Ragi and It's Superpowers

June 29, 2022 by I Say Organic .

Recent times have seen a surge in the adoption of organic practices in our food. We are consistently increasing our efforts that are dedicated towards cycling our resources and consequently creating a more sustainable environment. As the adage says,‘We are what we eat.’ Therefore making a conscious and a well informed choice before buying the ingredients that go into our food is always the right thing to do. When It comes to food, one cannot undermine the importance of consuming superfoods.

The mention of superfoods is directed towards those food groups that nurture not just nutritional but medicinal benefits as well due to their high nutrition density. Ragi is one such superfood that can be of high value when included in your dietary regime.

What is Ragi?

Ragi is a gluten-free, finger millet that is packed with fibre, proteins, calcium and other antioxidants. The Ragi grain is so minute that it cannot be put through any further processing and hence this is consumed in its natural form. Ragi flour can be consumed in the form of roti, pancakes or snacks. It can be consumed in interesting ways and some of them are mentioned below.

Some Ragi Recipes

All those who feel that healthy food is boring need to take a reality check. Ragi, which is usually available as ragi flour, can be consumed in the form of ladoos, pancakes, rotis, ice cream and so much more. It is a very versatile grain and perfect for those who like variety in their diet plan. You can try some of the following recipes to make your meal time interesting.

1. Ragi Ladoos

You will require

1 cup Ragi flour
2 tablespoons desi cow ghee
Peanuts
Coconut
Sesame seeds
Cardamoms

Start by frying Ragi flour in ghee. After that dry roast the peanuts, coconut, sesame seeds and almonds if you want. Powder the roasted peanuts, coconut, sesame and cardamom together or separately. To make the ladoos, combine all the ingredients and roll them in a round shape with grated jaggery or sugar. Store the Ragi ladoos in an air tight container.

2. Ragi Dosa

You will need

Ragi flour
Curd
Water

Mix all the ingredients to make a smooth paste. Grease a heated pan, pour the mixture in the centre and spread the batter evenly to make a thin dosa.

3. Ragi Porridge

This is a very good recipe for babies. You will need

Ragi flour
Jaggery
Water
Formula milk/Breast milk/Normal milk

Start by adding ragi flour and water to a pan in the desired proportions. Keep on stirrig the mixture to ensure that no lumps are formed. Add jaggery to warm water separately, then add that filtered mixture to the pan. After that add formula milk/breast milk or normal milk to the pan and cook it till you get the desired consistency.

Superpowers of Ragi

1. It keeps one energetic

As much as weight watchers might fret from the idea of consuming carbs, one cannot argue about its health benefits. Carbohydrates are an energy storehouse and they are essential for the healthy functioning of our body. Ragi is a rich source of good carbs and should be included in our diet.

2. It is very good for the Bones

Ragi has a very good calcium content and it can easily make for the skipped glass of milk. Ragi is one of the safest and healthiest foods that can be introduced to babies for its high nutrition content.

3. It is an amazing grain for weight watchers

Ragi is full of fibre and has a very little percentage of unsaturated fats. It helps to effectively regulate bowel movements. It's a God-sent grain for all those who want to manage their weight.

When we talk about the health benefits of Ragi we cannot ignore its importance in curbing the effects of diabetes. According to a study published on Healthline, nearly 422 million people in the world are suffering from diabetes.

Let us try to understand the benefits of this wonderous grain for diabetic people.

Health Benefits of Ragi for Diabetics

1. It is rich in Antioxidants and Amino acids

Ragi is a source of good carbs along with other amino acids, antioxidants, fibre, protein and iron. It is a better substitute for rice and wheat for people suffering from diabetes as it takes care of their carbohydrate requirement in a better way.

2. It has Anti-Inflammatory Properties

People with diabetes often complain about delayed healing of their wounds. The antioxidants in ragi are believed to increase the healing capacity and control the glucose levels in the blood.

3. It Helps in Weight Management

Keeping the weight in check is very important for diabetic people. Obesity is one of the most common triggers of high blood sugar. Ragi is an excellent source of fibre which helps you in feeling full and satiated for a longer period of time and therefore unhealthy cravings can also be cut down. The fibre content in Ragi is very good for regular bowel movements as well.

4. It is a natural Antidepressant

It is believed that the amino acids present in this wonder grain can cure conditions like insomnia and anxiety. Ragi is a natural relaxant and can be effective for curing depression when consumed regularly. High levels of stress can be detrimental for people suffering from diabetes

Ragi products

I Say Organic has an assorted range of Ragi products like Amaranth & Ragi spiced nachos , Amaranth & Ragi tangy tomato nachos , Amaranth & Ragi classic salted nachos and Amaranth & Ragi nachos combo pack The appetising Ragi nachos will make snacking healthy, guilt free and delicious all at once.

FAQs

Q1: Can we consume Ragi daily?

Ans: One or two servings of Ragi are safe to be consumed on a daily basis. Since Ragi has a high protein content, people with kidney problems should consult their doctors before including it in their daily diet.

Q2: Is Ragi a safe substitute for white rice?

Ans: Yes, Ragi has far more nutritional and health benefits as compared to white rice. It is gluten free, packed with good carbs and a rich source of amino acids and other antioxidants.

Q3: Can we give Ragi to babies on a daily basis?

Ans: Yes, Ragi can be given to babies daily. It is a wonder grain and is packed with all the benefits to meet the nutritional requirements of a growing baby.

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