HEALTH BENEFITS OF RAGI/FINGER MILLET

Ragi also known as Finger millet or nachni is a gluten free whole grain millet and a staple food in South India.  It is high in insoluble fiber and low in Glycemic index that helps with weight loss and diabetes. It is a powerhouse of minerals like calcium, potassium, iron and Vitamin D. This wonder grain is known for its many health benefits. Ragi is best food for weight loss, diabetes and lowering cholesterol levels.

   

Nutrients	Value
Calories	320.75 Kcal
Carbohydrate	62.5 g
Total Fiber	11 g
Insoluble Fiber	9.5 g
Soluble Fiber	1.67 g
Total Fat	1.9 g
SFA	317 mg
MUFA	585 mg
PUFA	431 mg
Protein	7.2 g
Moisture	10.9 g
Folate (Vitamin B9)	34.6 µg
Niacin (Vitamin B3)	1.34 mg
Calcium	364 mg
Magnesium	146 mg
Phosphorus	210 mg
Potassium	443 mg
Selenium	15.3 µg
Zinc	2.53 mg

HEALTH BENEFITS

1.      Improves digestion: Ragi is rich in fiber which means there is plenty of roughage which helps relieve constipation and improves digestion.

2.      Beneficial for low hemoglobin people: As mentioned, Ragi is a great source of Iron which helps one maintain their hemoglobin levels.

3.      Super food for diabetic people: It has low Glycemic Index which makes it digest very slowly thus keeping the blood sugar levels constant. It is surely a boon for people suffering from diabetes.

4.      For weight loss: It is rich in fiber along with low fat combines together to make you full for longer and prevents from cravings.

5.      Strengthen Bones: As it is loaded with Calcium (364 gm in 100 gm. Ragi). Calcium is known to be critical for healthy bones and teeth and helps in the prevention of osteoporosis. It is extremely beneficial for the growing kids as it helps in the growth and development of the kids.

6.      Prevents skin ageing: Ragi contains amino acids like methionine and lysine which is responsible to skin tissues to become less prone to wrinkles and sagging. And also it is one of the natural source of Vitamin D too, which is a carrier molecule for Calcium, which accounts for vitality.

7.      Releases Stress: Ragi consumption is known to be beneficial for migraines as it works as a natural relaxants because of the presence of antioxidants, mainly tryptophan.

8.      Good for Pregnancy: It is a prefect super-food one can add during pregnancy as it is a rich source of Iron, calcium, provides a good amount of protein, have high content of fiber, improves breast feeding and most important it helps reduces the chances of gestational diabetes.

PS: Ragi is very high in calcium, rich in iron and fiber, and hence has a better energy content too than other cereals. With its cost effectiveness, Ragi is definitely a health food.