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Ragi For Babies: Benefits & Disadvantages
- Published on:
- Last update: 30 January 2024
- Post updated 4 times
Ragi, often referred to as finger millet, is a nutritional powerhouse that has been a staple in many Indian households for centuries. This humble grain is now gaining recognition worldwide for its remarkable health benefits, especially for the littlest members of our families—babies. Ragi is packed with essential nutrients and offers a host of advantages when introduced into a baby’s diet.
In this article, we will explore six key benefits of ragi for babies nutrition plans, shedding light on why this ancient grain is making a modern comeback as a superfood for infants. From enhanced growth and development to improved digestive health, ragi holds a treasure trove of advantages that every parent should know. So, let’s delve into the world of ragi for babies and uncover the wonders it can work for your baby’s well-being.
Ragi For Babies
Cereal groups such as millet are grown in tropical regions of Asia and Africa. You might be surprised to learn that finger millet or Ragi make fantastic baby food. The benefits of ragi for babies are numerous. The best foods for weight gain and muscle development are the ones that contain ragi flour for babies.
For your baby to grow strong and build immunity, he or she needs adequate nutrition. This means you should provide your baby with a healthy meal. Include ragi in the baby’s diet to get the health benefits of ragi for babies.
Ragi is a fantastic food for your baby, so you’re in the right place if you’re wondering how. Raw Ragi flour for babies is 100% natural and provides calcium, fibre, and Vitamin D in an adequate amount.
Despite the numerous health benefits of ragi for babies, Ragi has remained absent from our diets and we haven’t taken to it. There aren’t that many restaurants willing to experiment with the grain, aside from South Indian restaurants. Its bland taste is something many may not be able to tolerate.
As an excellent alternative to conventional baby food, the benefits of ragi for babies are that it is organic food that is naturally gluten-free, low in fat, and free of any synthetic preservatives or artificial colours.
Benefits of Ragi for Babies
Ragi, often known as finger millet, is renowned for its exceptional calcium content, surpassing that of any other cereal. Additionally, it is a rich source of Vitamin D, both of which are crucial for infants’ bone and muscle development. Ragi flour for babies is an ideal choice to meet these nutritional needs. The natural calcium present in Ragi makes it highly digestible for your baby, promoting healthy growth.
Here are some of the health benefits of ragi for babies;
1. Good Nutritional Value
The best part about Ragi porridge is that your baby will receive excellent nutrition from it. Protein and fibre are high in this milk, which are both beneficial for your baby’s health. It has the potential to offer high amounts of energy because it is nutrient-dense.
Easily digestible and good for your baby’s appetite: Ragi is straightforward to digest and gluten-free. The non-glutinous and non-acidic nature of this formula allows it to be easily digested by your baby.
2. Make Bones Stronger
The high calcium content of Ragi makes it an ideal food to boost your calcium intake. A baby needs a good amount of nutrition to develop strong bones, and Ragi flour for babies can provide that. Ragi flour for babies is easy to digest due to its natural calcium content.
3. Provides Protein
The diet of newborns should include plenty of protein for muscle growth, and ragi have plenty of it. Ragi is an excellent source of protein, which is why most doctors advise new mothers to feed their babies ragi porridge. Ragi and Rice have different nutritional contents.
4. Prevents Anemia
Iron deficiency results in anaemia, so your baby must consume enough iron to reduce the risk of anaemia. Ragi for babies are made from 100% natural ingredients, and it is a high-fiber formula. It is highly recommended to consume iron in the right quantities daily to prevent anaemia.
5. Helps In Digestion
Ragi is rich in fiber which aids in digestion and also helps promote smooth bowel movements. You can give ragi to your baby for improved digestion. The high level of dietary fibre combined with the high amount of carbohydrates keeps you full for a longer time and resists cravings. Weight loss and reduced appetite are the results of this combination.
