Why did the Spanish ban amaranth?

Chef's answer
Amaranth seedlings being grown in southern Mexico's Tehuacan valley. ... Once as fundamental to Central and South American diets as corn and beans, amaranth virtually disappeared after the Spanish banned it because of its use in Aztec human sacrifice rituals.
Frequently asked Questions 🎓
Why was Amaranth banned? Since 1976 Amaranth dye has been banned in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a suspected carcinogen. Its use is still legal in some countries, notably in the United Kingdom where it is most commonly used to give Glace cherries their distinctive color.
Cooked amaranth retains a bit of crunch but is soft on the inside. Cook the porridge with either milk (any, though I do not recommend coconut milk as it's very calorific) or water (or try a bit of both). Adjust the amount of liquid to get the consistency you want.
When cooked with another grain, such as brown rice, amaranth doesn't overwhelm with its sticky consistency but adds a nutty sweetness. Use a ratio of 1/4 cup amaranth to 3/4 cup other grain and cook as usual. Added to soups and stews. Take advantage of amaranth's gelatinous quality and use it to thicken soup.
Since 1976 Amaranth dye has been banned in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a suspected carcinogen..
We can't digest raw amaranth. It's like eating raw rice or raw beans. It'll pass right through our digestive tract without change. It's necessary to either cook it or puff it so we can digest it and enjoy the benefits of this amazing superfood.
Several studies have found that amaranth could have an anti-inflammatory effect in the body.
Nutritional Value First, amaranth contains slightly more protein than quinoa, with 9 grams of protein in a 1--cup serving, compared to quinoa's 8 grams. ... The quality of protein in both amaranth and quinoa is also better than most whole grains that are low in the amino acid lysine.
A few more cooking questions 📍