Chaulai
Chaulai
Chaulai is a short-lived perennial plant which belongs to the family Amaranthaceae. The grains of this plant contain calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, vitamins A, E, C, and folic acid.
Chaulai is considered beneficial for anemia as it increases the blood production due to its rich iron content. It also improves bone health and prevents osteoporosis as it is rich in calcium and improves bone density. Chaulai might help manage weight by maintaining a good digestive health and suppressing hunger due to its high fiber and protein content as well as mild laxative property. It also boosts immunity and prevents various infections due to the presence of vitamin C in it.
Chaulai leaves are generally cooked and eaten as a vegetable to promote eye health due to the high amount of carotenoid and vitamin A present in it. It is also beneficial for pregnant women as it helps in the development of the fetus as well as post delivery recovery due to the presence of iron and other minerals in it.
Chaulai leaf paste can be applied on wounds to promote wound healing and on the skin to prevent the signs of aging due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Chaulai leaf paste should be mixed with rose water or honey before application on skin to avoid allergies[1-3].
Chaulai is considered beneficial for anemia as it increases the blood production due to its rich iron content. It also improves bone health and prevents osteoporosis as it is rich in calcium and improves bone density. Chaulai might help manage weight by maintaining a good digestive health and suppressing hunger due to its high fiber and protein content as well as mild laxative property. It also boosts immunity and prevents various infections due to the presence of vitamin C in it.
Chaulai leaves are generally cooked and eaten as a vegetable to promote eye health due to the high amount of carotenoid and vitamin A present in it. It is also beneficial for pregnant women as it helps in the development of the fetus as well as post delivery recovery due to the presence of iron and other minerals in it.
Chaulai leaf paste can be applied on wounds to promote wound healing and on the skin to prevent the signs of aging due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Chaulai leaf paste should be mixed with rose water or honey before application on skin to avoid allergies[1-3].
What are the synonyms of Chaulai?
Amaranthus tricolor, Caulai, Calai, Caulaai, Alpamaareesha, Alpamarisha, Bahuveerya, Bhandira, Ghanasvana, Granthila
What is the source of Chaulai?
Plant Based
Benefits of Chaulai
How effective is Chaulai?
Likely effective
Low HDL (good cholesterol)
Insufficient evidence
Diarrhea, Mouth ulcers, Sore throat
Precautions when using Chaulai
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult a doctor before taking Chaulai during Breastfeeding[5].
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
Chaulai may interact with antihistaminic drugs. So it is generally advised to consult your doctor while taking Chaulai with antihistaminic drugs[5].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Chaulai may lower the blood sugar level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Chaulai with anti diabetic drugs[5].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Chaulai may lower the blood pressure level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood pressure level while taking Chaulai with antihypertensive drugs[5].
Modern Science View
Chaulai may lower the blood cholesterol level. So it is generally advised to monitor your blood cholesterol level while taking Chaulai with lipid lowering drugs[5].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult a doctor before taking Chaulai during Pregnancy[5].
Recommended Dosage of Chaulai
- Chaulai Seeds - ½- 1 teaspoon twice a day or as per your requirement.
- Chaulai Capsule - 1-2 capsule or as per your requirement.
How to use Chaulai
1. Chaulai Tea
a. Take 1 cup of water in a pan.
b. Add 1 teaspoon of tea to it and bring it to boil for 5-7 minutes.
c. Also add leaves of Chaulai and boil on the low flame.
d. Enjoy the refreshing tea with goodness of antioxidant benefits of Chaulai.
2. Chaulai(Amaranth) Seeds
a. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Chaulai seeds in a pan.
b. Add ½ cup of water to it and bring it to boil.
c. Add sugar or jaggery as per your taste.
d. Use this remedy to get rid of diarrhoea and indigestion.
3. Chaulai Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Chaulai.
b. Swallow it with water after meals twice a day.
a. Take 1 cup of water in a pan.
b. Add 1 teaspoon of tea to it and bring it to boil for 5-7 minutes.
c. Also add leaves of Chaulai and boil on the low flame.
d. Enjoy the refreshing tea with goodness of antioxidant benefits of Chaulai.
2. Chaulai(Amaranth) Seeds
a. Take 1/2 teaspoon of Chaulai seeds in a pan.
b. Add ½ cup of water to it and bring it to boil.
c. Add sugar or jaggery as per your taste.
d. Use this remedy to get rid of diarrhoea and indigestion.
3. Chaulai Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsules of Chaulai.
b. Swallow it with water after meals twice a day.
Precautions when using Chaulai
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Chaulai leaves paste should be used with rose water or honey if someone skin is hypersensitive.
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
Hypersensitivity[5].
Recommended Dosage of Chaulai
- Chaulai Paste - 1-2 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Chaulai Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
How to use Chaulai
1. Chaulai Fresh Leaves Paste
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Chaulai fresh leaves paste
b. Add with rose wate and apply on affected area
c. To get quick healing of wound once or twice a day.
2. Chaulai (amaranth) Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Chaulai (amaranth) oil
b. Mix with Coconut oil and apply on affected area
c. To get rid of skin problem
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Chaulai fresh leaves paste
b. Add with rose wate and apply on affected area
c. To get quick healing of wound once or twice a day.
2. Chaulai (amaranth) Oil
a. Take 2-5 drops of Chaulai (amaranth) oil
b. Mix with Coconut oil and apply on affected area
c. To get rid of skin problem
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
The grains of this plant contains calcium, iron, higher sodium, potassium, and vitamins A, E, C, and folic acid. Grain amaranth has been shown to exhibit antioxidant (agent the reduces the formation of free radicals) activity due to the presence of polyphenols, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and tocopherols.
Modern Science View
Avoid eating raw chaulai seeds as it can inhibit the absorption of some nutrients in the body. Its is advised to eat them partially cooked or fully cooked so as to get its maximum benefits and added nutrients.
Modern Science View
Chaulai saag can be made by the following method:
1. Take few Chaulai leaves as per your requirement. Clean, wash and chop them.
2. Then, chop onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies into small pieces.
3. Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces.
4. Heat oil (as per your choice) in a non-stick pan, and add Hing and cumin seed to it.
5. Add chopped garlic, ginger, chillies and onions to it and saute over a medium flame until it becomes golden brown in colour.
6. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt to it.
7. Mix well and then add chopped Chaulai leaves and potatoes to it.
8. Cover the pan with a lid and cook until the leaves are soft and tender for about 10-15 minutes on a medium flame.
9. Add dry mango powder (amchur) to it and cook for about 2 minutes.
10. Turn off the flame and transfer it to a serving bowl.
1. Take few Chaulai leaves as per your requirement. Clean, wash and chop them.
2. Then, chop onions, ginger, garlic and green chillies into small pieces.
3. Peel and cut the potatoes into small pieces.
4. Heat oil (as per your choice) in a non-stick pan, and add Hing and cumin seed to it.
5. Add chopped garlic, ginger, chillies and onions to it and saute over a medium flame until it becomes golden brown in colour.
6. Add red chilli powder, turmeric powder, and salt to it.
7. Mix well and then add chopped Chaulai leaves and potatoes to it.
8. Cover the pan with a lid and cook until the leaves are soft and tender for about 10-15 minutes on a medium flame.
9. Add dry mango powder (amchur) to it and cook for about 2 minutes.
10. Turn off the flame and transfer it to a serving bowl.
Modern Science View
Chaulai leaves are used as a vegetable, when mixed with potatoes and other ingredients. The leaves can be applied as a paste on wounds due to its faster healing activity. It also prevents skin aging due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[6][7].
Ayurvedic View
Chaulai leaves paste can be applied on the face to manage certain skin problems such as wound, infection or inflammation. It promotes wound healing due to its Sita (cold) and Pitta balancing property.
