Ragi, also known as Nachni or Finger Millet, is one of the healthiest foods you can have. The botanical name of the food is Eleusine coracana. These tiny grains have been cultivated since ancient times for their amazing health benefits. Regular consumption of ragi can help to promote weight loss maintain healthy bones, regulate blood glucose levels, and more.
Calcium
Ragi is rich in calcium and is an excellent source of non-dairy calcium. There is 344 mg of calcium in100 gms ragi. A calcium rich diet is essential to maintain healthy teeth and bones and prevent or delay osteoporosis – a degenerative disease that causes bones to become weak and porous. It is also easy to digest, making it an ideal food for infants and young children.
Low GI
Ragi has a low glycemic index, and is packed with fiber and polyphenols in comparison with other grains. The low GI helps to curb food cravings and prevents you from reaching for that extra helping, or mid-meal snacking. This helps the body to use the insulin it produces more effectively to keep blood sugar levels down, and helps in maintaining a healthy weight too.
Gluten Free
Gluten can induce weight gain; as ragi does not contain gluten, you can have a filling, tasty and nutritious meal, and keep the weight off as well.
Unprocessed
The ragi available in our markets is usually unprocessed and in its natural form; unprocessed cereals help you to feel ‘full’ for longer and reduce hunger cravings. The high fiber content helps you to feel satiated quickly, and also helps in proper digestion; that is it gets digested slowly as it is unprocessed, and helps your stomach to remain full for a long time.
Low in Fat
Ragi contains small amounts of unsaturated fat; it helps prevent formation of plaque in your arteries. This means it can help to lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, keeping you fitter and more energetic.
Protein Rich
Ragi is rich in proteins; an amino acid called tryptophan helps to reduce appetite, and therefore can be very beneficial in managing weight.
Iron and Vitamin C
Ragi contains iron as well as Vitamin C, which helps the body to absorb the iron more efficiently. This helps to promote overall good health, and keeps anemia at bay.
Induces Sleep
As ragi helps you stay full for longer, it helps in relaxing the mind and body and promotes better sleep. This is essential for anyone who wants to lose weight.
Ragi is a humble grain that is low in fat and packed with nutrition in the form of calcium, proteins, iron, and vitamins, as well as dietary fiber. It helps in providing energy, curbing hunger pangs, to feel full longer, promotes better digestion, regulating blood pressure and sugar levels, and bone and tooth health.
It is best consumed in the morning, so that you get the energy and nutrition you need to function for the whole day.