Wonders of Ragi - you don't want to miss out on this!

This super cereal Ragi is known by various names and its remarkably delicious ‘Papads’ is a never-miss-on during any kind of festival in India.

So what’s the big deal you might ask, it’s just like any other 'papad' ingredient right?

Hold up reader, you are about to be amazed by the wonders this cereal can do! It’s all out there and our grandmas know it too but not everyone goes deep enough to discover for themselves. So here goes your one-stop to know all about Ragi and maybe enlighten your friends too?

Know this?...

In Maharashtra, some say "Nagli nahi ga Nachni" while some say "Nachni nahi ga Nagli". Well, both mean the same thing!

1. Rich In Antioxidants:

• In this fast-moving world, stress is inevitable. It’s scientifically proven that prolonged stress leads to a state of inflammation that may contribute to cancer risk. But hey to your rescue comes Ragi!

• Ragi being rich in antioxidants reduces the risk of cancer and aging due to cell damage. Oxidization of cells causes cancer and aging. The antioxidants in ragi lower cell damage by preventing excessive oxidization of the cells.

So boost your life’s longevity with this morning’s tip!

Boil the Ragi and drink its water with the seeds.

To know more, you can even check this valuable investigation Anti-cancer Potential of Ragi published by The European Journal of Plant Science and Biotechnology.

2. Benefits For Weight Loss:

Now, who doesn’t want to lose those extra baggies around the tummy right?

• Ragi contains various fibers and amino acids like tryptophan which reduces appetite. This is why lots of people eat ragi for weight loss. It contains unsaturated fats and is hence known as a low-fat cereal as compared to other cereals like rice, wheat, maize, etc.

• Ragi aids in slowing digestion. This makes a person feel fuller on lesser calories thus reducing cravings and preventing excessive calorie consumption. It can be a great substitute for wheat or rice for people trying to lose weight.

Sliming down get’s easier for you!

Consume Ragi instead of rice or wheat.

3. Anti-aging:

SHH! Letting you in on the secret beauty power of Ragi here.

• Consuming ragi is a very efficient way of maintaining youthful and healthy skin. Ragi has phenolic and other antioxidants that prevent aging. Amino acids like methionine and lysine, present in ragi make the skin less prone to wrinkles and sagging.

• Ragi has some important factors that inhibit cross-linking of collagen(found in many beauty products for skin benefits). This cross-linking causes stiffness in the blood vessels, skin, and other tissue, which reduces the elasticity that normally comes with age.

Now might as well consider consuming it daily?

Powder the ragi and make a smoothie and drink regularly.

What’s more?

Ragi continues to impress us with its other benefits like -

Controls Diabetes

Promotes Relaxation

Treats Anaemia

Reduces hair fall due to stress

Strengthening Of Bones

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Caution!

The old saying goes like “Too much of anything is harmful” and just like that, we have few downsides too -

Being a rich source of calcium, if consumed in a larger than recommended amount, it can increase the amount of oxalic acid in the body causing kidney stones.

Goitrogen present in ragi can interfere with the thyroid hormones and reduce iodine uptake by the thyroid gland. Low iodine levels can lead to goiter.

PSST!

You can have countless recipes that use ragi in delicious forms. From babies to adults, all can have ragi and reap the benefits. Try out ragi chips,idli, dosa, etc., and let us know in the comments section ;)

Consume in the right quantity and rest is assured!