How the diets react
Diet Ratings
Amaranth contains ~55g net carbs per 100g dry weight. Pseudocereal with high carbohydrate content. Despite being gluten-free and nutrient-dense, carb profile is incompatible with ketosis.
Plant-based pseudocereal with complete protein containing all essential amino acids. Gluten-free and nutrient-dense whole food.
Amaranth is a grain-like seed and is explicitly excluded from paleo diet. It is a cultivated crop with anti-nutrients and phytic acid. Not available to Paleolithic humans.
Whole grain pseudocereal with complete protein and high fiber. Minimally processed. Ancient grain with strong nutritional profile aligning with Mediterranean principles.
Amaranth is a plant-derived pseudocereal. Excluded from carnivore diet as a plant food.
Amaranth is explicitly listed as an excluded grain in the official Whole30 rules.
Amaranth is a gluten-free pseudocereal naturally low in FODMAPs. Monash University has tested and confirmed low-FODMAP status at standard servings (approximately 45g dry).
Whole grain pseudocereal with complete protein, high fiber, and excellent mineral profile (magnesium, potassium, calcium). Low sodium, gluten-free. Supports DASH nutritional goals.
Pseudocereal with complete protein profile and moderate glycemic index. One cup cooked ≈ 2 carb blocks. Less common in Zone discussions but nutritionally sound. Requires portion control.
Dr. Sears emphasizes established low-glycemic carbs. Amaranth's Zone classification depends on individual response; some practitioners view it favorably as protein-containing grain.
Pseudocereal with complete protein, high in polyphenols and antioxidants, low glycemic index. Rich in fiber and minerals. Gluten-free. Strong anti-inflammatory profile supported by research on its polyphenol content.
High protein (9g per cooked cup), high fiber (5g per cooked cup), low fat. Complete protein with all essential amino acids. Gluten-free, nutrient-dense with calcium and iron. Excellent choice for GLP-1 patients needing protein-rich grains.
Controversy Index
Score range: 1–9/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.