There are plenty of healthy products(as they claim) in the market. Mostly accompanied by beautiful packaging and nutritional values flaming with heavy price tags that are blown up with huge shipping charges and marketing costs. Their non-availability in the local market can be another reason for their heavy prices. They aren’t only heavy on pockets, but they’re making everyone believe that eating healthy is a difficult and costly deal. But, there’s a powerful third-millennium grain: Amaranth, which has plenty of health benefits and is also available locally.
Came from a plant, eat it; was made in a plant, don’t. – Michael Pollan
Your health should be your priority and you should be ready to invest in it without any regrets. But, what if you can grow all your health partners in your backyard?
Yes! Many healthy ingredients can be grown in the backyard or can be bought from the local store.
But, if there are so many superfoods available locally and at affordable prices, then why aren’t many people using it?
Maybe there’s a lack of awareness about them which can be due to lack of marketing, which makes them stand backstage almost all the time. That’s why Indians are picking up other grains that are flown from over the world. And, neglecting the ones which are standing there for a long time.
India, surrounded by the Himalayas in the north and with the sea on three sides, makes it suitable for the growth of many superfoods.
Supporting locally grown food is important for farmers as well as for our health.
This local hero is known by different names:
Rajgira(king seed), Chaulai, Red spinach, Ramdana(seed sent by God) or Varti chawal, Royal grain, the golden grain of the Gods, .etc.
Different types of Amaranth are found in India :
Amaranth visits Asia:
A forgotten hero and a third-millennium grain is believed to have originated in India came originally from South- America. And, then migrated to Asia ( thanks to globalization). Though, its migration is still a riddle. We are blessed to find it though. Today it is an integral part of almost all the diets and the non-irrigated land is dedicated to its growth.
Where can you find it?
Amaranth is grown almost everywhere in India starting from the Himalayas in the north, plains of central and southern India, coastlines of the west, east, and south. This makes them available in every corner of our country. And, their availability makes them two to three times cheaper than the one which comes with flaming prices.
You can grow them in your backyard. How?
Amaranth or Rajgira is a part of the diet of people across the world from Mexico to Russia.
How can you incorporate Amaranth into your diet?
The Amaranth plant can be integrated into your diet in three forms – oil, seed(grain), and leaf.
Their availability in three forms makes them easy to use. You can choose any of the forms according to your taste, preference, and mode of cooking.
It can even fit your diet while fasting because of its great nutritional value. It is easy to digest and also acts as an energy booster. Thus, this power-packed food provides many benefits with minimum efforts.
A tasty touch of Amaranth:
Healthy eating isn’t boring, you’re just doing it wrong.
The most important thing which you need to live a healthy life is a balanced diet and exercise. You can exercise for hours, but if you’re not aware of what you’re putting inside your body, then it’s of no use. Many people complain about healthy food being boring and tasteless, however, this is not the case at all.
This tiny power-packed royal grain – amaranth labeled as grain is a seed. It is as small as sesame seeds and looks like quinoa. They have a yellowish color and can be used as a seed or ground into flour,
They have a sweet nutty flavor and are crunchy in texture. The leafy part of the plant is edible and tastes sweet. You can make them as you like and give your flavors.
Amaranth as a seed(grain): It is cooked just like rice and you can enhance its taste by adding your favorite ingredients. Its nutritional value is enhanced when sprouted and can be added to salads.:)
Amaranth as a flour: Ground them into flour and it’s ready to use. Amaranth is a blessing for individuals with gluten sensitivity. You can use them to make roti (chapati or flatbread), bread. Flour mixes, porridge, cookies, cakes, muffins, pancakes, etc. Amaranth is the best substitute for maida (refined flour) and will help you bake healthy and tasty stuff. Bake healthy! 😀
Amaranth as a vegetable: The leafy part can be fried or boiled just like other green leafy vegetables. Give your touch while cooking and enjoy it. 😛 🙂
Blessing for the overall health – Nutritional benefits:
Amaranth has been attributed to a rank of “third-millennium grain”. Let’s explore, why?
Amaranth has plenty of health benefits and India has the highest diversity of amaranth in the world. We get it in black, pink, red and white. It is easily available and can be grown or cooked by anyone easily. We must protect this highly nutritious food and spread awareness about it. Instead of looking far for superfoods, we should look in our locality. It’s all about our awareness and how much we value our local food. It’s a great opportunity to look back to farms and the local market.
Spread the awareness and let the best reach the maximum!
Get #vocalforlocal. 🙂
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