Pseudocereal (Rajgira) is the real hero: Overview, nutrition and benefit

History:

Amaranth (ramdana) refers to a group of grains that includes more than sixty distinct species and has been cultivated in ancient times by the Inca, Maya, and Aztec civilizations. They relied on these grains as a primary source of nutrition.

Amaranth is categorised as a pseudocereal, which means that although it isn’t strictly a cereal grain like wheat or oats, it does share a number of similar nutrients and functions. Its earthy, nutty flavour compliments a wide range of foods. This healthy grain is not only very adaptable but also naturally gluten-free and abundant in protein, fibre, minerals, and antioxidants.

Read more – Health Benefits of Eating Oats and Oatmeal

Amaranth holds a significant place in the Hindu culture. Consumption of grains is forbidden during the fasting period. That is an integral part of Hindu religious rituals. Amaranth can be used as a nutritious and tasty replacement for any type of grain.

What is Amaranth called in other languages-

• Marathi – rajgira
• Kerala – cheera
• Karnataka – harive soppu

Nutritional value in Rajgira

Though Amaranth is a pseudocereal, it is an excellent source of essential nutrients. It is a well-balanced food item with useful qualities that have been demonstrated to have therapeutic advantages.

One cup (246 grams) of cooked amaranth contains the following nutrients:

• Calories: 251
• Protein: 9.3 grams
• Carbs: 46 grams
• Fat: 5.2 grams

Amaranth is abundant in micronutrients essential for various functions like boosting brain activity, strengthening bones, improving blood count etc.

• Manganese: 2.1 mg
• Magnesium: 160 mg
• Phosphorus: 364 mg
• Iron: 5.2 mg
• Selenium: 13.5 mcg
• Copper: 0.4 mg

Advantageous Amaranth:

Amaranth is a pseudocereal with a high nutritional density due to its high concentration of macronutrients and micronutrients like vitamins and minerals. Essential amino acids, especially lysine, are abundant in amaranth grain, giving it excellent nutritional value.

The following is a list of some of the advantages that can be obtained by consuming this superfood:

1) An abundance of micro and macronutrients:

One cup of cooked Amaranth has 116 mg of calcium, more than 10% vitamin B, and 5.2 mg of iron. Amaranth contains manganese, which is essential for brain function and is thought to protect against some neurological diseases. It’s also high in magnesium, an important vitamin for muscle contraction. Amaranth contains a lot of phosphorus, which is good for your bones. It also has an ample amount of iron, which your body needs to make blood.

2) For a healthy heart:

Due to the phytosterols it has, research has shown that amaranth might be able to lower cholesterol. A study found that the oil of amaranth lowered “bad” or LDL cholesterol by 22% and total cholesterol by 15%. At the same time, it helps to raise the “good” or HDL cholesterol. A study on chickens showed that adding amaranth to their diets cut total cholesterol by up to 30% and “bad” LDL cholesterol by up to 70%.

Read more – Home remedies to reduce cholesterol

3) Full of fibre to keep you full:

Because each cooked cup contains 5.2 grams of dietary fibre, you can be sure that it will hold your hunger at bay for a significantly longer period of time.

4) Plenty of quality protein:

Lysine is an amino acid that is highly important to have, yet most cereals don’t have it. This plant-based food Amaranth has 9.3 grams of protein in every cup when it is consumed.

5) Weight loss supplement:

If you want to lose weight, Amaranth is a great food to incorporate into your diet on a daily basis. Amaranth, as a good source of proteins and fibre, makes you feel full and content for a long time and also assists in preserving muscle mass for a healthy metabolism when consumed in moderation. Increasing your fibre intake is a great way to reduce your weight and fat gain risk.

Read more – Ayurvedic Diet For Weight Loss

6) An iron supplement :

The iron in amaranth plays an important function in making red blood cells and is also required for cellular metabolism (there is 5.2mg of iron in one cup of cooked amaranth). When taken with a healthy vitamin supplement, it improves the body’s ability to absorb iron, making it a useful tool in the fight against anaemia.

7) Health-promoting Antioxidants:

Natural substances called antioxidants to aid in defending the body from harmful free radicals. Amaranth is a good source of antioxidants that are good for your health and can help shield you against many degenerative conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. According to one study, phenolic acids, which are plant-based antioxidants, are particularly abundant in amaranth.

8) The anti-inflammatory effect:

The immune system’s natural response to damage or infection is inflammation, which serves the body’s defence mechanisms against both. It was discovered that amaranth could lower the number of inflammatory indicators. In a study with animals, amaranth was found to help prevent the formation of immunoglobulin E, which is a type of antibody that is implicated in allergic inflammation.

9) Gluten-free Amaranth-

Grains like wheat, barley, and spelt contain a protein called gluten. Despite the fact that many of the most popular grains contain gluten, amaranth is naturally gluten-free and suitable for people following a gluten-free diet. Amaranth is a gluten-free grain that also provides a variety of vital nutrients, making it an option for those with celiac disease who are unable to consume gluten. Gluten sensitivity results in an immunological reaction that damages the digestive system and causes inflammation. Those who are sensitive to gluten may also have uncomfortable side effects like diarrhoea, bloating, and gas.

Read more – Gluten-Free Grains That are Marvellous Nourishing

Conclusion:

Since ancient times, amaranth has been consumed as a wholesome, gluten-free grain that is rich in fibre, protein, and minerals. Additionally, it has been linked to a range of health advantages, such as less inflammation, lower cholesterol, and enhanced weight loss. The next time you go grocery shopping, choose this beneficial grain to prepare a nutritious meal. Amaranth can even be prepared in a range of appetising and healthful recipes like popped amaranth grains, cookies, porridge or even in a salad.

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Reference:

• Amaranth grain, cooked Nutrition Facts & Calories (self.com)
• Amaranth – Wikipedia
• Antioxidant properties of Amaranthus hypochondriacus seeds and their effect on the liver of alcohol-treated rats – PubMed (nih.gov)
• Cholesterol-lowering properties of amaranth grain and oil in hamsters – PubMed (nih.gov)