Thika residents have been encouraged to eat the amaranth vegetable locally known as 'terere' due to its unique health benefits.
Speaking on Monday in her office, a nutritionist at Thika Level Five Hospital Jane Macharia, noted that amaranth vegetables and grains are rich in proteins essential for growth and repair.
"Amaranth contains high proteins concentration almost more than any other grain or vegetable in the market,” said Macharia.
Macharia added that amaranth leaves are also rich in minerals like calcium which is essential for bone development and prevention of osteoporosis.
The nutritionist also said that amaranth leaves also assist in the digestion process due to their high concentration of fibre.
"Amaranth leaves have a high fibre content that results to smooth digestion of food and efficient uptake of minerals. Amaranth also help in reducing cholesterol by eliminating the excess fats from the heart and therefore helping in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system,” said Macharia.
She noted that many residents were dismissive of the vegetables with some terming them as wild plants not knowing its benefits.