8 health benefits of ragi flour
One of the highly regarded millets in India, Ragi Flour, has made a comeback on the shelves. But, if you look back in the history, it has always been the staple diet in many villages across South India. If you’re not yet aware of its benefits, it’s high time you meet this superfood.
Here are just some of the reasons why you must include Ragi in your diet.
1. Aids in Weight Loss
Those who are on diet should take a special note of Ragi because it has a very low fat content and that too in an unsaturated form. Also, an amino acid present in it reduces appetite by giving a feeling of fullness. Hence, it is replacing wheat and rice as a daily staple.
2. Controls Blood Sugar Levels
The qualities like slow digestion process, low glycemic index and high fiber content, aids in your efforts to keep the blood sugar levels in check. Also, its lower digestibility and absorption of starch, does not spike up the sugar levels at once unlike wheat and rice. So, diabetics can trust Ragi to control and prevent Type 2 diabetes.
3. High in Calcium Content
Ragi is a good way to add calcium to your diet. It fights bone weakness or osteoporosis in children and helps in their development. And when it comes to elders, a daily dose of Ragi works wonders.
4. Natural Relaxant
The less known fact about Ragi is that it relaxes body naturally. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids which have the ability to cure depression, insomnia, anxiety and headaches. Ragi is also useful for migraines.
5. Battles Anemia
Ragi consumption increases the natural iron content in the body. And hence, it is suggested as a natural domestic remedy for patients suffering from Anemia or deficiency of hemoglobin. The more Ragi is included in the diet the more its nutrients, along with iron, get absorbed in the bloodstream.
6. Gluten-free
Not all cereals have this property of being gluten-free, but finger millets do. Ragi is a perfect diet for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity or followers of gluten-free diet.
7. Great Baby Food
In South India, days-old babies are fed with Ragi porridge. It is said to have properties that promote the overall development of the baby with all the nutrients and vitamins present in it. During weaning, a process where an infant is introduced to other foods, Ragi takes the first place. Special Ragi powders are available in market for infants. Even, lactating mothers can include ragi to enhance the milk production.
8. Proteins and Amino Acids
Ragi is rich in both proteins and amino acids. They help in normal functioning of body, repairs body tissues, contributes in blood and bone formation, facilitates metabolism, balances nitrogen in the body, eliminates fat from the body.
Daily consumption of Ragi in one form or another can prevent malnutrition, degenerative diseases and premature ageing. However, patients having kidney stones are advised to avoid it. Ragi flour is a superfood whose health benefits are never-ending and so the ways of eating it. It can used to make malt, porridge, or the traditional Ragi mudda or can be mixed with regular recipes like Idli, Dosa, Roti, Upma or can be bought from stores in the form of biscuits.