Ancient grains are gaining popularity these days. Barley, amaranth, brown rice, and ragi are the whole grains that were eaten in our traditional diet before the 1950s when rice took over fully. A whole grain is one that has all three components of the kernel – bran, germ, and endosperm – whereas refined grains have only the endosperm. In this blog we are going to tell you the Health Benefits of Ragi, so read this blog carefully to get the complete information. Whole grains are healthier because they retain fiber-dense bran as well as other key elements that aren’t lost during processing. Ragi is one of these extraordinary grains that has lately resurfaced.
Ragi also known as Eleusine coracana scientifically, is a grain that is widely grown in Africa and Asia’s tropical areas, such as India, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka. All three seed layers – bran, germ, and endosperm – are preserved in a complete grain. Ragi has a high fiber content in its bran, which helps to retain nutrients that might otherwise be lost during processing. Ragi delivers numerous health advantages such as improving digestion, lowering the risk of heart disease, delaying the aging process, and controlling diabetes since it is densely packed with a variety of nutrients.
Amazing Health Benefits of Ragi
1. High protein
Eleusinian is the most abundant protein in ragi, and it has high biological importance. This protein aids in the prevention of malnutrition and is a good source of protein for vegetarians. It contains a significant quantity of the amino acid methionine. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein in our bodies. Vegans typically lack methionine since meat is the major source of this crucial amino acid. Ragi is a great plant-based protein option for those seeking a high-protein diet. Most dietitians recommend ragi because of their high carbohydrate content. Because ragi is too small to be polished, we can enjoy it in its natural form.
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2. Ensures bone density
Ragi flour is one of the most used non-dairy calcium sources. In just 100g of Ragi, there is 344mg of calcium. Calcium is a necessary vitamin for the proper functioning of our teeth and bones. Osteoporosis is a bone-weakening disorder that may be prevented and treated by including calcium-rich foods in your diet. Ragi supports developing children’s bones and restores bone density in elderly seniors because of its high calcium content. While younger individuals can take ragi on a regular basis, middle-aged and older folks must eat small amounts of ragi to maintain bone health while avoiding gastrointestinal and kidney problems.
3. Fiber-rich
Ragi contains dietary fiber, which aids in easy digestion. It facilitates the passage of food and intestines while also retaining fluids. The involuntary movement of the digestive tract that causes food movement is known as peristalsis. Ragi’s fibers make peristalsis far less strenuous and smooth, which helps to relieve constipation. They also keep your intestines in good shape. Ragi also helps you prevent overeating by keeping you fuller for longer and so suppressing your appetite. Ragi’s polyphenol concentration has been shown to reduce glycemic sensitivity in diabetics. Ragi is a nutrient-dense cereal that promotes overall wellness.
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4. Good for skin
Ragi is fantastic for keeping skin looking young and healthy. It contains essential amino acids including Methionine and Lysine, which help the skin tissues resist wrinkles and drooping. These amino acids improve the appearance of your skin and help to prevent wrinkles, sagging, and dullness. It also helps to relieve stress thanks to its antioxidant content. Stress is the leading cause of skin aging in people of all ages. Ragi gives you a youthful, healthy appearance. Ragi is a rich source of Vitamin E, which is beneficial for your skin. Vitamin E is basically a natural healer for your body. This aids in the moisturization of the skin and the formation of a protective layer that allows your skin to flourish.
5. Healthy hair
Ragi is high in protein and aids in hair loss prevention. It is highly suggested for those who are experiencing hair loss. Because hair is made up of protein, it necessitates a lot of it. Hair loss can be caused by a lack of protein, however, taking ragi will strengthen your hair and minimize hair fall. Ragi has a high protein content of 7.30 g per 100 g. This high protein content helps to keep hair from falling out. It strengthens your hair, resulting in less hair fall. Not only that, the antioxidants in ragi will effectively prevent tissue damage, lowering the risk of grey hair. Ragi has a high magnesium concentration, which helps to keep hair from falling out. Ragi improves blood circulation in the body, which aids hair development.
6. Fights anemia
Anemia is one of the major problems faced by women. Anemia is a condition in which your body’s hemoglobin levels are too low. Iron which is required for the formation of hemoglobin is found in ragi enormously. Ragi is ideal for anemic individuals and those with low hemoglobin levels. Vitamin C is also abundant in sprouted ragi, which aids iron absorption into the circulation.
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7. Prevents diabetes
Consumption of ragi eliminates your risk of having diabetes . Ragi is a great grain for diabetes prevention and management. This is because ragi is high in polyphenols and dietary fibers. Ragi has a low glycemic index, which is a rating given to foods based on how quickly they raise blood glucose levels. When compared to other whole wheat grains, ragi has a lot of fiber. Consuming ragi on a daily basis helps to reduce blood sugar levels and keep them stable. Ragi functions as an absorbent, means it absorbs starch and lowers your body’s digestibility. As a result, most individuals who eat ragi don’t get hungry very frequently and eat in limit.
8. Ragi keeps you relaxed
Ragi has the unique property of acting as a natural relaxant for your body. Ragi aids in the treatment of anxiety, sleeplessness, and depression. It helps to alleviate all of these anxiety problems and keeps you calm throughout the day. It does help to clear your mind and keep you calm. Because ragi contains high quantities of the amino acid tryptophan, eating it in little amounts on a regular basis helps to improve nerve impulse transmission, activate memory centers in the brain, and soothe the mind. Ragi supports sound sleep by bringing about a balance in the levels of serotonin – a neurotransmitter.
9. Excellent for lactating mothers
The health advantages of sprouting ragi grains overnight and eating them the next morning are enormous for pregnant and lactating mothers. It stimulates milk production and balances hormonal level in pregnant women and lactating moms. Its high iron and calcium content supports milk production. Green ragi is very important for lactating moms since it boosts hemoglobin levels. This was also referred to as elevated lactation levels. A nursing woman should include green ragi in her daily diet to enhance amino acids, breast milk, calcium, and iron, all of which are essential for both the mother and the kid.
10. Helps in Weight Loss
The combination of rich dietary fiber and protein keeps the stomach fuller for longer, preventing unpleasant cravings. This results in a reduced appetite and weight reduction. The fat it has is healthy (unsaturated), which is essential for your body. Anyone who wants to reduce weight should consume ragi as it is a great alternative to rice and wheat. Of course, the amino acids will aid your weight reduction efforts even more.
Conclusion:
I hope, this blog is sufficient enough to provide the information about health benefits of Ragi.