Amaranth has green leaves that look just like spinach and are commonly found in the Himalayas and the coast of South India. It is a great superfood that has many benefits.
We all know the benefits of green leafy vegetables like spinach, lettuce, kale, fenugreek. But there is a very special green leafy vegetable, which many people are still unaware of. However, our grandmothers used to make its saag (chaulai saag benefits) to detoxify the body naturally. The green leaves of amaranth look exactly like spinach, which is commonly found in the Himalayas and the coast of South India.
It is a great superfood with many benefits. So why shouldn’t we all include it in our diet. Dr Aditi Sharma, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, also recommends including amaranth greens in the diet.
Health benefits of eating amaranth greens (Chaulai saag health benefits)
1. Amaranth is a storehouse of nutrients
Amaranth leaves are an excellent source of essential phytonutrients and antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation in the body and nourish a person’s health.
2. Calorie intake is limited
100 grams of amaranth leaves contain only 23 calories. The fat content is also low and there is absolutely no cholesterol, making it a healthy food option. Especially for those who want to lose weight.
3. Rich in fibre
Amaranth leaves contain soluble and insoluble fibers, which have many benefits. Eating fiber helps us lose weight and prevents heart disease because it reduces cholesterol in the blood. Amaranth is rich in protein and fiber, which helps you in reducing hunger and weight management.
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4. Prevents anemia
Iron is needed for the production of red blood cells and is also required for cellular metabolism. Make the most of this powerful punch of iron that amaranth leaves provide by adding some source of vitamin C, as consuming it helps absorb more iron into the blood. You can also drink amaranth juice by mixing it with lemon juice or orange juice.
5. Amaranth is an immunity booster
These leafy greens are rich in vitamin C. 100 grams of leaves can fulfill 70% of your daily requirement of vitamin C. This vitamin is water-soluble and is essential for fighting infections and healing wounds quickly. It also helps in reducing the effects of free radicals present in the environment, which are responsible for aging and many types of cancer.
6. Beneficial for digestion
If a person is ill or has any digestive problem, then amaranth, which is rich in fiber, is easy to digest. It is also helpful in treating diarrhea. Its regular consumption keeps the digestive system balanced.
Know how to include Amaranth in your diet (how to add Amaranth aka chaulai saag into your diet)
1. Soup : Boil and chop amaranth leaves and add them to your regular soup for extra nutrition.
2. Stuffed Paratha : To make nutritious stuffed parathas, add chopped amaranth leaves while kneading the dough. This makes green and nutritious parathas like fenugreek.
3. Vegetable Dishes : You can add Amaranth leaves to dishes prepared with vegetables like vegetable biryani or pulao.
4. Tea : To make a healthy tea rich in antioxidants, boil amaranth leaves with hot water and drink it.
5. Greens: Cook amaranth leaves with garlic, ginger and spices to make a delicious saag curry.
6. Lentils : Add amaranth leaves to your favourite dal for added nutrition.
7. Salad: Cut Amarnath leaves and add them to salad, this will provide vitamins and minerals.
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