Wonderful Health Benefits of Ragi

Finger Millet (Ragi) is widely cultivated in Asia and Africa. Botanical name for Ragi is Elucine Coracana. The names of ragi in other languages are Taidalu ( Telangana ), Kelvaragu, Aariyam (Tamil), Panjapulle (Malayalam) Maduva (in some parts of north India) and Nachani (Marathi).

Ragi is considered as a highly nutrient food in India, and it is cultivated from ancient times in India

Nutrient value of Ragi

Nutrient value of 100 gms of ragi -

Carbohydrate - 72.6

Protein - 7.7

Fibre - 3.6

Fat - 1.3

Calcium - 350 mg

Iron - 3.9 mg

Niacin - 1.1 mg

Thiamin - 0.42 mg

Riboflavin - 0.19 mg

Because of its amazing health benefits, Pediatricians recommend Ragi food for infants till the age of 6 in many parts of India. It is also gluten free food.
Ragi is rich in minerals like thiamine, calcium and iron.
Ragi is also rich in carbohydrates, and low in fat, and hence helps in reducing obesity.
Ragi is a boon for people suffering from diabetes.
Ragi is a good laxative for people suffering from constipation.
Ragi can be used as a substitute for people allergic to milk.
Ragi is good for obese people because its digestion is slow and glucose is released very slowly into the blood.
Eating roasted green ragi is a tonic for the people suffering from high blood pressure, liver diseases, heart weakness, asthma and lack of milk production in lactating women.
Regular use of ragi protects from malnutrition, degenerative diseases and premature aging.

Source: http://lex123.hubpages.com/hub/Wonderful-Health-Benefits-of-Ragi-Finger-Millets