What is Amaranth?
Amaranth is a highly nutritious pseudo cereal that has been a mainstay food in many civilizations for hundreds of years. It is also known as rajgira or Ramdana in Hindi. Due to its superior nutritional profile and health benefits, it is considered as superfood. Its earthy, nutty flavor can be used in a variety of dishes.
Amaranth or Ramdana is frequently used in India to make ladoos, a delectable dessert cooked with jaggery and ghee. Moreover, it is used to produce rotis or parathas, a favorite breakfast food in many homes.
Amaranth contains all nine of the essential amino acids, making it a rich source of protein. Moreover, it has a lot of fiber, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, and iron. Amaranth is also gluten-free, making it a fantastic alternative for those who have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Health Benefits of Amaranth
A gluten-free grain called amaranth is high in calcium, iron, magnesium, protein, fibre, and other vitamins and minerals. Moreover, it has plenty of antioxidants, which aid in defending the body from the harm that free radicals may do.
Amaranth has a number of important health advantages, including:
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Good for heart health :Amaranth is beneficial for heart health because it is high in fibre, which lowers cholesterol and lowers the risk of heart disease. It also contains a lot of potassium, which lowers the risk of stroke and aids in controlling blood pressure.
- Supports Bone Health: Amaranth is a good source of calcium, which is necessary for the development and upkeep of strong bones. It also has magnesium and phosphorus, which support the body's efficient absorption and utilization of calcium.
- Immunity-boosting properties: Amaranth is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin C that support a robust immune system.
- It could aid weight loss: Amaranth is a low-calorie grain that is rich in protein and fiber, which can aid to increase feelings of fullness.
- It Lowers Cholesterol: Some studies suggest that amaranth may help lower cholesterol levels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease.
Amaranth can be used in a wide range of dishes, including salads, soups, stews, and cereal. Moreover, it can be crushed into flour to produce breads, pastas, and other baked products.
Nutritional Value of Amaranth
Nutritional Value of Amaranth per 100g of serving size.
Recipe of Amaranth
- Amaranth Ladoo
A popular Indian dessert called amaranth ladoo is created with amaranth seeds and jaggery. It makes a wonderful dessert or healthy snack that is ideal for celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup amaranth seeds (rajgira)
- 1/2 cup jaggery
- 1/4 cup ghee
- 1/2 tsp cardamom powder
- 2 tbsp chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions:
1. Ramdana seeds should be dry-roasted in a pan. Heat should be set to medium. When the seeds begin to pop and develop a light brown color, remove the pan from the stove. Allow the seeds to cool
2. The roasted amaranth seeds should be processed into a coarse powder in a mixer or blender and set apart.
3. Add ghee and jaggery to a pan. Jaggery should be melted over low heat with constant stirring to prevent burning.
4. Add the powdered amaranth seeds, chopped nuts, and cardamom powder when the jaggery has melted and mix it thoroughly.
5. After removing the mixture from the heat, keep it aside to cool for few minutes.
6. Start forming the mixture into tiny, spherical balls (ladoos) by greasing your palms with ghee.
7. Ladoos should be thoroughly cooled before being stored in an airtight container.