In a crazy over-the-top world of ever changing fads; fitness, diet and health sound like magic words, albeit cliched and over-used. Concepts like traditional and organic have gained traction in recent years, but much information is still found wanting in the correct context.
Every human being has a right to good health and good living. While there is no magic mantra for it or a one-size fits all wonder prescription, one cannot deny We Are What We Eat. And the food we eat is the gold standard of healthy living.
At The Millet Store, we try to do our bit to help you eat well and eat right. In this endeavour, we put the spotlight on Ragi or Finger Millets. Also known as Nachni, this ancient grain is a superfood. This wonder grain has immense health benefits that have been brought to the fore in recent times.
Ancient grains are not modified or altered for better agricultural yield. They are not processed and require lesser resources for optimal growth. Karnataka is among the top producers of ragi in India. In rural Karnataka, ragi is a staple food. It is popularly consumed as ragi balls known as ragi mudde. In southern India, ragi is regularly given to babies, toddlers and children, mostly in the form of porridge or ragi malt.
The Many Wonders of Ragi, a Wonder Grain
Ragi does wonders for every member of the family across all age groups.
1. Kids
- Babies and Toddlers
Ragi porridge or ragi malt makes for a wholesome meal that keeps babies and toddlers satiated and active for a longer period of time. Sprouted ragi flour, wherein ragi is first sprouted and dried to retain maximum nutrition and then milled into fine flour, is easy for kids to digest and therefore, can be comfortably used as infant food.
- High Protein
Ragi contains 10.3 gms of protein per cup of whole ragi flour. It is an excellent and readily available source of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans.
- Strong Bones and Teeth
Every cup of ragi flour provides about 49% of daily calcium allowance. Ragi is the richest source of Phosphorus, which helps build strong bones and teeth. Therefore, it is recommended for babies, children and women.
2. Adults
- Gluten Free
People with gluten intolerance can derive maximum advantages from Ragi as it offers a more healthier alternative to whole wheat rotis.
- Good for Diabetes and Weight Management
By improving the body's insulin response, ragi helps in controlling the blood glucose levels. It is a good carbohydrate that aids weight loss and manages weight issues.
- Heart Friendly
Ragi contains 50% of the daily Magnesium RDA facilitating better nerve function and normal heartbeat. It improves brain health and is also a natural relaxant. With the goodness of dietary fibre, ragi reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and increases the body's good cholesterol (HDL).
- Increases Endurance
In addition to lowering blood pressure, ragi assists in the production of red blood cells (RBC) and provides energy to the body. As a rich source of iron, it is beneficial in cases of anaemia. The merits of ragi help athletes enhance their stamina, endurance and performance.
3. Healthy Elders and Seniors with Medical Conditions
- High Dietary Fibre
Ragi contains insoluble fibre that aid easy digestion and relieves constipation. Which is why, it is recommended for convalescing patients and seniors.
- Rich in Antioxidants
The presence of antioxidants in ragi helps the body fight infections and boosts immunity.
- Healthy Skin
Ragi contains Niacin, which keeps your skin healthy and prevents wrinkles along with other skin problems.
- Cools the Body
Ragi has a cooling effect on the body, hence it is widely used in the hot summers.
Incorporate Different Ragi-Based Foods Regularly in Your Daily Meals
Ragi can be conveniently incorporated in a number of recipes like bhakri, roti, idli, vada, dosa, pudding, porridge or papad. Both whole grains and flours are widely used. The Millet Store offers freshly made Roasted and Popped Ragi Flour and Plain Ragi Flour that are great in taste, nutrition and quality. You can include them in your daily dishes in any number of imaginable ways for just about any meal of the day.
1. Breakfast
Ragi is a great breakfast option either in the form of multigrain bread, ragi bread, ragi dosa,
ragi puttu, ragi thalipeeth, ragi pancakes or ragi upma. The Millet Store Multigrain Bread, with an assortment of grains including ragi, gives you succulent and nutritious sandwiches.
And if you are still unsure of how to cook any of these food items or debating whether they are even worth your effort, you can simply try our Ragi Dosa Mix and Ragi Pancake Mix. All you need to do is follow the instructions and your breakfast will be ready in minutes without any mess or fuss. Anyone can cook it - it's that easy!
2. Meals
As a meal accompaniment, ragi is extremely versatile and can be used as a substitute for atta or along with other types of attas. One can easily make soft plain ragi rotis, puris and wraps. Ragi rotis complement your daily dals and sabzis quite well. With generous addition of vegetables, you can also make delectable parathas.
3. Baking
A plethora of breads, cakes and cookies can be baked using ragi. Chocolate flavours blend perfectly with the dark colour of the flour resulting in a wholesome and rich baked product. Then there is also Sprouted Ragi Hot Chocolate, which offers a winsome combination of ragi and hot chocolate as a relaxing and nourishing drink.
4. Snacks
Using ragi for anytime munchies like ragi chaklis and sev make snacking healthier, while ragi vegetable cutlets and ragi Handvo give a rather delicious twist to the original recipes.
5. Desserts
Ragi can be easily cooked into desserts. Porridge is the most popular sweet dish but ragi laddus, ragi kheer and ragi halwa are equally well-known dessert items. At The Millet Store we prepare ragi laddus with jaggery to give you a more traditional and healthier dessert.
Now that you know the distinct advantages of this superfood and the myriad ways in which ragi can be consumed, go ahead and add a bit of this super wonder to your daily menu. It deserves a place of pride in every kitchen.
