Why Ragi is a Suitable Food for Babies and Toddlers
1. WHY RAGI, A SUITABLE FOOD FOR BABIES AND
TODDLERS?
Ragi, or finger millet, was familiar to many Indians a generation ago,
particularly in the southern region of the country (Eleusine coracana
L.). However, most people's diets now are devoid of the once well-
known cereal. Given finger millet's nutritional and therapeutic
benefits for the human body, this is both surprising and regrettable.
Furthermore, it is a very adaptable crop that is well-suited to the
climatic conditions of India, making it doubly important. Let's look at
some of the advantages of finger millet, as well as several tasty
recipes. Ragi is one of the few vegan calcium sources, with a higher
calcium concentration than any other cereal. So, with this millet,
osteoporosis isn't even on your radar. Because ragi is also good for
kids, having it in their diet can help them create stronger bones and
teeth when they get older.
2. Ragi contains a lot of protein:
The protein level of the grain is comparable to that of rice. Some ragi
cultivars, on the other hand, have shown levels that are twice as high.
More importantly, this protein profile is one-of-a-kind. Eleusinian is
the primary protein fraction, and it has a high biological value, which
means it is easily absorbed by the body. Tryptophan, cystine,
methionine, and total aromatic amino acids are also present in large
amounts. If that sounds confusing, all you need to know is that these
nutrients are deemed essential for human health and that most cereals
lack them. Because of its high protein content, finger millet is a key
component in the prevention of malnutrition. Because of its high
methionine level, which accounts for around 5% of the protein, the
cereal can be a particularly good source of protein for vegetarians.
3. Ragi is a mineral-dense food:
Ragi also has a lot of minerals in it. It has been discovered that it
contains 5-30 times the calcium present in other grains. Phosphorus,
potassium, and iron are also abundant. Calcium is, without a doubt,
essential for preserving bone density and health. As a result, finger
millet would be a better choice than over-the-counter vitamins,
particularly for persons who are at risk of osteoporosis. Ragi's iron
concentration is ideal for treating anaemia and improving low
haemoglobin levels. This natural iron source also contains a little
quantity of Vitamin C, which aids in iron absorption. Ragi's iron
concentration is ideal for treating anaemia and raising haemoglobin
levels in people who have low levels. Vitamin C is present in this
natural iron source, which aids iron absorption. When compared to
rice and other grains, It has greater nutritional fibre. As a result, it is
an excellent remedy for digestive issues. It also helps you avoid
overeating by keeping you fuller for longer and so suppressing your
appetite. Its polyphenol concentration has been shown to reduce
glycemic sensitivity in diabetics.
Ragi is diabetic-friendly:
The significant rise in diabetes prevalence has created a huge demand
for foods rich in complex carbs, dietary fibre, and protective
phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are a diverse range of chemical
substances originating from plants that are thought to have a key role
in the human ability to fight disease. All of these components are
normally located on the grain's outer layer or seed coat, therefore
eating whole grains is generally a good idea. When compared to
grains like barley, rice, maize, and wheat, the seed coat of finger
millet contains more polyphenols. It has 40 times the phenolic content
4. of rice and 5 times the phenolic content of wheat, for example. It is
comparable to foxtail millet and second only to Kodo millet among
millets. Finger millet also reduces blood glucose levels,
hyperglycemia, and oxidative stress, according to preliminary
research. Finger millet has also been demonstrated to help diabetics
repair wounds faster. Consumption of ragi regularly can assist to
lower your diabetes risk. This is because ragi is high in polyphenols
and dietary fibres. When compared to other whole wheat grains, ragi
has a lot of fibre. Consuming ragi regularly helps to lower blood sugar
levels and keep them stable. Ragi functions as an absorbent, absorbing
starch and lowering your body's digestibility. This is why most
individuals who eat ragi don't get hungry all the time.
Ragi has antimicrobial properties in nature:
Bacillus cereus, which causes food poisoning, Salmonella sp., which
produces typhoid-like fever, and Staphylococcus aureus, one of the
most common causes of skin and soft tissue infections such as
5. abscesses, furuncles, and cellulitis, have all been found to be resistant
to finger millet.
