Finger millet, regionally known as ragi, regularly frequented the diet of Indians once upon a time. It is one of the most nutritious crops that grow in India and has a unique historical significance. Finger millet has its origins in Africa. The crop touched Indian grounds about 4000 years prior. This can be confirmed from the traces of the crop found in the remains of the Harappan civilization in India.
Along with being nutritious, finger millet also serves as a tasty food when cooked into fritters, cookies, or sweet snacks like laddoos. Read on to find out how to finger millet can be an extremely valuable addition to your regular diet.
- The High Content of Protein
Finger millet can easily replace rice, for both have the same amount of protein. However, there are several varieties of finger millet that have two times higher protein content. Being rich in protein, finger millet serves as a valuable measure of preventing malnourishment and malnutrition.
- Rich In Minerals
Calcium, phosphorus, iron, and potassium are found in abundance in finger millet. These minerals, and calcium, in particular, are extremely crucial for developing and maintaining a strong physique. Regular consumption of finger millet can reduce the risk of facing physiological conditions such as low levels of haemoglobin, osteoporosis, improper bone density, and so on.
- Controlling Diabetes
Cases of diabetes are being increasingly diagnosed across the globe. To counter diabetes, grains with high fibre content, phytochemicals, and optimum levels of complex carbohydrates are extremely important. Finger millet is the perfect grain that comprises all of these components. In comparison to maize, barley, rice, and wheat, finger millet is much richer in nutritional value that is suitable for controlling diabetes.
- Antimicrobial and Antibacterial Properties
Finger millet is antibacterial in nature and is provenly effective against bacteria that cause food poisoning. It is also found to counter the activity of a bacteria called Salmonella sp. This is the root cause of fever similar to typhoid. The grain’s antimicrobial properties are also effective against soft-tissue and skin infections caused by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
- Potential For Fighting Cancer
It is a rich supply of antioxidants. Antioxidants are elements that prevent oxidation in excess. Excess oxidation is linked to cell damage, aging, and cancer. Studies also highlight a correlation between regular consumption of millet and lower tendencies of cancer of the oesophagus.
- Maintaining Cardiac Health
Emerging studies show finger millet in a promising light. It reduces what the layman knows as bad cholesterol in the body. The concentration of serum triglycerides is reduced by the consumption of this grain, and lipid oxidation and LDL cholesterol oxidation are inhibited. LDL refers to low-density lipoprotein, which is an undesirable type of cholesterol. Oxidized LDL can inflame the arteries, which can further raise the occurrences of strokes or cardiac arrest.
Thus, there are many advantages of including finger millet, or ragi, in one’s regular diet. Instead of depending upon dietary supplements, those seeking to develop a strong and healthy physique can easily turn to finger millet. This grain can be used in the form of a powder, or flour. Finger millet flour, when paired with suitable ingredients, can turn into lip-smacking delicacies. For instance, clarified butter, coconut, sugar, groundnuts, almonds, and aromatic spices can blend with ragi flour to form delicious, nutritious laddoos. If one prefers savoury over sweet, finger millet flour can be put together with an assortment of veggies and spices along with chickpea flour for the preparation of tasty, airy-light fritters.
There are multiple ways to incorporate ragi into your diet to make it tastier as well as healthier. If you intend to make this wise dietary shift and are wondering whether you can buy finger millet flour or ragi atta online, Conscious Food is just for you. Reach out to us, for we have exactly what you need.
