Rajgira vs Quinoa: Which One’s Better for Indian Fasting?

Fasting has long been a spiritual and wellness practice in Indian culture, often paired with deeply rooted traditions and specific foods. During Navratri, Ekadashi, and other religious fasts, people turn to clean, sattvic ingredients to fuel their bodies and minds without breaking dietary guidelines. Among the many fasting-friendly foods, two nutrient-rich grains have garnered attention: Rajgira (also known as Amaranth) and Quinoa.

While quinoa enjoys global popularity as a superfood, Rajgira is a time-honored Indian staple that may just be the better fit for our fasting needs. In this article, we’ll explore how Rajgira holds its ground against quinoa, and why Green Poshan recommends incorporating it into your next fasting season.

What is Rajgira?

Rajgira, or Amaranth, is a pseudocereal that has been cultivated in India for centuries. It is gluten-free, high in protein, rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, and essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. This makes Rajgira a powerful ingredient not just for fasting, but also for maintaining overall health.

Rajgira is often consumed in the form of Rajgira laddoos, puffed Rajgira, flour, or porridge, all of which are conveniently available at Green Poshan, where quality meets purity.

Rajgira vs Quinoa: Nutritional Breakdown

Let’s compare both these superfoods on key nutritional parameters:

From the table above, it’s clear that Rajgira outperforms quinoa in iron, calcium, and magnesium content—nutrients that are vital during fasting to maintain energy levels, bone strength, and oxygen transport.

Why Rajgira is Better for Indian Fasting

1. Culturally Relevant and Satvik

Rajgira has been part of Indian fasting rituals for generations. Unlike quinoa, which is a South American grain, Rajgira complies with Indian fasting guidelines (vrat ka khana) and is widely accepted during holy periods.

2. Better Digestibility

Fasting requires foods that are light on the stomach yet nutritious. Rajgira is easier to digest compared to quinoa, especially when consumed in popped or flour form. It doesn’t lead to bloating or heaviness—perfect for those who eat once or twice a day during fasts.

3. Rich in Micronutrients

Rajgira is naturally high in iron and calcium, making it particularly beneficial for women, the elderly, and individuals observing long fasts. These minerals support bone health, prevent anemia, and maintain mental clarity.

4. Budget-Friendly and Local

While quinoa is usually imported and can be expensive, Rajgira is locally sourced and more affordable. At Green Poshan, we ensure our Rajgira products are cultivated sustainably, packaged without additives, and priced accessibly.

Explore our Rajgira collection here →

Delicious Ways to Use Rajgira During Fasting

1. Rajgira Ladoo: Sweetened with jaggery or dates, these energy-packed balls are ideal as mid-day fasting snacks.

2. Rajgira Chikki: A crunchy treat made with puffed Rajgira and peanuts—high in protein and healthy fats.

3. Rajgira Roti or Paratha: Replace wheat flour with Rajgira atta for a gluten-free fasting-friendly bread.

4. Rajgira Porridge (Sheera): Cook with milk, ghee, and cardamom for a nourishing and comforting meal.

Green Poshan’s Rajgira offerings make these recipes easier to prepare with clean and naturally processed ingredients.

How Green Poshan Supports Your Fasting Journey

At Green Poshan, we believe fasting should be both sacred and sustainable. That’s why we offer chemical-free, preservative-free Rajgira grains, flour, and puffed varieties ideal for all your vrat recipes. Our products are:

Locally sourced
Gluten-free
Packed with nutrients
Processed without chemicals

We’re proud to help thousands of families make healthy fasting choices with convenience and trust.

If you’re creating content or resources around fasting foods, Rajgira is a fantastic product to include—and Green Poshan is your go-to brand for sourcing it.

Final Verdict: Rajgira Takes the Lead

While quinoa is undoubtedly a healthy grain, Rajgira is the better choice when it comes to Indian fasting. It’s more aligned with traditional dietary rules, easier to digest, and nutritionally dense in minerals like calcium and iron. Plus, by choosing Green Poshan’s Rajgira, you’re supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture.