Friday 3 April 2015

Finger Millet or Ragi one of the healthiest cereal

Finger Millet or Ragi is one of the healthiest amongst the bunch. Ragi grains are so tiny that it is impossible to polish them, thus retaining all the nutrients that this tiny brown grain is born with! We tell you 5 simple reasons why finger millet rules the roost when it comes to healthy food ingredients!

1) Calcium Rich – Finger millet is one of the cereals that are loaded with calcium – almost 200 times more than rice. Start your day with a deliciously healthy Ragi porridge using three simple ingredients - Finger millet flour, milk and jaggery (panela or rapadura) to reap maximum benefits out of all three.

2) Gluten Free – One of the best ingredients for a gluten free diet is ragi. Fibre, calcium, vitamins, amino acids and essential carbs and most importantly proteins are all present in good quantities in this cereal. Making it a very intelligent choice for those who are lactose intolerant or are opting to live a gluten free way of life.

3) Better Digestion – Finger Millet is high in fibre, which automatically makes it an ingredient that promotes effective bowel movement and digestion. High dietary fibre content makes you feel full for a longer period of time and hence prevents overeating. When you have tummy woes – go in for some nutritious Ragi!

4) Great for new mothers and babies – Finger millet is loaded with all types of vitamins and minerals that does good to a new born baby and mother. Make a batch of some Ragi balls by roasting some coarsely ground finger millet flour in ghee (clarified butter) add in some gum raisin, desiccated coconut and your choice of dried fruit, and shape into small balls and store. These are great for pregnant women and lactating mothers. Ragi porridge is great for the babies too.

5) Diet Friendly – The fat content in this cereal is much less when compared to other cereals. It contains an amino acid called tryptophan, which controls hunger and reduces appetite. Idlis(Rice cakes) which are already considered healthy and diet friendly food, becomes way healthier when you use ragi instead of rice. Also they get that earthy rustic flavour and look because of this wholesome ingredient. Your weight loss diet just gets more effective with one small switch!

Finger Millet is an ingredients that is not just versatile in its nutritive value, but also in its uses. You can use this in recipes ranging from breakfast right through to dessert after dinner!

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