Pharma gyan Pandit

Amaranth or Rajgira

Amaranth or rajgira means “immortal” or “everlasting” in Greek because it contains more than three times the average amount of calcium and is also high in iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium and it is the only grain which contains Vitamin C. Rajgira also has far more lysine, an essential amino acid, which the body does not manufacture, compared to other grains. Lysine is needed to metabolise fatty acids, absorb calcium, and is essential for strong, thick hair.

Rajgira (Amaranth) or Ramdana, as it is popularly known in Northern India is a power house of nutrients. This grain migrated to India from America, and became an important part of our fasting ritual. Rajgira is a good source of calcium, protein and amino acids and is rich in iron, magnesium and Vitamin A, B and C too.

Health Benefits

Protein Content: A high protein concentration means that the body can break those plant proteins down into usable amino acids and be reformed into usable proteins. Protein is essential for growth and the creation of new cells and tissues, as well as for more immediate energy needs and metabolic functionality.

Antioxidant Activity: Amaranth also contains a certain peptide that has also been identified in soybeans that can reduce inflammation in the body and even prevent the activity of free radicals that can cause healthy cells to mutate into cancerous cells. This lesser-known benefit of amaranth is one of the most exciting new developments in recent amaranth research. This anti-inflammatory molecule can also help to alleviate conditions like arthritis, gout, and other inflammation-related issues.

Bone Development: Amaranth leaves contain a wide range of minerals, including a high concentration of calcium.  There are very few leafy vegetables that contain higher levels of calcium, making amaranth a veritable superfood in terms of boosting bone strength and preventing osteoporosis.

Cardiovascular Health: The dietary fiber mentioned above also helps to balance cholesterol in the body by eliminating “bad” cholesterol from the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, amaranth contains a huge amount of vitamin K, which is a well known booster for heart health. Finally, the potassium content in amaranth helps to lower blood pressure by dilating the blood vessels and reducing the strain on the cardiovascular system, thereby lowering the chances of developing atherosclerosis. The high content of phytosterols found in amaranth also contribute to a reduction in “bad” cholesterol.

Varicose Veins: Amaranth contains numerous flavonoids, including rutin, which has been directly connected to eliminating varicose veins by strengthening capillary walls. This is also aided by amaranth’s high concentration of vitamin C, an integral component in the production of collagen, which also helps repair and strengthen blood vessel walls.

Vision Health: The significant level of carotenoids and vitamin A found in amaranth leaves is a major boost for eye health, as these antioxidants can prevent macular degeneration and slow/stop the development of cataracts. By lowering oxidative stress in the ocular system.