Ragi is also known as nachni or foxtail millet. It is a cost-effective source of various nutrients. It is a rare source of the amino acid called methionine. Ragi is a whole grain that can be grounded into flour or decorticated before grinding to produce either a fine particle product or flour which is used for making traditional foods.
It has been part of the Indian staple diet since ancient ages, especially in the Southern Karnataka where it is eaten as a wholesome meal. There are different varieties of ragi ranging from yellow, white, red, brown, tan, and violet color.
Ragi is used to make ragi muddle, idli, puddings, dosa, and roti. Also, ragi has beneficial properties, such as antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiulcer, and antidiarrheal properties. You can prepare ragi lagodo, ragi cookies, and ragi halwa if you have sweet tooth.
Here are some health benefits of ragi:
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Delays aging:
It can make wonders for your skin by helping you to maintain youthful skin due to the amino acids like methionine and lysine which are making the skin tissues less vulnerable to the wrinkles. Also, it can prevent sagging of the skin. You should eat ragi at daily basis because it can help to keep premature aging at bay.
Improves digestion:
It has dietary fiber which can help in the proper digestion of food. It can aid in the passing of the food easily through the intestine which is making it easier for food to digest. Also, fiber can aid in the smooth bowel movement and it can prevent constipation or irregular stools.
Good for lactating mothers:
There are some studies in which are said that breastfeeding mothers who consume ragi as a part of their daily diet will have increased production of breast milk. The ragi enhance milk production due to the presence of amino acid, iron, and calcium which are also beneficial for the child.
Battles anemia:
Ragi is an excellent source of iron which is considered a great element for anemic patients and people who have low hemoglobin levels. Hemoglobin is a protein that is present in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Also, This is a good source of thiamine which can increase the production of red blood cells.
Prevents chronic diseases:
It has polyphenol antioxidants which can help in the fight against chronic diseases and infections. It has antioxidants that can help to prevent healthy cells from oxidative damage which is caused by free radicals. It is known that free radicals trigger and alter lipids, DNA, and protein which is giving a rise to many different diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, etc.
Provides energy:
It has a good amount of carbohydrates, protein, and unsaturated fat which can help to fuel your brain and body. You can eat it as a pre or post-workout foo. Also, if you are experiencing fatigue, then a bowl of ragi will rev up your energy levels instantly. This natural cure can help to improve athletic performance which can help you to build your endurance level. It also helps to relax naturally due to the tryptophan content and at the same time, it will reduce depression, headache, and anxiety.
Boosts heart health:
Ragi flour has a good amount of potassium and magnesium. Magnesium can help to maintain a normal heartbeat and nerve function. Potassium aids in the proper functioning of the heart muscles and it can lower the risk of atherosclerosis. It has fiber content and amino acid threonine which can prevent the accumulation of fat in the liver and it can lower the overall cholesterol in the body.
Prevents obesity:
It has high dietary fiber which can prevent you from overeating and it will keep your stomach full for a longer period of time. Also, it has an amino acid called tryptophan which acts as an appetite suppressant and it can help you to lose weight. You should eat this instead of white and rice and it can help you to prevent obesity.
