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Finger millet is the ultimate super food. Even though finger millet has been overtaken by wheat and rice in the diet of common people. Doctors nowadays recommend eating grains like Ragi and gets Finger millet benefits. Millet, barley and their flour. If we talk about finger millet.

Then it is a crop that is grown and consumed all over the world for the last 2000 years. It is believed that if Ragi is included regularly in your diet. It removes malnutrition and makes the human body healthy. It does not increase obesity and it provides various benefits to the body.

Ragi is a centuries old nutrition crop that gave birth and nurtured many ancient civilizations. It is very beneficial for health. That is why its use is recommended in Ayurveda. In ancient Ayurvedic books, Ragi has been described as a crop that provides relief from high blood pressure, depression, cancer, diabetes and liver related problems.

Nowadays the demand for gluten free diet is increasing a lot. Most of the people are preferring such food in their diet which do not has gluten. Gluten is a type of protein which is found in wheat and its products. But the question arises that if we stop eating wheat and its products. Then what will we eat? In such a situation, Ragi and Ragi flour are becoming the choice of many people.

Also Read: Best cooking oil in india

What is finger millet (Ragi)

Finger millet is a grain it’s other name is ‘nachni’. It is an ancient crop that is cultivated in large area in the Indian subcontinent. It is used in various food products like bread rice and it is very beneficial for our health.

Ragi ingredients

Finger millet benefits:

Calories – 385

Macronutrients:

Total Fat 7%

Saturated Fat 3%

Polyunsaturated Fat 5%

Monounsaturated Fat 2%

Cholesterol 0%

Sodium 0%

Total Carbohydrate 25%

Dietary Fiber 14%

Sugar 2%

Proteins 10%

Micronutrients:

Minerals:

Calcium 26%

Iron 11%

Potassium 27%

Vitamins:

Thiamine 5%

Riboflavin 7.6%

Niacin 3.7%

Folic Acid 3%

Vitamin C 7%

Vitamin E 4.6%

Types of Ragi

You can known below the benefits of ragi. Now it is time to get information about the nutritional elements of ragi. Know about types and nutrients present in ragi below:

1- Pearl millet

Millet is the most widely grown millet in India. It is a drought-resistant crop that gives good yield even in less water. It is rich in protein, iron, zinc and fiber. Its consumption in summer provides coolness to the body. Millet roti, khichdi and lapsi are especially popular. It is also used as fodder for animals.

2- Ragi (nachani)

Ragi is also known as Mandua or Nachani. It is considered the best source of calcium. It is widely used in South India. Ragi is also rich in protein, iron and fiber. It is especially beneficial for diabetics. Roti, idli, dosa and sweets are made from it.

3- Jwar (bajara millet)

Jowar is the third major grain of India. It is a good source of antioxidants and fiber. Being gluten free, it is suitable for patients of celiac disease. Roti, Bhakri and Lapsi are made from it. It can be cultivated even in less water and it is a good source of nutrition.

4- Kodo millet

Kodo millet is popular in tribal areas. It is a low-calorie grain that helps in weight loss. It is high in fiber which improves digestion. Roti, kheer and pulao are made from Kodo. It is also beneficial for diabetics.

5- Savan (Barnyard Millet

Fiber and minerals are found in abundance in Savan. It strengthens the digestive system and is helpful in weight control. Khichdi, pulao and dosa are made from it. It controls hunger for a long time and is a good source of energy.

6- Kangni (Foxtail Millet)
Kangni is rich in protein and minerals. Vitamin B12 is found in abundance in it. It aids in digestion and controls blood sugar. Roti, idli and upma are made from it. It is also beneficial for skin and hair health.

7- Proso Millet

China is rich in protein and antioxidants. It strengthens the digestive system and boosts immunity. Kheer, pulao and halwa are made from it. It is gluten free and safe for people suffering from allergies.

8- Kutki (Little Millet)

Kutki is rich in iron and fiber. It improves digestion and helps in weight control. Khichdi, porridge and pulao are made from it. It is helpful in preventing anemia and is a good source of energy. So you can get Finger millet benefits.

9- Jhangora (Browntop Millet)

Jhangora millet is rich in magnesium and potassium. It is beneficial for heart health and helps in controlling blood pressure. Roti, kheer and laddus are made from it. It improves digestion and provides energy to the body.

10- Amaranth (Rajgira Millet)

Although technically amaranth is a pseudo-cereal, it is often classified with millets. It is an excellent source of protein and calcium. It contains all the essential amino acids. Laddus, puri and panjiri are made from it. It is considered a ‘superfood’ due to its high nutritional value.

Finger millet benefits

In this part of the article, the benefits of eating ragi on various physical problems are described sequentially. At the same time, keep in mind that consuming ragi is not a cure for any physical problem. It can be consumed only to prevent physical problems and as a healthy food item. Now read further.

