Ragi
Ragi
Ragi or Finger Millet is a highly nutritious grain. It is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and calcium. Due to its high nutrient value and fiber content it is considered good for the babies.
Ragi helps in managing blood glucose levels making it good for diabetics. It also helps promote bone health due to the presence of calcium and minerals.
According to Ayurveda, Ragi is good for cholesterol management due to its Ama (toxin) reducing activity. Eating Ragi flakes for breakfast and Ragi flour chapatis is considered good for weight management due to its high fiber content.
Applying Ragi flour paste with milk on the face helps to get rid of wrinkles. It has collagen and antioxidants which prevent the signs of aging[2][3].
Ragi helps in managing blood glucose levels making it good for diabetics. It also helps promote bone health due to the presence of calcium and minerals.
According to Ayurveda, Ragi is good for cholesterol management due to its Ama (toxin) reducing activity. Eating Ragi flakes for breakfast and Ragi flour chapatis is considered good for weight management due to its high fiber content.
Applying Ragi flour paste with milk on the face helps to get rid of wrinkles. It has collagen and antioxidants which prevent the signs of aging[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Ragi?
Eleusine coracana, Madhuli, Markatahastatrna, Marua, Finger Millet, Naagali-Baavato, Manduaa, Makaraa, Raagi, Muttari, Naachnee, Kodra, Madua, Koda, Tagidelu, Raagulu[1].
What is the source of Ragi?
Plant Based
Benefits of Ragi
1. Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone density. In Ayurveda, this depletion of the bone tissue is called Asthikshaya. This is due to nutrient deficiency because of malnutrition and imbalance of Vata dosha. Ragi is a good source of natural calcium. It helps in strengthening bones and also helps to balance Vata. This reduces the risk of Osteoporosis.
Tips:
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flour.
b. Add some water to make a dough.
c. Make small chapatis with the help of a roller.
d. Cook them properly and have hot chapatis with any side dish.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells which reduces the function of insulin. Ragi helps to correct impaired digestion and remove Ama due to its Laghu (light to digest) nature. This helps control high blood sugar level.
Tips:
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flour.
b. Add some water to make a dough.
c. Make small chapatis with the help of a roller.
d. Cook them properly and have hot chapatis with any side dish.
3. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Ragi helps in controlling high cholesterol because of its Ama reducing property. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.
Tips:
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flour.
b. Add some water to make a dough.
c. Make small chapatis with the help of roller.
d. Cook them properly and have hot chapatis with any side dish.
Osteoporosis is a progressive bone disease that is characterized by a decrease in bone density. In Ayurveda, this depletion of the bone tissue is called Asthikshaya. This is due to nutrient deficiency because of malnutrition and imbalance of Vata dosha. Ragi is a good source of natural calcium. It helps in strengthening bones and also helps to balance Vata. This reduces the risk of Osteoporosis.
Tips:
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flour.
b. Add some water to make a dough.
c. Make small chapatis with the help of a roller.
d. Cook them properly and have hot chapatis with any side dish.
2. Diabetes
Diabetes also known as Madhumeha is due to impaired digestion. Impaired digestion leads to the accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) in the pancreatic cells which reduces the function of insulin. Ragi helps to correct impaired digestion and remove Ama due to its Laghu (light to digest) nature. This helps control high blood sugar level.
Tips:
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flour.
b. Add some water to make a dough.
c. Make small chapatis with the help of a roller.
d. Cook them properly and have hot chapatis with any side dish.
3. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is due to an imbalance of Pachak Agni (digestive fire). Impaired digestion at the tissue level produces excess waste products or Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion). This causes accumulation of bad cholesterol and blockage in the blood vessels. Ragi helps in controlling high cholesterol because of its Ama reducing property. It also helps to remove blockage from the blood vessels by eliminating toxins.
Tips:
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flour.
b. Add some water to make a dough.
c. Make small chapatis with the help of roller.
d. Cook them properly and have hot chapatis with any side dish.
How to use Ragi
1. Ragi flour chapati
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flour.
b. Add some water to make a dough.
c. Make small chapatis with the help of a roller.
d. Cook them properly and have it with any side dish.
2. Ragi flakes
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flakes.
b. Add ½ cup of water to it.
c. Also add honey to it.
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flour.
b. Add some water to make a dough.
c. Make small chapatis with the help of a roller.
d. Cook them properly and have it with any side dish.
2. Ragi flakes
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Ragi flakes.
b. Add ½ cup of water to it.
c. Also add honey to it.
Frequently asked questions
Ayurvedic View
Eating Ragi reduces burning sensation in the stomach. This is because it gives a cooling effect due to its Sita (cold) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Ragi is easy to digest. This is because of its Laghu (light to digest) property. So Ragi is a good choice if you have a weak digestion.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Oseghale I, Imieje V, Erharuyi O, et al. A Review of the Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Eleusine coracana Linn (Poaceae): A Popular Nigerian Edible Grain. TJNPR.2017;1(6):227-235.
- Devi PB, Vijayabharathi R, Sathyabama S, et al.Health benefits of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) polyphenols and dietary fiber: a review.J Food Sci Technol. 2014;51(6):1021–1040.
- Shobana S, Harsha MR, Platel K et al.Amelioration of hyperglycaemia and its associated complications by finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) seed coat matter in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.Br J Nutr.2010;104:1787–1795.
- Chandra D, Chandra S, Pallavi et al.Review of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn): a power house of health benefiting nutrients.Food Science and Human Wellness.2016;5(3):149-155.
- Devi NV, Sinthiya R.Development of value added product from finger millet (Eleusine coracana). International Journal of Research –Granthaalayah.2018;6(2):109-119.
- Puranik S, Kam J, Sahu PP, et al.Harnessing finger millet to combat calcium deficiency in humans: Challenges and prospects.Front Plant Sci.2017;8:1311.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.