Ragi Prevents the ageing of your skin:
Ragi is an anti-ageing cereal and a natural skincare agent. Ragi
contains important amino acids including Methionine and Lysine,
which protect your skin from rashes, wrinkles, and dullness. Ragi
contains antioxidants that assist your body in battle stress and
counteract the signs of ageing. It rejuvenates the skin cells, giving you
a youthful and healthy appearance.
It also contains Vitamin E, which is beneficial to the skin. Vitamin E
is a natural healer for wounds on the body. This aids in the lubrication
of the skin and the formation of a protective layer that allows your
skin to flourish.
Ragi contains cancer-fighting properties:
6. Ragi is known for its cancer-fighting properties, as it includes fibre
and phytonutrients that lower the risk of colon cancer. Your intestine
converts lignan, a type of nutrient present in ragi, into mammalian
lignan, which protects women from developing breast cancer.
Consuming ragi daily can lower our cancer risk. Antioxidants, which
have become a buzzword in today's health books, are abundant in
finger millet. Antioxidants protect cells from excessive oxidation,
which can lead to cancer and premature ageing due to cell damage.
The phenolic acids, flavonoids, and tannins found in the seed coatings
of finger millet have potent antioxidant capabilities. In general, people
who eat millet-based diets have fewer cases of oesophagal cancer than
those who eat wheat or maize-based diets.
Ragi helps to increase the amount of mothers milk:
Lactating women should eat more green ragi because it raises
haemoglobin levels, which enhances the production of mothers' milk.
These were also referred to as elevated lactation levels. A lactating
mother should include green ragi in her daily diet to enhance amino
acids, breast milk, calcium, and iron, all of which are essential for
both the mother and the kid.
7. Especially, Ragi flour for newborns is a great way to supplement your
baby's diet. It can improve your child's overall health, therefore you
should include it in their diet. It is gluten-free and 100% natural,
making it suitable for newborns and toddlers.
Here are some ragi recipes that are suitable for babies and toddlers. It
will be both yummy and nutritious.
RAGI PORRIDGE
Ragi porridge is a nutritious breakfast option for babies and toddlers.
It has a mild flavour that can be sweetened with mashed bananas or
jaggery, making it suitable for most children.
8. INGREDIENTS:
· 5 tsp of farmm2home’s sprouted ragi porridge mix.
· 1/2 cup of water or milk
· 1/2 tsp jaggery powder
· 1 tsp of ghee
9. https://www.farmm2home.com/product/sprouted-ragi-porridge-mix/
PROCEDURE:
§ Add 2 tablespoons of porridge powder to 1 cup of water or
milk.
§ Stir in the powder so that it does not form lumps.
§ Switch on the gas stove when the powder has completely
dissolved in the milk or water.
§ Stir constantly over medium heat until the porridge is done.
Add jaggery and stir until it is completely melted.
§ If the porridge starts to come away from the sides of the pan in
which it is cooked, it is done. Remove the pan from the heat and
add a spoonful of ghee.
§ It can be fed to the baby once it has warmed up.
10. RAGI VERMICELLI
In most South Indian kitchens, ragi semiya is a healthful breakfast or
supper alternative. It's called Finger millet, and it's a powerhouse of
proteins, minerals, and amino acids, making it one of the healthiest
grains around.
https://www.farmm2home.com/product/ragi-vermicelli/
INGREDIENTS:
· 2 cups/100grams of farmm2home’s ragi vermicelli
· 1 cup of onion (chopped)
· 1 green chilli (finely chopped)
· 1 inch piece of ginger (finely chopped)
11. · Salt needed
For Seasoning:
· 1 tps of oil
· 1 tsp of mustard seeds
· 1/2 tsp of urad dal
· 1 red chilli
· 1/4 tsp of hing
· Curry leaves as needed
PROCEDURE:
§ Fill a large pan halfway with water, add the salt, and soak the
ragi semiya/vermicelli in it. Allow 3 minutes for it to soak in the
water.
§ Using a strainer, drain the water completely.
§ For 5 minutes, steam it in an empty pot or steamer. Spread it
out on a plate once it's done cooking. Our ragi vermicelli has
been steamed and is ready to eat. We'll start seasoning right
now.
§ In a skillet, heat the oil, add the mustard seeds, and when they
sputter, add the urad dad, red chilli, and hing.
12. § Add finely chopped onions, ginger, green chilli, salt to taste,
and curry leaves once the dal has turned golden brown.
§ Cook until the onions are translucent. Cook for another 5
minutes on low heat after adding the steamed ragi semiya.
§ Remove from the fire, garnish with coriander leaves, and serve
immediately with your favourite chutney.
RAGI PUTTU
Ragi puttu is a nutritious breakfast meal. Ragi puttu is one of the
healthiest breakfast options.
INGREDIENTS:
· 1/2 cup of farmm2home’s ragi puttu/idiyappam flour
13. · Salt to taste
· Water needed
· 3 tsp of coconut
· 3 tsp of jaggery syrup or any sweetener
· A pinch of cardamom powder
· 2 tsp of ghee
https://www.farmm2home.com/product/ragi-puttu-idiyappam-flour/
14. PROCEDURE:
§ In a pan, measure and add ragi flour, then dry roast for 3
minutes, or until the texture is slightly grainy and sandy. Season
it with salt.
§ Mix thoroughly, then add a little water at a time until you get a
breadcrumb-like consistency.
§ When held in your palm, it should stay put, but when pressed,
it should disintegrate readily.
§ This is the appropriate time. Fill a steamer with the ragi were
also a mixture.
§ After 10-12 minutes of steam cooking, you'll notice a minor
colour shift. For steaming, I used a white cloth, placed it inside
the steamer, and then added the ragi mixture.
§ You can also stream using your idli plate. Instead, the kuzha
can be used to make puttu. Place it in a mixing basin now. Ghee
should be added at this point.
§ Add cardamom powder, jaggery syrup, or any other sweetener
to taste. Add grated coconut to the mix.
§ Mix thoroughly. You can serve it as is or first make a coconut
bowl base.
§ Place cooked puttu on top, press down firmly, and flatten.
Serve by inverting to a serving platter. This is solely for serving.
§ With banana and cane sugar, serve hot or warm.
15. RAGI NOODLES:
Ragi Noodles are high in protein, dietary fibre, vitamins,
micronutrients, and several vital minerals. This will ensure that you
and your family have a strong immune system as well as a guilt-free
diet!
https://www.farmm2home.com/product/ragi-noodles/
INGREDIENTS:
· 1 pack of farmm2home’s ragi noodles
16. · Onion
· 1-Tomato
· 5 -Curry leaves
· 1 tsp of Oil
· 1/2 tsp of Mustard seeds
· 1/2 tsp of Cumin seeds
· 1 tsp of Urad dal
· 1 tsp of Channa dal
· 1/4 tsp of Turmeric powder
· 1/2 tsp of chilli powder
· 1 tsp of Garam masala powder
· 1/2 tsp of Pepper powder
· 2 tsp of Roasted gram powder (optional)
· Salt – as required
INSTRUCTIONS:
§ Cook 1 litre of water with a pack of noodles for 7 to 10 minutes.
Drain, drizzle with ghee/oil and leave aside in a large mixing basin so
it doesn't cling together.
§ In a small amount of oil, fry onions, capsicum, carrots, cabbage,
green peas, and other desirable veggies.
17. § Mix in the masala of natural spices completely.
§ Mix the sautéed vegetables with the boiled noodles, toss to combine
and serve immediately.
Ragi Puttu is not only delicious but also quite healthful. This ensures
that your immune system, blood sugar regulation, and digestion are
all in fantastic health for you and your family.
For more healthy and organic products, visit our website
https://www.farmm2home.com/
EAT HEALTHY! STAY HEALTHY!