Rajgira: Uses, Side Effects, Composition & Dosages

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December 30, 2018

Rajgira which is derived from the Amarnath plant is used in India for various purposes including the formation of medicine. It is used in the treatment of diarrhea, ulcer, swollen throat and mouth. It is highly used in India to bring down the high cholesterol level. As a food, it is used in the form of cereal grain.

Composition and Nature of Rajgira:

Actually, Rajgira is fruit of a plant and not a grain. And for this reason, it is richer in protein as compared to other grains. Its nature made it best for weight maintenance. It is because, it contains protein and complex carbohydrates, but is devoid of any fat. The same value of protein and carbohydrates is derived from the animal protein, but the major side effect of such a protein is that it comes packed with cholesterol and fat. For weight-loss you cannot depend on such animal food.

In look, the Rajgira is like a tiny yellow grain. It is available in the market, in three forms: (a) Flour (b) rolled flakes (c) whole grain. Some cereals and cracker do contain it as a major ingredient. But remember, good things cost dearly. From Rajgira, you get all the nutrition with a heavy pocket. Rajgira is prone to insect infection. It is highly advised to store the Rajgira in a tightly closed container.

Let us understand its nature closely by discussing all the nutritional value it provides in one-fourth cup:

  • Carbohydrates (32.4 g)
  • Protein (7.1 g)
  • Calories (183)
  • Cholesterol (0Mg)
  • Calcium (75 Mg)
  • Sodium (10.5 Mg)
  • Dietary Fiber (4.5 g)
  • Saturated Fat (0.8 g)
  • Potassium (179.5 mg)
  • Magnesium (130 Mg)
  • Phosphorous (223 Mg)
  • Iron (3.71 Mg)
  • Zinc (1.6 Mg)

Uses of Rajgira:

There are various uses of Rajgira. Rajgira is abundantly used in India:

  • As an antioxidant agent
  • For Improving Bone Quality
  • For Improving Digestion
  • As a Gluten Free Substance
  • To lower the level of Cholesterols
  • To Prevent Atherosclerosis
  • To eliminate varicose veins
  • To improve vision
  • To reduce birth defects
  • For weight loss
  • For Hair Care

Side-Effects of Rajgira:

There are no established or tested side effects of Rajgira. However, it may cause allergy. There are no suitable evidences to prove, if Rajgira is safe/unsafe for the pregnant/breastfeeding mother. It is better to consult your doctor first before including in the daily diet of pregnant woman or breast-feeding mothers.

Dosage of Rajgira:

The dosage of Rajgira varies with the types of patients. It also depends on a variety of conditions like past medical history, recent medicines you are taking, age, gender and health condition. As there are is scientific information about the dosage, we cannot tell how much to take. But as it is a natural product, it is very safe. Even if you take it more in quantity, it will not cause any harmful side effects on your body. However, it is recommended to take it as per the doctor’s directions and discretion.

How Rajgira works?

As Rajgira has a property of reducing swelling, it works well to treat certain conditions like swelling of throat, face etc.

Warnings and Precautions Related Rajgira:

Though amaranth is safe like other green leafy vegetables, but there are some precautions for Rajgira usage. Actually, the leaves of Amarnath contains certain moderate level oxalates. These oxalates could exacerbate the deteriorating kidney stone and gallstones condition. There are not many cases of allergies to the Amarnath leaves, but we cannot altogether rule out the possibility of allergy. The allergy may get severe within minutes, but the nature of it will never become severe. It is better to consult your doctor before adding Rajgira in your diet.

Substitutes for Rajgiras:

There are no known substitutes of Rajgira. There are many foods which matches some of the properties of Rajgira, but no food matches the exact composition of Rajgira. Interactions: There are no known interactions of Rajgira with any disease, medicine, food or alcohol. You have to find for yourself, if it is benefiting your health or not.

FAQs:

1) Is Rajgiras really good for health?

Ans: Ramadana or Rajgira is in reality a powerhouse of nutrients. The origin country of this grain is America and it has migrated from there to India. It is used in India during the fast for its high nutritional value.

2) Is there any special meaning of the word ‘Rajgira’?

Ans: Yes, this word ‘Rajgira’ has been derived from a Sanskrit word meaning ‘deathless’.

3) Are Rajgira and quinoa same?

Ans: No, they are two different things, but sometimes confused as one because both of them are not cereal grains but whole-grain foods. Both of them are actually pseudocereals.

4) What are the basic nutrients in Rajgiras?

Ans: There are many nutritional contents in Rajgira like Magnesium, Copper, Zinc, Potassium, iron, calcium, protein, fiber etc.

5) Can Rajgira be consumed in raw form?

Ans: No, it is not recommended to consume Rajgira in raw form because when it is consumed raw, all the nutritional content of it are not easily absorbed by the body. To increase the absorption power of the body, it is recommended to cook Rajgira lightly.

6) What is the flavor/taste of Rajgira?

Ans: The taste of Rajgira is lighlt earthy and nutty. You can compare the taste of Rajgira like wheat or brown rice.

7) How Rajgiras looks?

Ans: Rajgira looks like a tiny yellow grain. When cooked, it seems like a caviar.

8) Which one is better – Rajgiras or Quinoa?

Ans: If you want more protein in your diet, the better option is Rajgira. It contains more protein than quinoa. One cup of quinoa contains 8 grams of protein and for the same quantity Rajgira contains 9 grams. Quality wise, the protein provided by both of them is good.

9) Can Rajgira be given to the babies?

Ans: Yes, after six months, it can be given to the babies. It is gluten free and contains all the needed iron.

10) If anybody has an allergy to Amarnath, how quick will the signs of allergy appear?

Ans: If someone is allergic to Rajgira, you will see the adverse effect of it in a few minutes or within an hour.