, including iron, potassium, and B vitamins.

It has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control.

Firm Tofu is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

However, it also contains a good amount of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and some Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).

Amaranth vs Firm Tofu Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing amaranth vs firm tofu.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of amaranth and firm tofu and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Amaranth vs Firm Tofu Calories

Most calories in raw grains and legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.

Comparing firm tofu vs amaranth for weight loss, firm tofu is slightly lower in calories, with 144 calories per 100 grams, compared to 371 calories per 100 grams of amaranth.

However, both amaranth and firm tofu can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Amaranth vs Firm Tofu Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including amaranth and firm tofu, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Firm Tofu offers around 21% more protein than amaranth.

Firm Tofu has 17.3 grams of protein per 100 grams, while amaranth has 13.6 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Amaranth vs Firm Tofu Carbs

Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.

It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in amaranth and firm tofu.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 96% higher in amaranth than in firm tofu. It have 65.2 grams per 100 grams, compared to 2.8 grams in firm tofu.

There’s less sugar in firm tofu than in amaranth, 60% precisely.

One handful of firm tofu (28 grams) contains 0.2 grams of sugar, while the same amount of amaranth contains 0.5 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in amaranth and firm tofu.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 1.9 grams of fiber per portion, amaranth is a better source of fiber than firm tofu which amaranth offers 0.6 grams per portion.

Amaranth vs Firm Tofu Fats

Like most other grains and legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, amaranth and firm tofu are low in fat.

Fats in amaranth and firm tofu are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in amaranth and firm tofu:

• Amaranth: 7 grams per 100 grams
• Firm Tofu: 8.7 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, firm tofu is 13% lower in saturated fats.

Firm Tofu and amaranth contain 1.3 grams and 1.5 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Amaranth vs Firm Tofu Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of amaranth and firm tofu.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Amaranth has a higher amount of vitamin A, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), and vitamin K.

However, firm tofu has a higher amount of vitamin C, vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), and vitamin E.

Amaranth and firm tofu contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins amaranth and firm tofu contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Amaranth vs Firm Tofu Minerals Content

Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.

Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the amaranth and firm tofu comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Amaranth is a better source of calcium, and sodium than firm tofu.

On the other hand, firm tofu is a higher amount of copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.

Amaranth and firm tofu contain the same amount of fluoride.

Check out the table below to learn how amaranth and firm tofu compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Amaranth and firm tofu are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both amaranth and firm tofu are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in grains and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.

Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.

Legumes and grains are a versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.