1- Antioxidant

If we talk about the benefits of ragi, then it is also rich in antioxidant properties. Actually, many phenolic compounds like tannins, polyphenols and flavonoids are found in ragi, which can exhibit antioxidant effects. At the same time, antioxidant effects can help in reducing the risk of heart disease, aging problems and arthritis caused by free radicals. In such a situation, the consumption of food items included in antioxidants can prove to be beneficial.

2- Reduce heart attack

Ragi can also be reduced heart attack and make your heart healthy. Actually, nutrients like iron and magnesium are present in ragi, which can reduce the risk of heart attack to some extent. Apart from this, it can also reduce the risk of heart disease by controlling cholesterol and blood pressure In such a situation, ragi can be included in the diet to keep the heart healthy

3- Finger millet for healthy skin

Ragi has benefits not only for health but also for the skin. Actually, ferulic acid present in ragi can protect against skin damage caused by UV radiations. Not only this, it also has anti-aging properties, due to which it can reduce the effects of premature aging on the skin. Ragi can be used as a face mask.

4- Anti inflammatory

The benefits of eating ragi can be reduced problems related to inflammation. Actually, anti-inflammatory properties is found in ragi. And this effect can be cure your problems related to inflammation (such as diabetes, arthritis, allergies, heart disease etc.). In such a situation, ragi can be made a part of the daily diet to reduce the effect of inflammation.

5- Finger millet (Ragi) for diabetes

If we talk about the problem of diabetes, then ragi can be included in the diabetes diet. Actually, a research reveals about its anti-diabetic properties, which can help in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. At the same time, it is a low glycemic food, which can be helpful in controlling blood glucose (5). In such a situation, ragi can be considered beneficial for diabetes patients. So you can get Finger millet benefits.

6- Effective in cancer

Ragi can be helpful to some extent in preventing cancer. Actually, some essential amino acids like methionine, cysteine ​​and lysine are present in ragi, which can be helpful in preventing cancer. Not only this, the dietary fiber present in it can also help in preventing cancer.

At the same time, it is mentioned in research that it can also be helpful to some extent in reducing the risk of breast cancer. However, do not make the mistake of considering it a treatment for cancer, it can only help in preventing cancer to some extent. At the same time, if someone has cancer, then it is very important to get medical treatment.

7- Effective in weight lose

If we talk about the benefits of ragi, then it can also be a part of the weight loss diet. A research related to this mentions that the use of ragi can be helpful in controlling weight. Actually, it contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which can be helpful in controlling weight by reducing appetite. Apart from this, research mentions that ragi is a high-fiber diet, which can help reduce the risk of obesity. However, regular exercise is also necessary along with ragi.

8- Reduce cholesterol

Finger millet can also hardly helpful in reducing cholesterol. Cholesterol is a bad thing like substance, which is entered in the cells of the human body. But Cholesterol is also necessary for the human body to function properly. However, if there is excess cholesterol in the body, the risk of heart disease may increase. In such a situation, including finger millet in the your diet to reduce cholesterol can be a primary option. The phytic acid and dietary fiber present finger millet. It can be helpful in reducing cholesterol.

9- Protein

Protein is also one of those essential nutrients. Protein plays an important role in building muscles and bones and keeping them healthy. Apart from this, protein also works to provide energy to the body. You can include ragi in your protein-rich diet. Ragi contains plenty of protein.

10- Strength bones

Ragi also has many benefits for bones. Actually, a good amount of calcium is also found in ragi. A research related to this mentions that ragi contains 30 times more calcium than rice. At the same time, calcium is considered an essential nutrient for bones, which can maintain bone health, strengthen them and also reduce the risk of bone fractures. At the same time, due to the presence of calcium, ragi is one of the healthy foods for infants, growing children and pregnant women.

How to use finger millet (ragi)

After knowing the benefits of ragi, it is obvious that you would definitely want to use it. In such a situation, in this part of the article, we are giving information related to the use of ragi. So use ragi in this way:

• You can eat ragi dosa.
• You can make ragi roti and consume it.
• Ragi flour can also be used to make parathas.
• Idli can be made from ragi.
• You can make ragi mudde which is also called ragi balls.
• Ragi chakli can be made.
• You can use face mask made from ragi.

Side effects of finger millet (ragi)

There is no doubt that the benefits of ragi are many, but in some cases ragi can also have disadvantages. However, these disadvantages can arise due to its excessive consumption. Although there is a lack of accurate research related to its disadvantages. But then as a precaution, we are telling some of its possible disadvantages below:

• As we have already informed that Ragi is a source of calcium. In such a situation, its excessive consumption can cause kidney stones.
• Ragi also contains fiber. In such a situation, consumption of high fiber foods can cause stomach problems like gas, flatulence and stomach cramps.
• If someone is allergic to Ragi, then its consumption can cause allergy.

FAQs about finger millet (ragi)