Amaranth –

Amaranth also known as rajgeera is cultivated and grown in India. While the seed is used in many forms - fresh, dried, popped, flaked, and so on, the flour of the dried seeds is most popularly used. The Rajgeera grain - flour is ideal for gluten-free diets as well as fasting foods where strictly non-cereal foods are allowed. It's also known as Ramdana Flour in Hindi and used extensively during religious festivals for fasting. Ramdana means God's seed and hence, it is used on festive occasions.                                                                                                                                                         

Benefits:

1. High Antioxidant properties. The anti-inflammatory activities eliminate the health conditions such as gout, arthritis and inflammation.

2. Extremely rich protein content. Even the leaves of Rajgeera plant possesses beneficial proteins and can be also cooked like "sabji/bhaji".

3. Amaranth is high in fiber content which assists in the digestion and promotes the minerals uptake. It is gluten free which provides an alternative grain source for the gluten intolerance of Celiac’s disease patients.                                                                                   

4. Boosts Heart Health. The dietary fiber assists to balance the cholesterol by reducing the bad cholesterol from the cardiovascular system. Amaranth possess high amount of Vitamin K which enhances the heart health. The potassium reduces the blood pressure by lessening the strain on cardiovascular system and dilating the blood vessels.     

5. Reduce Varicose Veins. Amaranth possesses the flavonoids such as rutin which eradicates the varicose veins. It is also rich in Vitamin C which is essential for the collagen production, strengthen and repair the walls of blood vessels.   

6. Improves Eye Health. An adequate amount of Vitamin A and carotenoids in the leaves of Amaranth helps to enhance the eye health.       

7. Prevent Birth Defects. Folate is vital for the pregnant mothers because the deficiency in folate leads to the neural tube defects in the newborns.      

8. Maintains Hair Health. Amaranth possesses lysine which is a rare amino acid that cannot be produced by the body. It raises the efficiency of calcium uptake and strengthens follicles which help to prevent baldness. The application of leaves juice after shampoo prevents the hair loss by strengthening hair.      

Rajgira Roti -    

Ingredients :                                                                                                                                      

Rajgira flour 2 tbsp.   

Sweet potato 2-inch pc.

Salt - a pinch

Water as required.                                                                                                                           

Method -                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Knead all the ingredients in a bowl with enough water to make a medium soft dough.   Roll out the rotis or pat with your hands and cook it on a tava till both sides are lightly browned.