Ever wondered whether there is one single natural food item that is good for healthy people as well as for those with health conditions such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, constipation and anaemia? The answer to this question is, “Yes, there is”. This food item is called Finger Millet or Red Millet, and in India it is known by various other names like Ragi, Nachani or Nachni. Regular consumption of this food item can help normal people stay fit and prevent premature aging, while it is a blessing for people suffering from various conditions. How can the food item be good for these different health problems as well as for healthy people? Well, read on for knowing the answer to this question.
First of all, Red Millet has no starch, and has extremely low fat content and high fibre content. That is a real great combination for fitness. If you just want to avoid putting on weight, this is an excellent food item because of the low fat content (fat content is low enough to be negligible). If you want to shed off any excess weight that you have already put on, or if you are currently on a weight loss programme, this is equally good. Apart from being virtually fat-free, the high fibre content acts as a mild laxative, ensures good bowel movement and regular motion, and keeps constipation at bay.
People with diabetes would benefit considerably by Red Millet because this food item is filling as well as starch-free. Another way in which Red Millet offers significant benefit to diabetics is by virtue of having a low Glycaemic Index. Foods with low Glycaemic Index (GI) release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, as opposed to foods with high GI that release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream. Red Millet, by virtue of having a low GI releases glucose and insulin very slowly into the blood, which is a blessing for diabetics. Hence the lipid and glucose levels of diabetics would improve over a period of time with regular consumption of Red Millet. Besides lowering blood-sugar levels and lowering insulin resistance, foods with low GI also offer the benefits of weight control because low GI helps control appetite and delay hunger.
Another great aspect of Red Millet is that it is gluten-free. Gluten is a protein that has been found to cause damage to the lining of the small intestine. A damaged small intestine gives rise to various health problems including coeliac disease. Persons with coeliac disease remain gluten-sensitive for life, and therefore, a lifelong gluten-free diet is the only recognised treatment for such persons. Red Millet, being gluten free, is a blessing for people suffering from coeliac disease. A regular regimen of Red Millet (being gluten-free) would help heal the damaged small intestine and restore other functions of the body to normalcy.
That is not all. Red Millet has got many other health benefits to offer as well. This crop is rich in nutrients such as iron, calcium, potassium and vitamin B. Red Millet can be very helpful in the treatment of anaemia caused by iron deficiency. By virtue of having calcium, it helps in bone and tooth formation, and due to this reason Red Millet is a recommended food for babies and children. Moreover, calcium is necessary for people of all ages, as it is vital for muscle and nerve functions. The calcium in Red Millet can be helpful to paraplegics and arthritics. Potassium is essential for normal heart and body cell functioning and nerve signal transmissions. Red Millet contains adequate potassium, and can thus assist in lowering high blood pressure and in rectifying abnormal heart conditions. On account of having vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and vitamin B3 (Niacin), Red Millet is useful in regularising cardiovascular and blood circulation functions, and in boosting the brain functions, and would be helpful in cases of dementia and Alzheimers disease.
Recent studies have shown that Red Millet contains compounds that exhibit strong antioxidant properties. The prominent antioxidant ingredient in Red Millet is Beta Carotene which is known to protect the body from ailments such as cancer, heart diseases, and macular degeneration among others. These studies have also revealed that Red Millet also exhibits antimicrobial properties that provide the body with resistance to fungal attacks.
Thus it can be seen that regular consumption of Red Millet or Ragi as a food or even as snacks can do a world of good to you, whether you are a fit person wanting to maintain your fitness or a person having a health condition like diabetes, high blood pressure or heart disease, coeliac disease, anaemia, constipation or obesity. Many recipes can be made from Red Millet or Ragi. Some of them include Ragi Dosa, Ragi Idli, Ragi Roti, Ragi Puttu, Ragi Pakoda, Ragi Upma, Ragi Sheera, Ragi Rice Mix, Ragi Vegetable Mix, Ragi Vada, Ragi Porridge and Ragi Barfi. Additionally, Ragi Sprouts can be included in salad preparations. Please visit www.rajathifamilykitchen.com to learn more about these recipes and cooking methods.
Wishing you a fit and healthy life with Ragi!
Article written by:
Saikumar Iyer
Dated: 04th October 2012.
