Surprising Health Benefits Of Ragi You Need To Know In 2024

Ragi or finger millet is one of the most popular cereals in South India and in many African countries as well. It’s packed with calcium, with almost half the recommended daily allowance (DDA) in 100g.

Whether you want to increase your energy level, lose weight, or improve your overall health, there is something for everyone with ragi. Ragi is rich in iron, which can help improve bone health, prevent bone loss, and fight against anemia. Ragi is rich in essential nutrients and fiber, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation.

Low glycemic index reduces the risk of spikes in blood glucose levels. It regulates appetite, prevents cravings, and aids in weight management. Let’s learn more about the health advantages of ragi.

Surprising Health Benefits of Ragi

Rich in calcium & Iron

Ragi contains almost 50% of your daily calcium content in just 100 g. It is rich in iron, which makes it a good option for people who are prone to developing osteoarthritis, including older adults and women who have gone through menopause.

Promotes gut health

Ragi is rich in fiber, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation. To keep the digestive system functioning properly, fiber is essential. It also helps to reduce the risk of constipation and encourages the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.

Ragi’s high fiber content also helps you feel fuller for a longer period, which can help you manage your weight. This can lead to improved gut health and immunity. This is why adding ragi to your diet is great and a great way to improve your gut health!

Manage Diabetes

Ragi does not have a high glycemic index, which is the amount of glucose released into the blood. Unlike high-glycemic foods that cause rapid rises and falls in blood sugar levels, ragi helps keep blood sugar levels stable, making it an ideal choice for diabetics or prediabetics.

Additionally, the fiber in ragi prevents blood sugar from rising by slowing down the rate at which carbohydrates are digested and absorbed. It also makes your body more sensitive to insulin and better able to use insulin effectively. In addition, you can use regular HbA1AC tests to track and control your blood sugar.

Aids in weight management

Fiber, on the other hand, takes longer to break down, meaning you’re more likely to be full, eat fewer calories, and satisfy cravings. As a result, you’ll naturally consume fewer calories throughout the day. This, in turn, helps with weight management. Ragi, on the other hand, has fewer calories than other grains.

It is a good source of protein foods and aids in muscle growth and maintenance. Ragi is a gluten-free option for people with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. This means that you can enjoy high-quality food without sacrificing gut health or losing weight.

Lowers cholesterol Levels

Ragi contains lecithin, which reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and increases HDL (good) cholesterol. This makes ragi a safe and healthy food for people with cholesterol problems. Replacing high-cholesterol foods with ragi is a natural way to lower your cholesterol.

The antioxidants also fight oxidative damage and inflammation, both of which are known to increase cholesterol levels in arteries. Ragi neutralizes these damaging substances, preventing the build-up of cholesterol and improving your heart health. Regular lipid testing is the best way to know your cholesterol level and take control of your health.

Promotes healthy hair and skin

Ragi is rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks for proteins. Keratin, the hair’s primary protein, is boosted by ragi, making hair stronger, thicker, and less likely to break. Ragi is rich in iron, which helps to improve blood circulation to the scalp. It also helps to nourish the hair follicles and promote hair growth.

Antioxidants in ragi fight against free radicals and oxidation, which can cause skin damage and slow down the aging process. This results in less defined lines and a more luminous skin tone.

If you are constantly dealing with hair loss or skin problems, it could be because you are not getting enough vitamins or minerals in your diet. Schedule a Vitamins & Minerals Screening to find out your health status and receive treatment to improve symptoms.

Boosts immunity power

People with weakened immune systems need to include ragi in their diet. Ragi is rich in antioxidants that help in cell defense, immune enhancement, and anti-infection. Ragi is also rich in iron and calcium, as well as magnesium and phosphorus, which are essential for various immunological functions. Neutralizing these harmful elements helps maintain your immune system’s strength and resilience.

Nutritional Value In Ragi

The nutritional value per 100g of ragi is as follows:

Calories- approx 336 calories.
Protein- Around 7.6 g
Fat- approx 1.3 g
Carbohydrates- 72 g
Fiber – 3.6 grams
Calcium- 344 mg
Iron- 3.9 mg
Magnesium- 137 mg
Phosphorus- Roughly 287 mg
Potassium- Around 408 mg
Zinc- approx 2.7 mg

Elevate Your Health with Ragi Benefits

From boosting your immune system to keeping your hair and skin healthy, ragi has a lot of health benefits. So, what is it about this superfood that makes you want to add it to your diet? Well, it’s a powerful cereal that’s packed with vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber and antioxidants.

Whether you need to control your blood sugar levels, improve your gut health, or just want to improve your overall health, ragi provides a tasty and effective solution. So, make this ragi your new best friend by incorporating it into your diet and discover its true potential for a healthier and happier you.