Finger Millet or Ragi is a cereal widely consumed by the people of south India and many African countries. It is known as a wonder grain for weight loss. It is rich in calcium and has a high fibre content. It is considered to be the best aid for people suffering from diabetes. It is also a common baby food in south India. Babies that are 28 days old are fed ragi porridge and this helps in easy digestion. This will help strengthen the baby’s bones by providing high calcium and iron to the body.
Health Benefits of Ragi:
Prior to the 1950s, whole grains like ragi, brown rice and barley were organically grown and considered a traditional diet until rice became India’s staple food. With the dawn of Information and Technology (IT), most individuals do stick to a planned diet thus making them prone to eating instant food. As a result, they develop heart diseases and cancerous tumours in their body.
1. High Protein:
Eleusinian is the major protein content that is found in ragi and has a lot of biological value. This protein helps prevent malnutrition and is considered to be a healthy source of protein for vegetarians. Methionine content constitutes 5 per cent of the total protein found in ragi. Ragi has been grown for hundreds of years and it can grow in high altitudes and withstand harsh weather conditions. Ragi has a lot of carbohydrates and is placed at the peak of food grains by most dietitians. Ragi cannot be polished like other grains because it is too tiny and this makes it possible for us to consume it in its purest form.
2. Natural Weight Loss Agent:
Ragi has high amounts of fibre in it that keeps your stomach full and stops you from unwanted cravings. This helps in weight loss. It reduces the level of blood sugar in your body and turns it into insulin. Ragi is best suited when you consume it in the morning. Ragi contains a type of amino acid called Tryptophan that helps you lose weight. Tryptophan reduces your appetite and thus you don’t feel hungry often.
3. Prevents your Skin from Ageing:
Ragi is a natural skincare agent and an anti-ageing cereal. Important amino acids like Methionine and Lysine are present in ragi that protects your skin from risks of rashes, wrinkles and skin dullness. The antioxidants found in ragi fight stress in your body that help reverse the signs of ageing. It rejuvenates the skin cells, thus making you look fresh and healthy. Ragi also has Vitamin E, which is very useful for your skin. Vitamin E acts as a natural assistant for body wounds. This help lubricates the skin, forming a protective layer that enables your skin to grow.
4. Ragi is Good for your Hair:
Ragi is rich in proteins and helps prevent hair loss. It is highly recommended for people suffering from hair loss. Your hair requires a lot of protein because hair itself is made of protein. Keratin is the main protein found in your hair. Lack of protein can lead to loss of hair and if you begin consuming ragi, it will strengthen your hair and reduce hair fall.
5. Ragi has loads of Calcium:
There is no cereal that comes close to the amount of calcium available in ragi. Calcium is needed for human bones to develop and prevents osteoporosis, meaning bones become weak and fragile. So instead of popping calcium pills, it is recommended that you drink ragi porridge (ragi kanji). 100 grams of ragi consists of 344 milligrams of calcium which is high and very good for your bones.
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