Benefits of Nachni / Ragi / Finger Millet

Benefits of Nachni / RAGI (Finger Millet):

Ragi is rich in calcium

Ragi is also a rich source of fiber

Ragi contains 12-13 % moisture, negligible fat and about 10% protein with the essential amino acid methionine and lecithin. It is also loaded with they are high amounts of fiber, B-complex vitamins including niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin, minerals like iron, calcium and vitamin E. It is an excellent food for toddlers, adolescent girls’, expectant mothers and aged people. Additionally, the low glycemic index of nachani makes it ideal for diabetes as it blunts the rise in blood sugar once absorbed. 

Finger Millet, also known as Ragi, is cultivated in drier parts of the world - mainly in Asia and Africa. Ragi has a distinct taste and is widely used in Southern Indian and Ethiopian dishes. Ragi is a rich source of Calcium, Iron, Protein, Fiber and other minerals. The cereal has low fat content and contains mainly unsaturated fat. It is easy to digest and does not contain gluten; people who are sensitive to gluten can easily consume Fnger Millet. Ragi is considered one of the most nutritious cereals. It has different names in local languages. It is known as Ragi in Telugu and Kannada, Kelvaragu/aariyam in Tamil, and Madua/Mangal in Hindi.  

Ragi in anaemia: Ragi is an excellent plant source of natural Iron. Its consumption helps in Anemia. Vitamin C increases iron absorption. Sprouted ragi develops vitamin C in the process of sprouting.
Finger Millet/ Ragi for bone health: Ragi is the richest source of calcium among plant foods. Calcium along with vitamin D helps to strengthen bones. It is an excellent source of natural calcium for children and aging people. It helps in development of bones in growing children and in maintenance of bone health in adults. Thus Ragi helps to keep bone problems at bay and could reduce risk of fractures too. 

 Finger Millet/ Ragi for Relaxation: Ragi consumption helps in relaxing body naturally. It is beneficial in conditions of anxiety, depression and insomnia. Ragi is also useful for migraines.
 Ragi for weight loss: Ragi contains an amino acid, Tryptophan which reduces appetite. It has a much higher amount of dietary fiber compared to white rice and other grains. It is also a low fat cereal and most of the fats are in the unsaturated form. This makes it the best choice in grains for people trying to lose weight. The bulkiness of the fibers and the slower digestion rate makes one feel fuller on fewer calories and therefore helps prevent excess caloric consumption.

Finger Millet/ Ragi for diabetes: Finger Millet's phytochemicals help in slowing digestion process. This helps in controlling blood sugar level in condition of diabetes. In a study conducted in 2000, it was found that Finger Millet based diet helps diabetics as it contains higher fiber than rice and wheat. Also, the study found that diet based on whole finger millet has lower glycemic response i.e. lower ability to increase blood sugar level. This is due to presence of factors in ragi flour which lower digestibility and absorption of starch. Regular consumption of finger millet is known to reduce the risk of diabetes mellitus and gastrointestinal tract disorders and these properties are attributed to its high polyphenol and dietary fiber content. According to research Finger Millet based diets help diabetics as they contain higher amounts of fiber over other cereals and millets. Diets based on whole finger millet have a lower glycemic response i.e. lower ability to increase blood sugar level. This has been attributed to presence of certain factors in ragi flour which lower digestibility and absorption of starch. 

Ragi for lowering high cholesterol levels: Ragi contains amino acids Lecithin and Methionine which help in bringing down cholesterol levels by eliminating excess fat from Liver. Finger Millet also contains the amino acid threonine which hinders fat formation in the liver, and helps to bring down the cholesterol levels. The high fiber content of ragi also helps to manage cholesterol problems.

Finger Millet/ Ragi for Protein/ Amino Acids: Ragi is rich in Amino Acids which are vital in normal functioning of body and are essential for repairing body tissues. Finger Millet contains Tryptophan, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine and Methionoine amino acids. Isoleucine helps in muscle repair, blood formation, contributes to bone formation and improves skin health. Valine is essential amino acid which facilitates metabolism, helps in muscle coordination and repair of body tissues. It helps in balancing nitrogen in the body. Another essential amino acid, not found in most cereals, is Methionine which is useful in various body processes, helps in eliminating fat from the body, and is main provider of sulfur in body. Sulfur is essential for production of Glutathione - body's natural antioxidant.  

Finger Millet/Ragi for other health conditions: If consumed regularly, Ragi could help in keeping malnutrition, degenerative diseases and premature aging at bay. Green Ragi is recommended for conditions of blood pressure, liver disorders, asthma and heart weakness. Green Ragi is also recommended to lactating mothers in condition of lack of milk production.
Ragi is an extremely nutritious cereal and is very beneficial for maintaining a good health. However, its high intake could increase quantity oxalic acid in the body. Therefore, it is not advised to patients having kidney stones (Urinary Calculi). Ragi could be enjoyed in different forms and preparations. Ragi Roti, Ragi Dosa,Ragi Porridge, Ragi Upma, Ragi Cakes, Ragi Biscuits are few popular dishes of Ragi.

Ragi as a source of essential amino acids: Ragi is rich in Amino Acids vital for the body. Finger Millet contains amino acids namely Tryptophan, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine and Methionoine. Isoleucine helps in muscle repair, blood formation, bone formation and improves skin health. Valine is an essential amino acid which facilitates metabolism and repair of body tissues. Another essential amino acid, not found in most cereals, is Methionine. It is found in Ragi and therefore makes it a complete protein food unlike other cereals and millets. The amino acid Methionine is useful in various body processes, helps in eliminating fat from the body, and is main provider of sulfur in body. Sulfur is essential for production of Glutathione which is the body's natural and most important antioxidant.
Finger millet contains important amino acids viz., isoleucine, leucine, methionine and phenyl alanine which are not present in other starchy meals. It has the highest amount of calcium (344 mg %) and potassium (408 mg %). Ragi is a great source of iron making it beneficial for individuals with low hemoglobin levels. 

Millets also contains B vitamins, especially niacin, B6 and folic acid. Some of the health benefits of ragi are attributed to its polyphenol and dietary fiber contents. Due to its high content of polyphenols and dietary fiber ragi exhibits anti-diabetic and antioxidant and antimicrobial properties; it protects against tumors and atherosclerosis (narrowing and hardening of blood vessels). Being low in fat and gluten free, ragi is easy to digest. It is therefore, given as first foods to babies in the form of ragi porridge

References:

http://naturopathycure.com/Health-Benefits-of-Finger-Millet-(Ragi).phphttp://www.healthizen.com/diabetes/qna/11043.aspx

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Benefits-of-Ragi/articleshow/10288786.cms

http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/health-benefits-of-ragi.htm

NOTE:  Information on this blog is for education purpose only. Please consult a qualified medical practitioner before following any remedy.