Ragi, also known as finger millet, is an ancient grain and one of the most nutritious cereals, with a unique flavour and texture. You can use it favourably when preparing different recipes. Some important health benefits of ragi flour are that it boosts weight loss, strengthens bone density, enhances milk production in lactating mothers, helps control high blood pressure, and promotes a gluten-free diet.
This blog explores how you can benefit your health by consuming ragi flour.
What are the Health Benefits of Ragi Flour?
Ragi is a healthy and multi-purpose grain, which you can incorporate into your diet for various health benefits as follows:
Ragi is an ideal food if you’re looking to shed some weight. The grain is rich in protein and enables you to reduce cravings, keeping you full for longer. It’s also extra nutritious, hence perfect for your weight-loss meal plan.
Finger millet is a great source of natural calcium, which helps strengthen your bones and teeth. It works best for consumption by growing children. It also helps restore optimum bone density among the elderly and reduces your risk of osteoporosis and fractures.
-
Boosts Milk Production in Lactating Mothers
Ragi can be one of the best foods if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. It helps boost milk production and can also enhance the nutritional content of your breast milk for your baby’s benefit.
The grain contains significant calcium and iron content, which can stimulate breast milk production. It can also aid in balancing hormonal activities in your body, especially during pregnancy or lactation.
The millet is rich in dietary fibre. Hence, consuming ragi helps in flushing out toxins from your body. This prevents improperly processed foods from getting clogged in your blood vessels. As a result, it enhances the free flow of blood and nutrients to and from your heart, which also helps lower blood pressure.
-
Protects Against Cardiovascular Diseases
Ragi contains numerous vitamins and dietary fibre and has no sodium or cholesterol. These factors help increase good (HDL) cholesterol while reducing fatty deposits (LDL) in heart vessels, improving overall heart health.
-
Prevents Body from Anaemia
Finger millet is a power-packed food and an excellent source of iron. It enables the production of red blood cells, which prevents your body from anaemia.
-
Promotes a Gluten-Free Diet
Ragi is a great food choice if you are gluten-intolerant. This type of grain is naturally gluten-free, safe, delicious and nutrient-rich. So, you don’t have to worry about the possibility of some hidden gluten, and you can substitute it for wheat.
It helps to consume ragi in the morning. Since it’s fibre-rich, its digestive process may take longer. Hence, eating ragi at night is not favourable, especially if you have some digestive issues.
Conclusion
Ragi is an excellent food choice if you're looking to improve your overall health. It is ideal for everyone, especially for vegetarians looking to gain proteins, essential vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron.
Most importantly, even with a healthy lifestyle, you should consider investing in comprehensive health insurance to protect yourself from unpredicted health situations. In such instances, the cover will save you from costly medical bills.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.