Leaves of the Chinese amaranth are high in protein and although nutritionally similar to beets, Swiss chard and spinach, they are actually far superior. For example, Chinese amaranth leaves contain three times the amount of both calcium and niacin (vitamin B3) compared to regular spinach leaves. Young leaves and stems can be harvested periodically for a long time during the growth. This vegetable is very popular in Chinatown and Southern Asia. Chinese and Vietnamese use this vegetable for stir-fry and soup