7 Benefits of Sprouted and Roasted Ragi Powder for Babies

7 Benefits of Sprouted and Roasted Ragi Powder for Babies

Ammae Ragi or Finger Millet is a Super Nutrition Food for babies. It has various health benefits and essential nutrients. Sprouting sweetens grains, which helps in absorption of nutrients. Ammae Sprouted and Roasted Ragi powder helps babies to gain weight. It makes baby's immune system stronger and helps in their growth. 

1. Good for Healthy Bones

The process of Sprouting Ragi increases calcium levels by almost 20%. Sprouting increases, the absorption of minerals and calcium by the body. There is no cereal whose calcium content is close to Sprouted Ragi Flour Nutrition. And we all know how important bone development is for growing babies, right? Sprouted and Roasted Ragi Flour is rich in calcium and Vitamin D, which helps in the development of healthy bones in babies. When the baby starts getting teeth, it needs calcium. The calcium present in Sprouted and Roasted Ragi helps baby in getting the same. 

2. Good Source of Protein

Protein helps in the development of structural components, enzymes, hormones and antibodies. Ammae Sprouted Ragi Flour is a very good source of protein which helps in the development of baby’s growth.

3. Prevents Anemia

Iron is an essential part of Hemoglobin. The red coloring agent of the blood that transports oxygen through our bodies. 

Sprouted Ragi Flour is an excellent source of natural iron. Vitamin C is good to aid the absorption of iron. Sprouting increases, the vitamin C levels. Leads to further absorption of iron into the bloodstream. Ammae Ragi Porridge helps in prevention of Anemia in babies by regular consumption. 

4. Easy Digestion

Soaking & Sprouting help diminishing some fat content. It helps to convert the dense Ammae Ragi grain’s protein into simpler amino acids for easier digestion. It is very important for babies and diabetes to have digestible foods. As their bodies need to acquaint with the process of digesting new solid foods. Dietary fiber in Ragi helps in digestion of babies and prevent constipation. It makes bowel movement easy in babies. The insoluble fibers present in Ammae Sprouted Ragi Porridge Recipes helps to digest the food for babies and diabetes.

5. Good for Healthy Heart

Ragi contains amino acids that help to lower the cholesterol level of the babies. Fibre content of ragi  porridge makes heart healthy. It also keeps the liver healthy by removing fat from it. Ammae Ragi is gluten-free and a great substitute for babies with lactose intolerance. 

6. Enhances Immunity

Ragi contains essential nutrients which prevents infection. The anti-microbial properties enhance the immunity system of the babies.

7. Super food for Weight Gain

If your baby is underweight, then include ragi in your baby's diet as it helps baby to weight gain. It contains dietary fiber, calcium, iron, proteins, Vitamins B1, and B2. 

Ammae Ragi Porridge is one of the best foods that helps baby weaning from breast milk. 

The increase in absorption to absorb the vital nutrients is by sprouting. Your babies’ development enhances by intake of Ragi. 

If you’re wondering where to get Sprouted Ammae Ragi Powder for your babies, check out our Ammae

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Know About - Ragi or Finger Millet (Nachni)

Ragi, also known as finger millet came to India in 2000 BCE. Ragi is nutritionally rich and has medicinal properties. In Ancient India Ragi was used as ayurvedic medicine for treating many health conditions. Ragi porridge is not only nutrient-dense but also prescribed as a superfood for many diseases.

Ragi was initially widely used by only the rural population. After research and studies by several reputed research institutes like CFTRI (Central food training research institute) and United nation food and agriculture organization), NIN (National Institute of nutrition) not only rural but urban population is also appreciating the health porridge benefit of Ragi and incorporating in their meal plan.

There are multiple health benefits of ragi and various ways of making Ragi Porridges. Ragi can be used to make both sweet or savory dishes. Ragi Malt Drink, Ragi Sangati Recipe, Ragi Mudde Recipe, Ragi Porridges, Ragi Flour Dosa, Ragi Puttu Recipe, Ragi Roti, Ragi Murruku etc.

Ragi can be given to any age group from pediatric to geriatric. Check Our Recipes Wean Mix (food for babies) and Porridge Mix (for adults)

Ragi Porridge Mix is introduced to infants as their first weaning food. It’s high in calcium, helps in developing bones, teeth, and building muscles. Iron content in Ragi improves blood circulation and the development of all the vital organs of babies. Ragi Porridge is highly recommended during the pregnancy and lactation phase also. Indian women are prone to anemia. According to several studies, 77% of pregnant women are anemic. Ragi helps in improving the iron level for babies and pregnancy women's. From a healthy pregnancy to safe motherhood Ragi is beneficial.

Breastfeeding leads to loss of calcium, ragi is prescribed for the replenishment of calcium for lactating women. Ragi has a low glycemic index, Regulates blood sugar, and maintains blood pressure too.

Minerals and good fat present in ragi improve heart health and cholesterol level. Dietary guideline recommend complex carbohydrates, high fiber, and moderate protein for weight loss. Ragi is the perfect blend of all these three components.

Vit C present in ragi helps in improving immunity. Vit E enhances your skin and hair.

The antioxidants present in ragi removes toxins and eradicate free radicals from the body. Free radicals are very harmful to the body and are one of the primary causes of the disease Alzheimer’s according to the study done by Dr. Neal Barnard.

Essential amino acids are necessary for the body as they help in recovering from major illnesses and healing wounds, Ragi contains many essential amino acids, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, and phenylalanine, not present in other grains.

Ragi Porridge Mix contains the highest amount of calcium. It helps in building teeth also improves gum health, keeps the mouth free from gum disease.

Studies show that the protein content in ragi supports bone development. The calcium present in ragi helps in the absorption of Vit D and improves overall health.

The Ragi Porridge Mix contains no artificial colorants or preservatives. High-quality Ragi Porridge is a healthy option for breakfast and dinner.

Try Organically Sourced Ragi Porridge Gluten-Free and Nutritionally Dense.

Article written by Nazneen Mallick, Chief Clinical Dietician.

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Ragi malt or Sprouted Ragi Porridge for all ages

Ragi (Finger millet) is a good substitute for rice. It is rich in fiber and contains very less unsaturated fat that makes it a perfect food for weight loss. It is one such rare cereal that doesn’t need to be polished and, therefore, can be consumed in its purest form with all its goodness intact. It contains no artificial colour , flavor, preservatives, additives. Sprouted ragi powder or Ragi malt is one of the well known traditional food, suitable for all ages.

Why Sprouting is important? Sprouting enhances the nutritional value of the grain. Sprouted grain differs from whole grain in three fundamental aspects;

• Activates food enzymes;
• Increases vitamin content, and
• Neutralizes antinutrients like phytic acid which bind up minerals preventing your ability to fully absorb them.
• Sprouting process apparently increases the amount and bio-availability of some vitamins (notably Vitamin C) and minerals, making sprouted grains a potential nutrition powerhouse.

Ragi Malt or Sprouted Ragi Porridge (For all ages)

1.  Pour a small quantity (70ml) of plain water in a container.
2.  Add 3 teaspoons of Ammae Sprouted Ragi powder to the same.
3.  Mix the powder thoroughly without any lumps until it gets dissolved.
4.  Place the container with the mix in a stove and keep the fire in low mode.
5.  Stir the mix continuously to avoid sticking to the pan.
6.  Cook it for 2 to 3 minutes and pour hot milk to the mix and stir well.
7.  Add sugar or jaggery powder to taste and Ragi malt is ready to drink.

For elderly people, it helps in maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol level. The dietary fibre in the ragi keeps us satiety for a longer duration of time and enable stable digestion. Ragi porridge or Ragi mudde are well known traditional food well suitable for everyone in the family. Sprouted Ragi powder is highly nutritious as it is sprouted and roasted in compare to the grounded Ragi powder or Ragi malt.

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Sprouted Ragi Wean Mix porridge for babies

Ragi (Finger millet) is a good substitute for rice. Benefits of ragi are numerous and it is a highly nutritious cereal loaded with calcium, proteins, iron and other minerals. Especially sprouted ragi is best weaning food.

Why Sprouting is important? Sprouting enhances the nutritional value of the grain. Sprouted grain differs from whole grain in three fundamental aspects;

• Activates food enzymes;
• Increases vitamin content, and
• Neutralizes antinutrients like phytic acid which bind up minerals preventing your ability to fully absorb them.
• Sprouting process apparently increases the amount and bio-availability of some vitamins (notably Vitamin C) and minerals, making sprouted grains a potential nutrition powerhouse.

Sprouted Ragi Wean Mix (For infants)

1. Take a small quantity (150ml) of plain water.
2. Add 3 teaspoons of Ammae Sprouted Ragi powder to the same.
3. Mix thoroughly without any lumps until it gets dissolved.
4. Place the container with the mix in a stove and keep the fire in low mode.
5. Stir the mix continuously to avoid sticking to the pan.
6. Cook it for 2 minutes and add a pinch of sugar or salt or Jaggery powder for taste.

Note: Avoid Cold or Hot water to avoid lumps while preparing the mix. The powder does not have sugar or salt, you have to add it while preparation based on need

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Millet Vs Oats - Which is more beneficial to help you in losing weight?

Which is better Oats or Millet?

Oats and Millet - Overview

Oats and Millets are grains which have entered into modern lifestyle as healthy foods. 

Millet is a group of small-seeded grasses that are widely grown as cereal crops in Asia and Africa. There are different types of millet, such as pearl millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, finger millet, and barnyard millet. Millet is gluten-free and rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.

Oats are a type of cereal grain that are mainly grown in temperate regions. Oats are also gluten-free, unless they are contaminated with wheat or other gluten-containing grains during processing. Oats are high in protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals.

Millets and Oats, both, are beneficial to one's health in their own way. While oats help in lowering cholesterol; Millets, taking Ragi for example, are beneficial for diabetics.

Nutrition

In General, when comparing millet and oats per 100g, millet contains more protein (11g vs 10.7g), calcium (8mg vs 5mg), magnesium (114mg vs 83mg), phosphorus (285mg vs 244mg), potassium (195mg vs 162mg), zinc (1.7mg vs 1.3mg), and iron (3mg vs 2.4mg) than oats. It also has a higher amount of dietary fiber than oats (8.5g vs 6.5g). On the other hand, oats contain more thiamin (0.4mg vs 0.3mg), riboflavin (0.1mg vs 0.04mg), niacin (0.9mg vs 0.8mg), and folate (32mcg vs 16mcg), which are all types of vitamin B. Oats also have more manganese than millet (3.6mg vs 1.6mg), which is an essential mineral for metabolism and antioxidant defense.

Oats have nearly 40% more protein than Proso Millet and Foxtail millet. Oats have more fibre than Barnyard millet and are richer in phosphorus and Thiamine than any of the millets. And both oats & millet have variable protein content.

Millets trump over oats in case of Calcium content (Ragi has close to 5.5 times calcium than Oats), and Pearl Millet (Bajra) has more than 3 times Iron content than Oats.

Preparation

Oats grain is not used much in a person's daily routine; we prefer rolled ones which are readily available in the market. As oats are in flakes format they are pretty easy to cook. Millets, predominantly available as grains and in value added forms (flakes, semolina), are gaining popularity nowadays. But recipes and awareness have not reached many people, so it remains unadopted in large quantities . But the simple fact is that most millets can be cooked like rice. Millets can replace rice in various dishes such as idli, dosa, payasam/kheer.

Cost

The cost of a Kg of Oats is about INR 105/- to 150/-. This is of the plain variety, and the costs vary based on the flavour and version of oats that are offered. Compare this to Millets, which cost anywhere between INR 30/- to 70/-. So the value for money is extremely good for Millets and affordable by many.

Conclusion

Oats and Millet, both are good source of fibre and contains complex carabohydrates by nature. This helps your satiety level and also energy will be retained for longer duration. In general, consuming of whole grains not only help in weight loss, but it also improves our basic nutrition in the form of vitamins and minerals. Oats is one grain and Milets have variety. Consuming various millet as a part of weekly diet not only helps in weight reduction, also boosts your immune system and improves nutrition.

Both millet and oats have their own benefits and drawbacks depending on your nutritional needs and preferences. Millet may be better for you if you are looking for more protein, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc, iron, or fiber in your diet. Oats may be better for you if you are looking for more vitamin B or manganese in your diet. You can also mix and match both grains to get the best of both worlds.

Millet - Farmers friend

To add further, millets are wonderful crops, easy to grow during droughts, and cheap to procure. Millets are one of the oldest foods known to humans and, are also unique due to their short growing season. By eating millets, we will be encouraging farmers in dry land areas to grow crops that are best suited for those regions. Using more millets we really support our own farmers who are dependent on 50% of rain fed Indian agricultural landscape.⁠⁠⁠

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How come sprouting breaks down anti-nutrients?

How does sprouting improves nutrients?

Sprouting is a process of germination of a seeds, nuts, or grains. This basically increase the nutritive value of the grain. It is one of the traditional practice followed by our ancestors. Soaking, Sprouting and Fermenting are some of the age old practices.

Background

Many suffer from indigestion while eating grains or grain based food. This is due to the the anti-nutrients (polyphenol, lectin and tannins) in the grains. Anti-nutrients are natural compounds available in plant seeds which obstructs the natural absorption of vitamins and minerals in them in the process of digestion. Because, this does not allow the nutrients to break down from the grain which leads to indigestion.

Soaking and Sprouting helps in the process of breaking phytate, a form of phytic acid that obstructs the absorption of nutrients and vitamins. It also breaks the nutrients for human absorption and also increase the bio-availability of the nutrients like calcium, iron, zinc and proteins.

How to Sprout?

Soak the grains for 5 to 48 hours depending on the grain. Then, strain the water and allow it for a day pr two. Just sprinkle little water to keep the grains in moisture. Small shoots will begin to grow from grains. Sprouts are nothing but young plants or baby plants. In this process, it is already half digested. After this it has to be refrigerated. Sprouts can be eaten raw or can be cooked to prepare various recipes.

Benefits of sprouts

Highly Nutritious - In compare with the normal grain, sprouted ones will have a high nutritive value. Especially the sprouted ones are rich in protein, folate, magnesium, vitamins C & K. As sprouting reduce anti-nutrients, our body's absorption of nutrients will be high.

Improves digestion - The fibre content in grain will increase and available for absorption. This insoluble fibre helps smooth transition of stool through gut and avoid constipation. This enables a smooth digestion.

Improve Heart health - Many studies confirmed that eating sprouts will help reduce LDL cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol which is good.

Risk in eating sprouts

Often sprouts are consumed raw or slightly cooked. Temperature condition to get the sprouts also welcomes harmful bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella. This affects the gut and react slowly and lead to diarrhea or stomach pain.

To Conclude

We need to make a note of some things when we buy sprouts. If we can make sprouts at home, it is advisable.

• Make sure sprouts are refrigerated while buying.
• Store in fridge, remove only when you are about to use.
• Wash and rinse the sprouts minimum couple of times before use it.
• Plan for cooked recipes rather than raw or half baked ones.

Source: NCBI, Healthline.com, draxe.com & health.harvard.edu

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