Are you looking for a natural and healthy way to lose weight? Do you want to enjoy delicious and nutritious food without feeling guilty? If yes, then you should try rajgira, also known as amaranth. Rajgira is one of the oldest grains in the world, and it has amazing benefits for your health and fitness. In this article, we will tell you why rajgira is a superfood for weight loss, and how you can use it in your diet.
What is Rajgira?
Rajgira is a seed of the amaranth plant, which belongs to the same family as quinoa and spinach. It is not a true grain, but a pseudo-grain, which means that it has similar properties as grains, but is a seed. It has been cultivated by various civilizations for thousands of years, especially in India, South America, and Mexico. It was a staple food of the Aztecs, who called it “the food of the gods”. It is also known as ramdana or chaulai in India, and it is commonly eaten during fasting festivals like Navratri.
Why is Rajgira good for weight loss?
Rajgira is a superfood for weight loss because it has many qualities that can help you shed some kilos. Here are some of them:
- It is gluten-free and high in protein. Gluten can cause inflammation and digestive issues for some people, which can lead to weight gain. Protein is essential for building muscles and burning fat, and it also helps you feel full for longer. Rajgira has more protein than most grains, and it also contains lysine, an amino acid that is rare in plant foods.
- It lowers cholesterol and blood pressure. Rajgira can reduce the levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the levels of good cholesterol (HDL) in your blood. This can prevent plaque buildup in your arteries and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. It is also rich in potassium and magnesium, which help regulate your blood pressure and prevent hypertension.
- It is rich in antioxidants and fiber. Rajgira contains squalene, a powerful antioxidant that can protect your cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. Oxidative stress and inflammation can lead to chronic diseases like diabetes, cancer, and obesity. It also has vitamin C, vitamin E, iron, calcium, and zinc, which are important for your immunity, skin, bones, and metabolism. It is also a good source of fiber, which can improve your digestion and bowel movement. Fibre can also help lower your blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes that can cause cravings and overeating.
How to use rajgira for weight loss?
It can be used in various forms, such as flour, seeds, or leaves. You can replace your regular flour with rajgira flour to make rotis, parathas, puris, or dosas. You can also pop the seeds like popcorn and make chikkis or laddoos with jaggery or honey. You can cook the seeds like rice or quinoa and make pulao or khichdi with vegetables and spices. You can also use the leaves to make salads, stir-fries, or soups.
Here are some easy and delicious recipes using rajgira that you can try at home:
| Recipe | Ingredients | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Rajgira Sheera | 4 tbsp ghee, 1/2 cup rajgira flour, 1 1/4 cup milk, 1/3 cup sugar, 1/4 tsp cardamom powder, 1 tbsp chopped almonds | Heat ghee in a pan and roast the flour on low flame until golden brown. Add milk gradually and stir well to avoid lumps. Add sugar and cardamom powder and cook until thickened. Garnish with almonds and serve hot or cold. |
| Rajgira Paratha | 1 cup boiled mashed potatoes, 1/2 cup rajgira flour, salt to taste, 1/4 tsp cumin powder, 1/4 tsp red chili powder, oil for frying | Mix the potatoes, flour, salt, cumin powder, and chili powder in a bowl and knead them into a soft dough. Divide the dough into equal portions and roll out into thin circles using some dry flour. Heat a tawa and cook the parathas on both sides with some oil until crisp. Serve hot with curd or chutney. |
| Rajgira Khandvi | 1/4 cup arrowroot flour, 1/4 cup rajgira flour, 2 cups buttermilk, salt to taste, 1/4 tsp turmeric powder, oil for greasing | For tempering: 2 tbsp oil, 1 tsp mustard seeds, 1/4 tsp asafoetida (hing), 10-12 curry leaves |
What are the other benefits of rajgira?
It is not only good for weight loss but also for your overall health and well-being. Here are some other benefits of rajgira that you should know:
- Rajgira can prevent hair loss and premature graying. It is rich in iron, which can prevent anemia and improve blood circulation to your scalp. Iron can also stimulate the production of melanin, which is responsible for your hair color. Rajgira also has lysine, which can strengthen your hair follicles and prevent hair loss.
- Rajgira can improve your eyesight and prevent cataracts. It has vitamin A, which is essential for your vision and eye health. Vitamin A can protect your eyes from infections, inflammation, and dryness. It can also prevent age-related macular degeneration and cataracts.
- Rajgira can boost your brain power and memory. It has vitamin B6, which is important for your brain function and mood. Vitamin B6 can help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which can regulate your emotions and cognition. Vitamin B6 can also improve your memory and concentration.
- Rajgira can strengthen your immune system and fight infections. It has vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that can boost your immunity and fight free radicals. Vitamin C can also help heal wounds, infections, and inflammation. Rajgira also has zinc, which is vital for your immune system and wound healing.
- Rajgira can reduce menstrual cramps and menopause symptoms. It has magnesium, which can relax your muscles and nerves and ease menstrual cramps. Magnesium can also balance your hormones and reduce menopause symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia.
It is a versatile and nutritious ingredient that can help you lose weight and stay healthy. Try to include it in your diet at least once a week and enjoy its benefits. You can also experiment with different recipes and flavors using Rajgira and share your feedback with us. Happy eating!
