Amaranth is also known as Chaulai, Rajgira or Ramdana. It is used more during the fast, but in view of its health benefits, it has also been included in the daily diet for sometime. Amaranth is eaten more with laddoo/chikki made with sugar syrup. Therefore, through this article you will be informed about various physical health benefits from amaranth. Also you will be told about the nutrition and side-effects of amaranth.
What is Amaranth?
These are the small seeds that grow on the amaranth plant. When these seeds are ripe, the plants are cut and taken out. Amaranth will be easily found in the grocery store or super market. Its scientific name is Amaranthus and it belongs to the family of Amaranthaceae and subfamily of Amaranthoideae.
Amaranth varies in leaf, flower and stem color. The amaranth plant can grow longitudinally from 3 to 8 feet (1 to 2.5 meters).
Amaranth Nutritional Facts:
Per 100 gram serving of cooked amaranth grain contains:
Benefits of Amaranth:
There are many health benefits of amaranth seeds, the information of which we are giving here in detail. However, it is also important to understand that amaranth grain or seeds can only provide relief in these problems. Complete treatment of the problem depends only on the medical consultation.
1. Gluten-Free:
Amaranth can be used as a gluten-free diet. Gluten is naturally found in barley, wheat and rye. In some cases, its consumption can be harmful to our health. According to scientific studies, the consumption of gluten may increase the risk of celiac disease (a disease of the small intestine). At the same time, amaranth is free of gluten, which can protect against this disease.
2. Rich Source of Protein:
People do not know how many foods they resort to for protein. Amaranth can play an important role in this case, as it is a rich source of protein. Indeed, proteins are required to repair body cells and to form new cells. According to a study, amaranth seeds can be included as an excellent substitute for protein.
3. Contains Amino Acid (Lysine) in Plenty:
Lysine is a type of amino acid and amino acids play a vital role for the replenishment of proteins in the body. The benefits of amaranth can also be seen here, as it contains lysine in plenty.
4. Amaranth for Healthy Bones:
Amaranth grain can be used to strengthen bones. In fact, there is a lot of calcium in it and you must know how important calcium is for the development of bones and their development.
5. Amaranth for Cardiovascular Health:
Amaranth seeds also has properties of maintaining heart health. Actually, one reason for heart risk is increased blood cholesterol. Increased cholesterol in the blood can cause many heart related diseases such as heart attack. Here, amaranth seeds can play an important role, as it can control blood cholesterol.
According to a scientific research, amaranth oil can reduce the amount of total cholesterol, triglycerides (fat in the blood) and LDL (bad cholesterol).
6. Amaranth Helps Prevent Swelling:
The benefits of amaranth can also be seen against fighting the problem of inflammation in the body. A scientific study has shown its anti-inflammatory properties, which may serve to overcome the inflammatory problem.
7. Reduced Risk of Diabetes:
Rajgira or amaranth can also be used to prevent diabetes to some extent. A scientific study has shown that supplementation of rajgira and rajgira oil may serve as antioxidant therapy, which may prove beneficial in controlling high blood sugar or hyperglycemia and preventing the risk of diabetes.
An another scientific research observed that excess glucose present in the blood without adequate insulin levels can cause type-2 diabetes. At the same time, a mixture of rajgira and rajgira oil can increase substantial amounts of serum insulin.
8. Amaranth Helps Reduce the Risk of Cancer:
Use of amaranth grain may also prove to be beneficial to avoid the risk of having cancer disease. It contains a useful antioxidant, which can strengthen the immune system and also reduce the risk of cancer.
In addition to this, vitamin-E is found in amaranth in plenty, which can act as an antioxidant. It protects cells from free-radicals and may also play an active role in preventing the risk of many types of cancers.
At the same time, keep in mind that amaranth is not a fully cure for cancer in anyway. It can be used to some extent in preventing cancer. If someone is suffering from cancer, it is necessary to seek emergency medical treatment.
9. Amaranth Helps Boost Immunity:
The health benefits of amaranth can also be seen to increase immunity. Zinc is found in amaranth grains, which can help enhance the immune system. In addition, vitamin A is also found in it and vitamin A can boost immunity.
10. Fight Against Anemia:
The benefits of amaranth also include protecting against anemia. Anemia is a medical condition that arises due to lack of red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. The benefits of amaranth can be seen here, as it is a good source of iron. Iron is an essential nutrient, which works to increase the production of red blood cell count.
11. Boosts Digestion:
It is very important to have a healthy digestion process for a healthy life. The advantages of amaranth can be seen here, as it is enriched with fiber. Fiber is an essential nutrient, which helps improve digestion as well as relieve constipation problems.
