4 minutes agoAuthor: Gaurav Tiwari
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North India Cold has set in. People’s blankets and shawls have come out. The most beautiful thing about the winter season is that the food options increase manifold these days. Most colorful vegetables and fruits are available only in winter. Most types of grains are also eaten in this season. Millets are hot in nature, hence eating them is most enjoyable in this season.
When humans started growing grains on earth, they first grew millets. Thousands of years ago, millets were grown throughout Africa and South-East Asia. One of these grains was Ragi. After this, humans climbed the stairs of civilization, established cities and the control of our dinner plate went to the food production companies.
Businessmen brought crops which could be grown in large quantities with the help of fertilizer and water. When farmers benefited from this, Ragi started disappearing from their fields and kitchens. Ragi crop does not require much irrigation and fertilizer, so it was grown only by the poor class. Now science and food scientists are calling it a superfood.
The same Ragi is now being sold in the super market at 20 times higher price than before. PM Modi had also mentioned this in his radio program ‘Mann Ki Baat’.
Ragi is a low glycemic food so it is very beneficial for diabetic people. It is also helpful in weight loss. This strengthens the bones and also protects from the risk of cancer.
so today ‘winter superfoods‘We will talk about Ragi in the series. You will also learn that-
- What is its nutritional value?
- What are the benefits of eating ragi?
- Who should not eat it?
What is the nutritional value of ragi?
Ragi is rich in carbs and proteins. Eating this not only gives you energy but also makes you feel full for a long time. The dietary fiber present in it helps in digestion. Apart from this, Ragi also contains important minerals like calcium, iron and magnesium. What nutrients are there in ragi, see in the graphic:
There are amazing benefits of eating ragi daily
It is amazing that the food which is a part of our plate is also working like a medicine. Ragi is one such grain, which is delicious to eat and is also rich in many medicinal properties. Being rich in antioxidants, it acts as a natural relaxant. Being rich in magnesium, blood pressure remains under control and heart health improves. What are the other health benefits of this, see in the graphic:
Some common questions related to Ragi and their answers
Question: Can we eat ragi roti in daily diet?
answer: Yes, it is safe to eat ragi daily and it makes our diet nutrition rich. The fiber, calcium and iron present in it make it beneficial. It is also very beneficial for digestive health.
Question: Does consumption of Ragi make our body weak?
answer: No, this is a wrong concept. Actually, 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 does not have any effect on health, on the contrary, it definitely has many benefits.
Question: Can diabetic people eat ragi?
answer: Yes, you can definitely eat it and it is safe too. Ragi has a low glycemic index. Doctors advise diabetic people to eat only low glycemic foods.
Question: Can people suffering from gluten sensitivity and celiac disease eat ragi?
answer: Yes, Ragi is a gluten-free whole grain, hence it is safe for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. Celiac is a chronic digestive and immune disorder. These people may have problems like swelling, pain and nausea in the intestine by eating wheat flour etc.
Question: Who should not eat ragi?
answer: Ragi is generally a safe grain for everyone, but it may cause problems to some people.
These people should not eat Ragi:
- Those who have any kidney related problem.
- Those who have kidney stones or have ever had kidney stones.
- Those who have thyroid related problems.
- Those who get rashes, itching or swelling in the skin after eating Ragi i.e. those who are allergic to it.
Question: Can we eat ragi during pregnancy?
answer: Yes, eating ragi during pregnancy is safe and beneficial. During this period, women’s need for iron and calcium increases. Since ragi is rich in iron and calcium, it can fulfill their needs. Problems related to digestion also increase during pregnancy. The fiber present in it can help in digestion.
Question: Are there any side effects of eating ragi?
answer: Generally, there is no harm in eating ragi, but consuming it too much can cause swelling, gas in the stomach and can also cause diarrhea. In rare cases, some people may be allergic to it. If eating ragi causes itching, rashes or difficulty in breathing, then 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 ever had kidney stones or have any problem related to oxalate, then they should consume ragi in limit.
Question: Can eating ragi cause chest pain?
answer: Ragi contains the mineral potassium important for the body. It has many health benefits, but increasing the amount of potassium in the body can cause problems like nausea, chest pain and tingling in the body. Therefore, consume Ragi only in limit.
………………………….. Also read these news of winter superfood series 1. Winter superfood – Mustard-Fenugreek 186% iron in greens: a treasure trove of minerals, who should not eat them?
Just 100 grams of fenugreek greens provide 186% of the daily iron requirement. Just one cup of mustard greens provides 120% Vitamin K. Read the full news… 2. Winter superfood- America and Australia are crazy about jowar: Beneficial in diabetes, protects from cancer.
Jowar is known as much for its amazing taste as it is for its nutrients. Jowar helps in weight loss, safe for diabetic people. It is anti-inflammatory and also contains anti-cancer elements. Read the full news…
