Ragi is scientifically called Eleusine coracana. It is an annually cultivated cereal crop, broadly found in the tropical regions of Africa as well as Asia, such as Ethiopia, India And Sri Lanka. Finger Millet is densely packed with a host of nutrients. It confers valuable health benefits such as enhancing digestion, reducing heart disease risk, slowing ageing, and managing diabetes.

Ragi, in common English, is known as finger millet. The grain resembles the five fingers attached to the palm. This millet grows up to a height of 1 to 2 m. It belongs to the Gramineae botanical family. The leaves of the grains measure between 30 and 70 cm, which are narrow and green. The branches, which are straight or sometimes curved, hold seeds set in florets, which can be brown, red or purple. Finger millet is widely distributed across several states in India. Moreover, it has many local names, which are as follows: "Ragi" in Kannada, Hindi and Telugu, "Nachni" in Marathi, "Madua" in Bengali as well as "Kezhvaragu" in Tamil.

These nutritious millet crops are drought-resistant and can tolerate slightly acidic to alkaline soils. This makes it possible to grow these plants all year round in many geographical regions of India, including plateaus and mountains.

Upon development, the seeds of the ragi plant are dried, cleaned and stored as grains. Aurganicum brings finger millet flour for you using the traditional Vedic Chakki method, which applies the least pressure on the grains and does not let the flour get heat. This helps in keeping the nutrients present in it intact.

Due to the immense popularity of other cereal crops, such as rice and wheat, finger millet had taken a backseat in the Indian food and nutrition scene for a long time. However, they were a highly followed nutritious yield in ancient agricultural practices more than 2000 years ago. It has made a powerful comeback as a frontrunner for preserving optimal health over the past three to four decades thanks to extensive research and the UN FAO's push to include millet in daily diets to combat malnutrition and other frequently occurring ailments. In this complete blog, we will explore the numerous advantages of including ragi ka atta in your diet. But before we move forward, let us look at some interesting facts about this healthy cereal.

Facts About Ragi

1. Karnataka is India's highest producer of ragi and contributes 58% of the entire country's production.
2. Unlike other cereals, this nutritious cereal need not be polished, which makes it healthier to consume.
3. It is believed to be a natural wonder grain for weight loss.
4. This wonder grain keeps your body cool even during hot summer days.

Let us now look at the benefits of consuming it in your daily life.

Advantages Of Ragi

This healthy gluten-free grain can provide numerous benefits, from health to skin and hair.

1. Weight Management

Are you looking to shed those extra pounds? Nachni ka atta can be your partner. It has high amounts of fibre that promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing the temptation to overeat. This helps in weight loss. It reduces the blood sugar level in your body and turns it into insulin. Finger millet is best suited when you consume it in the morning. It contains an amino acid called as Tryptophan, which helps you lose weight by lowering your appetite. Thus, you don’t feel hungry often.

2. Bone Health

Are your bones weak? Do you often have joint pains? This is a symptom of calcium deficiency in your body. We all are well aware that strong bones are the foundation of a healthy life. Finger millet flour can be your best pick as it is a rich source of calcium. You can have chappati, dosa, idli, halwa or malt made with ragi ka atta.

3. Digestive Health

The dietary fibre in finger millet flour helps your intestines digest food effortlessly. This healthy flour improves the movement of food in your body, smoothens the flow of food through your intestines as well as retains the water in your body for waste excretion. Thus, this nutritious grain is a highly nutritional cereal. It also helps you maintain good health. However, you can relish different dishes and ensure a healthy life. This healthy flour will keep you fit and healthy all day, from dosas to ladoos.

4. Heart Health

This nutritious grain is entirely cholesterol-free and sodium-free, making finger millet flour safe for people with heart ailments. Furthermore, the high quantity of dietary fibre and Vitamin B3 helps reduce bad cholesterol levels by promoting good cholesterol levels. This prevents plaque and fatty deposits in your heart vessels, easing cardiac muscle function and enhancing heart health.

5. Skin And Hair

Who doesn't want radiant skin and lustrous hair? This wonder grain is not just good for the inside; it works wonders outside. The amino acids promote collagen production, giving you youthful and glowing skin. It's also a source of antioxidants that combat free radicals, delaying the signs of ageing. Regarding your hair, its iron content helps prevent hair loss and promotes healthy growth.

6. Gluten-Free 

Are you allergic to gluten? Or seeking a gluten-free diet? Finger millet flour can be your perfect pick because it is naturally gluten-free. This makes it a safe choice. You can include this healthy cereal in multiple ways. Plus, it's packed with nutrients to help keep you healthy.

7. Versatility In The Kitchen

Its versatility extends to your kitchen, offering a range of culinary possibilities. From classic porridge to dosas, idlis, and even bread, there's a recipe to suit every palate. You can seamlessly include this wonder grain’s atta in your daily meals and snacks.

8. Sustainable And Eco-Friendly

This healthy grain cultivation is eco-friendly and sustainable. It requires minimal water and grows well in various climates, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers.

The Crux

Incorporating these healthy wonder grains into your daily lifestyle is a smart choice for various reasons. It offers many health benefits. So, why not adopt this nutritional powerhouse and experience the transformation it can bring? Make Ragi ka atta a staple in your diet, and watch as it works its magic on your health and well-being.