Description
Sprouted Ragi Flour is nutritionally superior and offers a whole range of health benefits.
Ragi (finger millet) is one of the oldest cultivated millet in India. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. It exhibits anti-diabetic, anti-microbial, and anti-ulcerative properties. Traditionally in south India, ragi is used in diabetic management, as baby food, and as a calcium supplement.
At Dhatu, ragi is sprouted and dried at low temperatures to retain maximum nutrition. These grains are then cold-milled (i.e, flour is not heated while milling) & are not exposed to scorching heat. Low temperature means all the nutrients are retained in the flour.
[lwptoc]
Sprouted Ragi Flour Benefits
- The sprouting process increases the nutritional content of the grains. The grains become alive, and the nutrition is readily bio-available
- It is easily digestible and greater nutrition assimilation in the body happens due to bioavailability
- Sprouted ragi flour is rich in Calcium, Iron, and health-promoting polyphenols
- It is a great source of fiber and contains both soluble and insoluble fibers. Insoluble fibers are known as “Prebiotics” as they promote healthy biomes in the gut.
- The sprouting process also reduces the anti-nutrients (like phytic acid) which essentially bind to the minerals and does not allow the body to digest them.
- It is naturally gluten-free
- It is greatly suited for diabetic diet plans
- It has an alkalizing effect on the body and is a non-acid-forming food
Several scientific studies confirm the good effects of dietary fiber (both soluble and insoluble) present in finger millet. They offer several health benefits such as anti-diabetic, antioxidant, hypocholesterolemic, antimicrobial effects, and protection from diet-related chronic diseases to regular consumers.
The insoluble fiber present in finger millet, adds bulking effect to the stools and regularises bowel movements. It greatly supports the prevention of colon cancer.
The other significant nutrient present in finger millet is polyphenols. These are a complex mixture of benzoic acid and cinnamic acid derivatives and
exhibit enzyme inhibitory and anti-cataractogenic activities.
People who are sensitive to gluten can include ragi in their diet plan. For further detailed benefits one can read our post here
Importance of Calcium in Diet
Calcium is important for the growth of infants through to early young age to build a strong bone structure. As one age, osteoporosis problem poses a serious threat to one’s life. So it becomes critical to include natural plant calcium sources in the diet regularly. For people who are in the low-income bracket, finger millet offers an excellent opportunity to include Calcium in their diet.
The fact that the bioavailability of calcium from ragi is high can helps children, the elderly, and women. Further, the sprouting and fermentation of ragi increase the bioavailability of calcium! Many government-level projects in poor and rural areas of India and other developing nations, use ragi in their food programs to tackle anemia and calcium deficiency among the people.
How to Use Sprouted Ragi Flour
- Make porridge by adding mild spices or just salt. It is great for babies. It’s high in calcium and helps in building the bone at a young age.
- Make dosa/pancakes
- Mix with your baking dough/flour
- Simply make Ganji/Kanji, and drink it on a hot day! Ragi is cooling and anti-inflammatory
- Make region-specific delicacies such as RagiMudde (also known as Ragi Balls) or RagiRotti
Apart from health benefits, growing and consuming finger millets is also earth friendly. Finger millet crops are drought and pest-resistant. This means they do not require large amounts of water to grow nor do they need spraying of pesticides!
One must consume finger millet regularly, to derive the health benefits.
Explore more sprouted flours, which offer similar benefits:
MUTHAIYA CHIDAMBARAM MUTHAIYA (verified owner) –