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Ragi or finger millet is one of the most nutritious and healthy cereals
Ragi: A Brief History
Finger millet originated in Africa and has been cultivated for many thousands of years in Uganda and Ethiopia. In India, the crop was probably introduced 4000 years ago, and has been found in archeological excavations in the Harappan Civilization.
Benefits of Ragi
The grain’s protein content is comparable to that of rice. However, some ragi varieties have shown double that level. More importantly, this protein content is quite unique.
Ragi is also a very rich source of minerals. It has been found to have between 5-30 times the calcium content found in other cereals. It is also rich in phosphorus, potassium and iron.
The rapid rise in the prevalence of diabetes has led to a great demand for foods containing complex carbohydrates with high dietary fiber levels and beneficial phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are a varied group of chemical compounds derived from plants, which are considered to be important factors in our capacity to combat disease.
Finger millet has been found to act against a number of bacteria including Bacillus cereus, which causes food poisoning, Salmonella sp., which causes a typhoid-like fever, and Staphylococcus aureus, one of the primary causes of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, furuncles, and cellulitis.
Finger millet is also rich in antioxidants, which have sort of become a byword in health books today. Antioxidants prevent excessive oxidation (how surprising!), which could otherwise cause cancer and ageing because of cell damage.
Aside from the phenolic content and antioxidants which are important factors in preventing ageing, finger millet and kodo millet have specifically shown potential in inhibiting cross-linking of collagen.
Emerging research has shown that finger millet has the potential to reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases. Technically speaking, finger millet reduces concentrations of serum triglycerides and inhibits lipid oxidation and LDL cholesterol oxidation.
Kodo, Koda or Arke millet that goes with the botanical name Paspalum scrobiculatum is a drought-tolerant annual plant that is cultivated extensively in India, Nepal, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia and West Africa. Kodo millet grass reaches up to four feet tall, sporting slender leaves at 20 to 40 cm in length requiring very little water to grow. When harvested the seeds are ellipsoidal in shape, tiny at 1.5mm in width and 2mm in length, colour varying between light brown to dark grey.
Kodo millet is also known as cow grass, rice grass, ditch millet, Indian cow grass. It is called as Kodo dhana in Hindi, Arikalu in Telugu, Varagu in Tamil, Kodro in Gujarati, Harka in Kannada, Kodon in Urdu.
Benefits of Kodo Millet:
Controls Diabetes:
If you are a diabetic, it’s time to switch over to millets. Bring in kodo millets in your regular diet plan for averting those sudden spikes in the levels of blood sugar and also to elevate the levels of insulin. According to studies, Kodo millet significantly reduces glycated haemoglobin levels, triggers production of liver glycogen, stimulating instant levels of energy in diabetics.
Millets of all kinds top the list of those hoping to lose those extra kilos. Kodo, a great alternative for rice and wheat serves the purpose, as it triggers metabolic activity, fights against metabolic syndrome.
Foxtail Millet also known as Kangni seeds is highly beneficial or we can say necessary diet food for bird with high balanced nutritious diet.
Benefits
- Stronger Bones:
- Strengthens Nervous System:
- Boosts Cardiac Health:
- Manages Diabetes:
- Lowers Bad Cholesterol:
- Triggers Weight Loss:
- Promotes Digestion:
- Builds Immunity:
