Pregnancy is a matter of such beauty that it changes so much in a woman’s life—her diet and nutrition first of all. Of all the superfoods prescribed during pregnancy, one such good one is Ragi or finger millet because of the extraordinarily high nutritional quality that it has. Whichever shape or form finger millet ragi flour, ragi porridge, or home food may be, Ragi is a nutritional bonanza which fulfills the needs of the mother and the baby alike.
Here, in this article, we will guide you through why sufficient amount of organic finger millet ragi flour is recommended during pregnancy, its optimum advantages, simple and quick recipes, and precautions to take. Let us know briefly how you can include this ancient cereal in your life at this vital part of life.
What is Ragi (Finger Millet)?
Ragi or finger millet is a very ancient cereal grown on a large scale in India, predominantly in southern India. Finger millet is a non-gluten cereal of easy digestibility but highly nutritious in the form of calcium, iron, fiber, and amino acids. The whole ragi cereals are used to prepare organic finger millet flour without any chemical processing but with maximum care such that its nutritional value is conserved.
In Indian traditional households, naturally occurring ragi flour has always been traditionally utilized for post-partum recuperation, weaning infants, and more and more very often nowadays even for pre-partum nourishment.
Why Ragi is Healthy Pregnant
Let us highlight the most important benefits of finger millet ragi flour being pregnant.
1. Packed with Calcium for Bone Development
Ragi is also nature’s richest cereal source of calcium. Calcium is required during pregnancy to create baby bones and teeth, as well as the mother’s whole skeletal framework. Only 100 grams of ragi flour yields a whopping 350 mg of calcium!
2. Iron-rich – Anti-anemia fighter
Pregnancy makes the person prone to iron-deficiency anemia. Ragi is a good vegetative iron source and helps in keeping hemoglobin in normal health. Organic ragi flour taken as food remedy corrects giddiness, weakness, and ensures energy.
3. Sustains Digestion with Highly Structured Dietary Fiber
Pregnancy also causes hormonal imbalances that result in constipation. Greater fiber content of ragi ensures normal digestion and bowel movement. You are not craving food and snacking or binge eating.
4. Controls Gestational Diabetes
Ragi also contains a low glycemic index, thus controls blood sugar levels—a really important piece of information while treating gestational diabetes. Substitutes filled cereals with organic finger millet flour in order to supply an even amount of energy without having to add sugar.
5. Amino Acids and Protein Source
All other cereals lack methionine, an essential amino acid present in ragi. Protein is the driving force behind fetal growth, muscle, and immunity during pregnancy.
6. Prevents Heart Functioning
Potassium and magnesium in ragi are the regulators of heart functioning and blood pressure and thus prevent preeclampsia and gestational hypertension.
7. Gluten-Free and Digestive Friendly
For gluten-intolerant pregnant women, finger millet ragi flour is the ideal choice. It is light to digest and is extremely appropriate for pregnant women who have indigestion.
Including Ragi in Pregnancy Diet
You can include the health benefits of organic ragi flour in pregnancy diet in various manners. Some effective and creative recipes are mentioned below:
Healthy Ragi Recipes during Pregnancy
1. Ragi Porridge (Ragi Kanji)
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp organic finger millet flour
- 1 cup water or milk
- Date sweetener or jaggery sweetener
Instructions:
Ragi flour and cold water, strain, cook and blend well to thickness. Sweetener and warm, mix. It is one among the comfort foods and most eaten by pregnant ladies.
2. Ragi Dosa
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic ragi flour
- ½ cup rice flour
- Curd, water, salt, chopped onions (optional)
Instructions
Mix all of this together well and form a batter. Cook like a dosa on a hot tawa. Healthy, satiating, and can be had along with chutney or sambar.
3. Ragi Ladoo
Ingredients:
- 1 cup roasted finger millet ragi flour
- Ghee, powdered jaggery, cardamom, nuts
Procedure:
Mix all of this together well and form small ladoos. They are great as a healthy fasting snack, preferably during the second trimester.
4. Ragi Soup with Vegetables
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp organic ragi flour
- Finely chopped vegetables, water, salt, and pepper
Instructions:
Fry the vegetables, then prepare a ragi slurry and allow it to thicken. It is one of the very good dinner dishes and contains fibers and vitamins in abundance.
Precautions to be Taken While Eating Ragi During Pregnancy
Even though ragi flour is very healthy in nature if consumed as an organic flour, pregnancy demands caution. Here’s what needs to be kept in mind below:
Begin Small: Have little quantities for first time of eating ragi to see how body is adapting to it.
Be Careful of Gas or Acidity: Excess fiber leads to bloating. Cut down quantity accordingly.
Consult Doctor: Every pregnancy is unique. Better consult your doctor or dietician before making any big change in diet.
Don’t Have Raw Ragi Flour: Always boil ragi properly to kill antinutrients like phytates that interfere with mineral absorption.
Go Organic: Always have organic finger millet flour in hand to avoid consumption of chemicals and preservatives poisoning us.
When Not to Take Ragi
Even though there is no general case for the same, if in certain instances already high iron or calcium levels are already established, or if after consulting a doctor, it is not advisable to consume ragi. And even if one has chronic thyroid issues, before consuming mountainous amounts of millet food, go to a health expert.
Conclusion: Choose MegaVita for Pure, Pregnancy-Safe Ragi Products
Ragi is not a daily cereal—nature’s prenatal care is the best buddy of a pregnant woman if ragi is required. From bone-building to bowel loosening and energy, the advantages of ragi flour of finger millet during pregnancy are limitless.
We at MegaVita realize the importance of nutrition and hygiene during such a life-changing time. And that is why our organic finger millet ragi flour is produced traditionally with absolutely no additives and preservatives at all, providing safety and nutrition in every single spoonful.
Opt for MegaVita – best millet brand in india – for quality finger millet flour for hale and healthy pregnancy.