1. Take few fresh leaves of Chaulai.
2. Add rose water or honey to make a paste.
3. Apply this paste once or twice daily on the affected area to get quick healing of the wound.
1. Take few fresh leaves of Chaulai.
2. Add rose water or honey to make a paste.
3. Apply this paste once or twice daily on the affected area to get quick healing of the wound.
Modern Science View
Chaulai grains (also known as rajgira grains) are highly nutritious and contains appreciable amount of various nutrients. The grain has high protein content and a well-balanced amino acid profile i.e., lysine (building blocks of proteins) which help maintain human health. It is also rich in starch, oil, fiber, vitamins (A, K, B6, C, E and B), minerals(calcium, iron) and doesn’t contain gluten which makes it a good food for gluten intolerant persons[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chaulai is a good source of protein as it contains protein higher than any other grain. It also contains amino acid lysine (building blocks of proteins) which makes it a complete protein and maintains good human health[6-7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chaulai can be used in weight loss as it contains fiber and proteins. The fibre prevents constipation and maintains digestive health. The high protein levels in Chaulai release a hormone that suppresses appetite and gives a feeling of fullness, thus helping in weight loss[8-9].
Ayurvedic View
Weight gain is a condition that occurs due to the weak or poor digestion. This results in the accumulation of excessive fat or toxins in the form of Ama (toxins remains in the body due to indigestion). Chaulai helps to reduce weight due to its Rechna (laxative) property which helps to excrete out the toxins from the body, thus helps manage weight.
1. Take 1 cup of water in a pan.
2. Add leaves of Chaulai to the pan and boil the contents for about 5-7 minutes on low flame.
3. Drink it daily for better results.
1. Take 1 cup of water in a pan.
2. Add leaves of Chaulai to the pan and boil the contents for about 5-7 minutes on low flame.
3. Drink it daily for better results.
Modern Science View
Yes, Chaulai can improve bone health as it contains a high amount of calcium which might help increases bone mineral density and bone health. It also prevents and slows the onset of osteoporosis[8].
Modern Science View
The regular consumption of Chaulai during pregnancy has various impressive benefits. It’s consumption helps in the normal growth of the baby, prevents loss of calcium and iron from the body, relaxes uterine ligaments and helps in managing pain during delivery. It shortens the lying down period after delivery and keeps a check on postnatal complications[10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Chaulai leaves are good for eye health as it contains high levels of antioxidants, carotenoids, and Vitamin A. These constituents help improves the eye health, slows retinal damage and thus, prevents the development of cataracts[8].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Chaulai can be used for managing eye health because eye problems such as itching, burning or irritation generally occur due to an imbalance of Pitta dosha. Chaulai helps to manage these conditions due to its Sita (cold) and Pitta balancing properties which help to reduce symptoms associated with eye problems by providing a cooling effect to the eyes.
Modern Science View
Yes, Chaulai can be used to improve immunity as it contains Vitamin C which stimulates white blood cells (WBCs) production. These cells protect the body against infections and foreign particles which are responsible for weakened immunity[8].
References
- Escudero NL, Alabarracín GJ, López L,et.al. Antioxidant activity and phenolic content of flour and protein concentrate of Amaranthus cruentus seeds. J. Food Biochem. 2011;35:1327–1341.
- Becker R, Wheeler EL,Grosjean OK,et.al.A compositional study of amaranth grain. J. Food Sci.1981;46:1175.
- Caselato-Sousa VM, Amaya-Farfán J.State of knowledge on amaranth grain: A comprehensive review.State of knowledge on amaranth grain: A comprehensive review.J Food Sci. 2012;77(4):R93-104.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-869/amaranth
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010
- Peter K, Gandhi P. Rediscovering the therapeutic potential of Amaranthus species : A review.EJBAS.2017;128.
- Jangde B, Asati BS, Tripathy B.Evaluation of quantitative and qualitative characters in Amaranthus (Amaranthus tricolor L.) genotypes under Chhattisgarh Plains.Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci.2018;7:708-715.
- Lall UB.Journey to a healthy life.Notion press.2019.
- Carreiro AL, Dhillon J, Gordon S, et al. The Macronutrients, Appetite, and Energy Intake. Annu Rev Nutr. 2016;36:73–103.
- 10. Bakhru HK. Foods that heal:The natural way to good health.Orient paperbacks.2014.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.