Structure:
The most valuable oil is obtained from amaranth seeds, which in its composition contains many components useful for the human body. The oil is dominated by semi-saturated fatty acids (PUFA), the content of which reaches 77%, with 50% being the most important of them linoleic acid. It is well known that essential PUFAs are conventionally combined into a group called "vitamin F", since they are of great importance in lipid metabolism, prevent the deposition of cholesterol in blood vessels, and are also necessary for the synthesis of such important substances as prostaglandins and leukotrienes in the body. But the uniqueness of amaranth seed oil is determined, nevertheless, by two other components: squalene and vitamin E in a rare, especially active tocotrienol form.
Squalene was first isolated in 1916 from the liver of a deep-sea shark (from Latin sgualus - shark). This biological compound is a natural unsaturated hydrocarbon that contributes to the saturation of body tissues with oxygen. It is oxygen deficiency and oxidative damage to cells caused by an excess of oxidants that are the main reason for the aging of the body and the appearance of tumors. As a powerful antioxidant, squalene prevents free radical damage. It rejuvenates cells and inhibits the growth of malignant tumors. In addition, squalene helps to strengthen the immune system, ensuring the body's resistance to various diseases, and also has a positive effect on the normalization of cholesterol metabolism. Squalene is a natural component of sebum (content - 15%), which increases the protective properties of the skin, has an anti-inflammatory, regenerating and powerful wound healing effect. The highest percentage of squalene available is found in amaranth seed oil (8-15%), while traditional vegetable oils typically do not exceed a fraction of a percent.