Many Indians, particularly in the south, have been familiar with ragi or finger millet for ages. However, the previously well-known cereal is now completely vanished from most people's diets. This is surprising and disappointing, given the nutritional and medicinal importance of finger millet to the human body. Furthermore, it is a highly adaptable crop that is well adapted to Indian climate conditions, making it doubly significant.
Once considered a poor man's meal, it is now embraced by city dwellers. Finger millet value addition technology has made significant contributions to bringing it back to our plates. It is popular among farmers because it is easier to cultivate and prepare than other millets.
Health Benefits of Finger Millets
Finger Millet for Managing Diabetes:
Diabetes' rapid increase has created a significant demand for foods containing complex carbs, high dietary fiber levels, and beneficial phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are a diverse range of chemical substances originating from plants that are thought to play an essential role in the human ability to battle illness. All of these components are often located on the outer layer of the grain or the seed coat, therefore eating whole grains is generally a good idea.
When compared to cereals such as barley, rice, maize, and wheat, the seed coat of finger millet is higher in polyphenols.
Finger Millet for Strong Bones and Teeth:
Finger millet has the most excellent calcium content, with around 364 mg per 100 gm. It has three times the calcium of milk. Calcium is necessary for the maintenance of strong bones and teeth. It benefits both developing youngsters and older persons who may be in danger of osteoporosis.
Finger Millet Benefits for Pregnant and Lactating Mothers:
Finger Millet promotes a healthy pregnancy by increasing the milk supply and alleviating anxiety and stress. The high mineral and nutritional content help to nourish both mother and child throughout pregnancy. It boosts immunity and offers you more energy to be busy. It also aids in the formation of milk since it is high in calcium, iron, and amino acids.
Finger Millet Benefits for Digestion:
Dietary fiber is necessary for digestive health and regular bowel motions. Finger millet is high in dietary fiber, which aids digestion and reduces constipation.
Finger Millet helps in the Relaxation of the body:
Finger millet has an excellent amino profile that serves as a relaxant. As a result, frequent consumption of finger millet aids in the treatment of depression, sleeplessness, and anxiety.
Shivani Sikri, Chief Nutritionist & Co-founder of Nutri4verve, in a conversation with Krishi Jagran, mentioned the importance of Finger millet. According to her, it has a high level of calcium and iron due to which it is a rich source of food for small and growing kids. People suffering from diabetes and cholesterol can consume it as it is low in glycemic index, and has high fiber and protein. The cholesterol present in it is less. By Soaking, germination and fermentation we can increase the nutritive values and absorption and benefits. Like fermentation steam cake (aka) idli, dosa or making pancakes (ragi cheela)
She also mentioned further that this superfood was earlier more prevalent in South India but due to its high nutrition it is gaining importance in North and other parts of India as well. One of the evident reasons for its popularity among the southern people was because it helped in lowering body heat and was budget friendly.