12. Controlling Weight:
Benefits of amaranth can also be seen here. Here once again the fiber present in the amaranth will be mentioned. Fiber can strengthen digestion as well as control weight. Indeed, the intake of fiber-rich food keeps the stomach full for a long time, thereby controlling excess eating habits.
13. Amaranth for Eyes Health:
The consumption of amaranth may prove beneficial to keep the eyesight correct. Vitamin A is found in chaulai (amaranth), which can play an important role in eye health. Through this fulfillment, vision related problems with increasing age can also be reduced.
14. Amaranth in Pregnancy:
Pregnant women need a nutritious diet and amaranth can be included as a good nutrition in pregnancy. It can act as fiber to avoid constipation in pregnancy, iron to avoid the risk of anemia and calcium supplement for bone health.
In addition, adequate amounts of vitamin C are required during pregnancy, which can be accomplished through amaranth. However, consult a doctor once before consuming it in excess.
15. Amaranth for Healthy Skin and Hair:
Amaranth can also be consumed for good health of skin and hair. We can take amaranth seeds to make the hair healthy, because the zinc present in it can be beneficial for hair. Actually, taking zinc can reduce the itching in the scalp and stop hair fall.
Amaranth seeds can also produce beneficial results for better skin health, as the vitamin C present in it is considered useful for the skin. Vitamin-C is an antioxidant, which can protect the skin from UV radiation damage. In addition, vitamin C can help relieve acne and increase collagen in the skin.
How to Use Amaranth:
Amaranth can be used in different ways; including:
- Amaranth seeds can be eaten by making pudding.
- After frying in ghee, it can be boiled and drunk with milk.
- Roasted amaranth seeds can be eaten by mixing with sugar syrup.
- It can also be used to make kheer.
How Much to Use (Recommended Intake):
About 20 to 50 grams of amaranth can be taken once a day. Nevertheless, please consult a dietitian for the right amount of its intake.
It can be used on fasting days. In addition, you can eat it anytime in the day or at night.
Side Effects of Amaranth:
Side-effects of amaranth may include:
- Excess intake of this may increase the risk of kidney stone with blood pressure.
- Eating too much fiber can cause flatulence and stomach cramps, as amaranth also has fiber content.
- Amaranth also contains potassium, which is an important mineral in the body. It is very important to maintain the correct balance of its level in the body. But, the individuals who have high levels of potassium in their blood should avoid consuming it. Also, a doctor should be consulted for this.
Take Away:
Now, you have come to know amaranth - what is amaranth, its nutritional value, benefits and health side-effects. Therefore, during its intake you also need to pay attention to the precautions mentioned above.
Hope this article benefits you. By sharing this article as much as possible, make other people aware of the benefits of amaranth. If you have any question or suggestions, please leave in the comment section below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
A. The seeds of amaranth are sown in the field and when it becomes a plant, the grains of amaranth start coming in, which are ripened from the plants when ripened.
Q. How does amaranth taste?
A. Although amaranth is tasteless, but you can feel a slight sweetness by chewing it.
Q. How different is amaranth from quinoa? Does it contain quinoa like saponins?
A. The health benefits of quinoa and amaranth are almost the same. Saponins are also found in quinoa similar to amaranth. Apart from this, it can also be used to cure cancer and diabetes problem.
Q. Is there a better option in place of amaranth?
A. Yes, one can consume quinoa in place of amaranth, as quinoa also has almost the same properties as amaranth.
Q. What are the benefits of amaranth flour?
A. Almost the same properties are found in amaranth flour, which are found in amaranth itself. Amaranth flour is rich in nutrients such as iron, fiber, calcium and vitamin C. Iron for blood, fiber for digestion, calcium for bones and vitamin C is considered beneficial for the skin.
Q. Can diabetics eat amaranth?
A. Yes! People with diabetes can consume amaranth because it has positive effects on diabetes.
Q. Is amaranth difficult to digest?
A. No! Amaranth is easy to digest. It is rich in fiber and amino acid which help improve digestion.
Q. How can I sprout amaranth?
A. To sprout amaranth, first soak it in a vessel overnight. After that, separate the amaranth from water in the morning and wrap it in a cloth. Now sprinkle water on this cloth at least 4-5 times in a day, so that the moisture remains in it. Now, leave it like this again for the night. You can get these sprouts in a day or two.
Q. What is amaranth called in India?
A. Amaranth seeds are commonly known as Chaulai, Ramdana or Rajgira in India.
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