Chaulai/ Amaranth- One of the oldest grains. Amaranth in Hindi is chaulai. Chaulai or Amaranth are short-lived perennial plants, gaining popularity in recent times. This blog is about chaulai, its nutritional content, and benefits. Make sure to read it to the end.
It’s a fast-growing crop, which can adapt to a wide range of growth conditions. Chaulai crops are drought-tolerant and possess tolerance to salinity, alkalinity, or acidic soil conditions. Although it produces both dark and light-colored seeds, light-colored amaranth seeds are the preferred choice because of their flavor and popping capabilities. Chaulai is a protein and fiber-rich grain with high micronutrients and antioxidants content.
Amaranth seeds and leaves are beneficial for the body. Chaulai seeds can be used in many food applications like cooking, popping, or bread baking. You can also consume amaranth seeds directly after cooking in water, or you can eat them after popping. Chaulai leaves are cultivated and eaten as green leafy vegetables in various parts of the world.
In India, chaulai not only gets used in different food products but has a religious significance. Also known as ram dana, it is one of the fasting foods. Pooped amaranth seeds are used for making laddus, which is considered a pure food. Laddus are offered to gods and also eaten during fasting.
Let’s talk about amaranth nutrition facts in detail.
Chaulai/ Amaranth Nutrition Facts
Chaulai is a highly nutritious protein-rich grain. It is an excellent source of minerals (particularly iron, magnesium, manganese, and phosphorus), vitamins, and antioxidants.
Amaranth is rich in fatty acids and amino acids and a good source of antioxidants, which protect us from free radicals.
The below-mentioned table gives the amaranth nutrition values per 100 gm as per the USDA database.
| Energy | 371 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 65.25 gm |
| Fat | 7.02 gm |
| Protein | 13.56 gm |
| Fiber | 6.7 gm |
| Sodium | 4 mg |
| Potassium | 508 mg |
| Calcium | 159 mg |
| Iron | 7.61 mg |
| Magnesium | 248 mg |
| Manganese | 3.333 mg |
| Phosphorous | 557 mg |
| Zinc | 2,87 mg |
| Selenium | 18.7 µg |
In addition to that, amaranth is also rich in several important vitamins, specifically Vitamin C and Vitamin B-6. Let’s take a look at amaranth benefits in our next section.
Chaulai/ Amaranth Benefits
Now coming to amaranth benefits, thanks to its excellent nutrition profile, chaulai is known to have multiple health benefits.
1. Chaulai helps in building muscles
The high protein content of amaranth makes it an ideal food for someone looking for building muscle mass.
Protein plays a crucial role in maintaining and repairing muscle tissue in the body, and chaulai is among the grains with the highest protein content.
If you are also building muscles or taking protein supplements, you can also switch to this healthier protein alternative.
2. Amaranth Aids in Weight Loss
The high protein and fiber content of chaulai helps in weight management. As per some studies, protein-rich food for breakfast helps you in eating less. As it not only reduces your appetite but also inhibits hunger hormones.
In addition to that, its high fiber content gives you a feeling of fullness as it moves slowly through the digestive tract.
3. Chaulai Improves Digestion
The dietary fiber content of amaranth improves your digestive function and is very beneficial for your digestive system. Inadequate fiber consumption could lead to bloating, constipation, and many other problems
Additionally, the high fiber content of amaranth grains increases the nutrient intake efficiency of your body and helps you protect from various digestive issues.
4. Chaulai Boosts Immune System
All the Vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants present in amaranth boost your immune system.
Also, it is rich in Vitamin C, which is very important for a healthy immune system. Vitamin C strengthens your immune system by stimulating the production of white blood cells.
5. Amaranth is Good For Overall health
The high nutritional content of chaulai is good for your overall health. It contains essential minerals, vitamins, antioxidants that help you stay healthy.
- Manganese is an important mineral for brain function as it helps regulate muscles and nerve function.
- Calcium and phosphorus support bone and teeth formation.
- Zinc helps your immune system in fighting off viruses and bacteria.
- Iron and copper works help in healthy red blood cell formation.
6. Amaranth is Good for Hair
If you are having hair problems like weak, thin, and graying hair, chaulai could be a beneficial food for you.
Amaranth contains Lysine, an amino acid that makes your hair stronger and healthier. It makes your hair roots stronger, which reduces hair loss and also reduces graying of hair.
7. Chaulai has Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The anti-inflammatory properties of amaranth protect you against infection.
You can use its oil for minor injuries and skin inflammation.
8. Chaulai is Gluten-free
Chaulai is gluten-free, which makes it very useful for gluten intolerant people. The seeds of chaulai are ground to form flour.
Conclusion
With time chaulai or amaranth is gaining popularity as a super-food. This nutritionally rich super-food is a powerhouse of protein and comes with multiple health benefits.
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