North India The cold set in. People’s blankets and shawls came out. The best thing about winter is that food options are increasing these days. Most colorful vegetables and fruits are only available in winter. Most types of cereals are also eaten in this season. Millets are spicy in nature, so eating them is more enjoyable in this season.
When humans began growing grains on land, they first grew millet. Thousands of years ago, millet was grown throughout Africa and Southeast Asia. One of these cereals was Ragi. After that, humans moved up the ranks of civilization, founded cities, and control of our plate passed to food production companies.
Businessmen brought crops that could be grown in large quantities with the help of fertilizer and water. When farmers took advantage, Ragi started disappearing from their fields and kitchens. Ragi cultivation does not require much irrigation and fertilizer, so it was cultivated only by the poor class. Today, scientists and food experts call it a superfood.
The same Ragi is now sold in supermarkets at a price 20 times higher than before. Prime Minister Modi had also mentioned this in his radio show ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Ragi is a low glycemic index food, so it is very beneficial for people with diabetes. It is also useful for weight loss. This strengthens bones and also protects against the risk of cancer.
That’s why today we will talk about Ragi in the “Superfood of Winter” series. You will also learn that-
What is its nutritional value? What are the benefits of eating ragi?
What is the nutritional value of ragi?
Ragi is rich in carbohydrates and proteins. Eating this not only gives you energy but also keeps you feeling full for a long time. The dietary fiber it contains helps with digestion. Apart from this, Ragi also contains important minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium. What nutrients does ragi contain, see in the chart:
There are amazing benefits of eating ragi daily
It’s amazing that the food on our plate also acts as medicine. Ragi is one such grain, delicious to eat and rich in many medicinal properties. Rich in antioxidants, it acts as a natural relaxant. Being rich in magnesium, blood pressure remains under control and heart health improves. What other health benefits are there, see in the chart:
Some common questions related to Ragi and their answers
Question: Can we eat ragi roti in our daily diet?
Answer: Yes, it is safe to eat ragi daily and it makes our diet rich in nutrients. The fiber, calcium and iron it contains make it beneficial. It is also very beneficial for digestive health.
Question: Does consuming Ragi weaken our body?
Answer: No, this is a false concept. In fact, Ragi contains phytic acid, due to which the absorption of minerals like zinc, iron and magnesium becomes a little difficult for the body. Generally, it has no effect on health, on the contrary, it certainly has many benefits.
Question: Can people with diabetes eat ragi?
Answer: Yes, you can definitely eat it and it is also safe. Ragi has a low glycemic index. Doctors advise people with diabetes to eat only foods with a low glycemic index.
Question: Can people with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease eat ragi?
Answer: Yes, Ragi is a gluten-free whole grain, so it is safe for celiac disease and people sensitive to gluten. Celiac disease is a chronic digestive and immune disorder. These people may have problems like swelling, pain and nausea in the intestine while eating wheat flour etc.
Question: Who should not eat ragi?
Answer: Ragi is generally a safe cereal for everyone, but it can cause problems for some people.
These people should not eat Ragi:
Those who have kidney problems. Those who have kidney stones or have had kidney stones in the past. Those who experience rashes, itching or swelling of the skin after eating ragi i.e. those who are allergic. to this.
Question: Can we eat ragi during pregnancy?
Answer: Yes, eating ragi during pregnancy is safe and beneficial. During this period, women’s needs for iron and calcium increase. Since ragi is rich in iron and calcium, it can meet their needs. Digestion-related problems also increase during pregnancy. The fiber it contains can help with digestion.
Question: Are there any side effects of eating ragi?
Answer: Generally, there is no harm in eating Ragi, but consuming too much of it can cause swelling, gas in the stomach and also cause diarrhea. In rare cases, some people may be allergic to it. If eating ragi causes itching, rash, or difficulty breathing, stop consuming it and consult a doctor.
Question: Does eating ragi flour cause kidney stones?
Answer: Ragi contains oxalic acid. Therefore, eating too much Ragi can cause kidney stones. People who have already had kidney stones or have an oxalate-related problem should then consume ragi in limited quantities.
Question: Can eating ragi cause chest pain?
Answer: Ragi contains important mineral potassium for the body. It has many health benefits, but increasing the amount of potassium in the body can cause problems such as nausea, chest pain, and tingling in the body. Therefore, consume Ragi only in limit.
………………………….. from the winter superfoods series 1. Winter superfood – Mustard-Fenugreek 186% iron in green vegetables: a treasure trove of minerals, who should not eat them?
Just 100 grams of fenugreek leaves provide 186% of the daily iron requirement. Just one cup of mustard greens provides 120% vitamin K. … 2. Winter superfood – America and Australia love jowar: Beneficial against diabetes, protects against cancer.
Jowar is known as much for its incredible taste as for its nutrients. Jowar helps in weight loss, safe for people with diabetes. It is anti-inflammatory and also contains anti-cancer elements. …