Know About The Health Benefits, Side-Effects And Ways To Consume Ragi (2024)

FAQs

What are the side effects of ragi? ›

Side Effects of Ragi

Ragi java is high in fibre and therefore substituting it for your regular diet can cause bloating, gas or constipation if introduced too quickly or consumed in large quantities, especially for those with sensitive digestive systems.

Ragi is an excellent source of iron, which helps in the production of red blood cells and improves the percentage of haemoglobin in the body. Moreover, if you eat sprouted ragi, which has a healthy amount of Vitamin C, it helps in the absorption of iron better.

It can be powdered and consumed as ragi flour in dishes like dosa, roti, idli, upma, paratha, halwa, barfi. In India, Karnataka is the highest producer of ragi. Good thing about ragi is that it can be consumed in its original form and doesn't need to be polished like other grains which makes it ever healthier.

Finger Millet, also known as Ragi is an important millet grown extensively in various regions of India and Africa. Its scientific name is Eleusine coracana. It ranks sixth in production after wheat, rice, maize, sorghum and bajra in India.

Eating Ragi is good, But not in Excess

Excessive intake of ragi can increase the quantity of oxalic acid in the body. However, this is strictly not recommended for people suffering from kidney stones. Ragi comes power-packed with healthy nutrients that fight diseases and relaxes your body to function with ease.

In general, eating ragi on a regular basis is well-tolerated by most healthy people and even by those who are overweight or have certain lifestyle disorders like diabetes.

Yes, you can eat Ragi at night. Tryptophan an essential amino acid present in Ragi helps to manage insomnia, depression and anxiety and is therefore good for sound sleep[6]. Insomnia or disturbed sleep is a condition which occurs due to an imbalanced Vata dosha.

HOW IS RAGI BETTER THAN RICE? It has a lower glycaemic index (GI) of 50, which shows how fast blood glucose is released into the bloodstream. But you have to maintain the glycaemic load, which means the quantity of the carbohydrate in the meal, and ensure that it does not push up the collective sugar load.

The amalgamation of proteins in milk and healthy fats in Ragi can help in relaxing the nerves and induce sleep. Milk helps in releasing Tryptophan and improves the serotonin levels, and combining it with Ragi helps in reducing stress, anxiety, manages mood swings and helps in boosting brain health.

Most times I cook the ragi malt with water as it turns too heavy with milk. Cooking ragi with milk may hinder the absorption of iron from ragi. So it is good to cook and consume it without any milk products. But it is up to you to judge.

Should I soak ragi? ›

Ragi has a tough outer skin, so soaking and sprouting them allow them to soften and makes it easier to digest for babies. You can use this ragi powder to make breakfast recipes like ragi dosa, ragi idli, idiyappam and puttu.

Millets that are cooling: The ideal millets to be eaten in the summer are Jowar, Ragi, Foxtail millet, Barnyard millet and Kodo millet. These cooling millets can be incorporated into your diet in summers.

PUNE: Prices of ragi, jowar, and other types of millets have shot up by 40% to 100% (in the case of brown top minor millet) in one year with International Year of Millets campaigns and entry of multinationals into this segment pushing demand and erratic weather conditions affecting supplies.

Ragi is rich in several vitamins, such as Vitamin B complex including B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), and B6 (pyridoxine). These vitamins play essential roles in metabolism, energy production, nerve function, and overall health.

Studies have shown that ragi is not recommended for kids with food sensitivities as it might cause diarrhea and upset stomach, gas, or bloating stomach pain. If your kid is experiencing constipation or any other digestive issues, it is best to consult a pediatrician for appropriate advice and treatment.

In fact, ragi is rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and prevents constipation. However, excessive consumption of ragi or any other food item can lead to digestive issues like constipation in some people.

jawar, bajra, ragi, buckwheat – are good combinations of starch and fiber. Therefore having millet roti/ porridge/ khichri etc in high uric acid found to be a safe option. This types of Millets are used to reduce uric acid.

Ragi, also known as finger millet, is one such millet that shines as a versatile ingredient in healthy recipes. Packed with fiber and protein, it is beneficial for individuals with high blood pressure and high blood sugar. Ragi is rich in essential minerals and vitamins, making it a nutritious choice.

Ragi has a lower GI than wheat, meaning it releases energy more steadily and helps control blood sugar levels. "It also has slow absorbing carbohydrates making it a favourable food for diabetics and those who want to lose weight," advised Sowmya.