Ragi (Finger millet ) – Nutritious and Healthy food for babies
What is Ragi (finger millet) റാഗി – പഞ്ഞ പുല്ല്?
Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is important millet grown extensively in various regions of India and Africa,constitutes as a staple food for a large segment of the population in these countries. It ranks sixth in production after wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and bajra in India. It is a naked caryopsis with brick red-coloured seed coat and is generally used in the form of the whole meal for preparation of traditional foods, such as roti (unleavened breads or pancake), mudde (dumpling) and ambali (thin porridge).
Buy good quality Ragi or Finger millets from Natureloc.com Buy Now
Ragi (finger millet) Dancing grain – Health benefits
Finger millet, one of the oldest crops in India is referred as “nrtta-kondaka” in the ancient Indian Sanskrit literature, which means “Dancing grain,” was also addressed as “rajika” or “markataka”. Earliest report of finger millet comes from Hallur in Karnataka of India dating approximately 2300 BC . There is some debate as to the origin of finger millet, and there are theories that finger millet might have travelled Finger Millet (Ragi, Eleusine coracanaL.)
Health benefits and nutritional value of finger millet -ragi
Ragi is one of the nutritious cereals. It is rich in Calcium, Iron, Protein Fiber and Minerals. Mainly consisting of unsaturated fat, its overall fat content is low. It is easy to digest and is gluten free. (Gluten is mixture of two proteins in cereal grains that make the dough elastic) Hence ragi is recommended to those who are gluten sensitive
Ragi (finger millet) – An excellent baby food
Finger millet (ragi) is a nutritious and versatile grain to offer to babies.It is believed that ragi promotes better digestion. The high calcium and iron content is useful for the bone growth and overall development of the infant. Specially-processed ragi powders for infants are available widely to be used during weaning.
Finger millet has got good malting properties and hence is being used in the preparation of weaning foods. Ragi malt and millet based beverages are very popular in South India. Many traditional foods are made from finger millet. It is one of most nutritious millet and it is easy to digest as well. Since it does not contain gluten, it is a wonderful grain alternative for people who are gluten-sensitive. It is low fat cereal and most of the fats are in the unsaturated form.
Weight loss – It contains a very good amount of dietary fiber which helps to control weight.
It is a good source of sulphur rich amino acids like methionine and Tryptophan which are vital in normal functioning of body and are essential for repairing body tissues
• Acts as a good source of protein/amino acids.
• Helps in weight reduction.
• Acts as a relaxant.
• Reduces blood glucose levels.
• Lowers blood cholesterol levels.
Read more – Ragi (Muthary, Koovaraku , Panja pullu) Finger millet
- Millets minor cereal’s varieties
- Ragi or finger millet – small cereal with high nutritional values
- Ragi – Finger millets health benefits