6. Best Food For Weight Gain
Infants suffering from malnutrition or obesity should be given finger millet, which provides excellent nutrition. Moreover, finger millet encourages weight gain because its nutritional content is so high. In addition to the essential nutrients such as calcium, dietary fibre, protein, iron, and calcium, Ragi flour provides vitamins B1 and B2, among others. Hence, Ragi is an excellent and nutritious food for babies.
7. Improves Your Immunity
Immunity is essential for babies, otherwise, they will be susceptible to diseases and infections. A good reason for adding ragi to their diet is for its anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, the immune system is strengthened, enabling them to manage diseases and infections. Raagi has antimicrobial properties, which help to fight the spread of bacterial infections. These are just a few of the incredible benefits that your baby can experience when you give him or her ragi flour.
Is Ragi A Good Source Of Nutrients?
Calcium from food can only be absorbed by the body if it has vitamin D. Ragi provides both calcium and vitamin D, so calcium from this little grain is more easily assimilated by the body.
As a result of the soaking and sprouting process, the level of vitamin C increases, which helps absorb iron.
Ragi Nutritional Value per 100g
| Energy | 328 Kcal |
| Protein | 7.30 gm. |
| Carbohydrates | 72 gm. |
| Fat | 1.30 gm. |
| Dietary fibre | 11.50 gm. |
| Iron | 3.9 mg. |
| Sodium | 11 mg. |
| Calcium | 344 mg. |
| Potassium | 408 mg. |
| Carotene | 42 μg. |
What Is The Benefit Of Sprouting Ragi?
Sprouting improves the nutritional value of the plant. Sensitive stomachs can easily digest sprouted flour. To ensure that babies and toddlers consume sprouted ragi flour, it is highly recommended.
Is Sprouting Ragi Easy?
A few people might have had an easy time sprouting this year. Sprouts can be grown so easily by hanging them on a window sill or even by leaving them in a colander. There are always obstacles to overcome, and they may not sprout at all. They have been sprouting successfully by tying them in a cloth and then placing it somewhere dark. You can easily use Yummy Valley’s sprouted ragi powder to utilize the benefits of ragi for babies.
Why Ragi Is A Preferred Baby Food?
Ragi is one of the most popular foods for babies in India because of the health benefits of ragi for babies. There are a plethora of nutrients in this millet, which provides an extra boost of nutrition to any child’s diet. Often referred to as a superfood, ragi for babies (finger millet) is an amazing source of nutrition. Not only does it have a mild flavour that makes it easy to incorporate into many dishes, but it also contains many nutrients that growing children need.
Ragi is a staple food of South India that is especially valuable for containing methionine, a nutrient that is lacking in the diets of hundreds of people who eat starchy staples like cassava, plantain, polished rice, or maize meal. Among its health benefits, ragi is rich in calcium. Ragi for babies contains approximately 344 milligrams of calcium per 100 grams. Fiber source that is good for the body. It is a good source of iron. Ragi sprouts contain about 4 mg of iron per 100g. Get sprouted ragi powder from Yummy Valley to try out instant ragi recipes at home.
Ragi also provides a good amount of calcium, potassium, and iron, which can help manage blood sugar levels, and weight and reduce inflammation, making it a healthy option for everyone.
Disadvantages of Ragi for babies
While ragi is a nutritious food choice for babies, it’s essential to be aware of potential disadvantages. Excessive consumption of ragi can sometimes lead to digestive issues such as constipation, and in rare cases, it may cause allergies. Moderation and age-appropriate introduction are key to reaping the benefits of this wholesome grain for your baby’s diet.
Here are some of the disadvantages of ragi for babies;
1. Digestive Challenges
Ragi, being rich in dietary fibre, may pose certain digestive challenges for some infants, particularly if introduced into their diet at an early stage of weaning. This can manifest as gastrointestinal discomfort, such as bloating, flatulence, or even constipation, thereby necessitating careful consideration during introduction.
2. Phytate-Induced Nutrient Interference
Ragi harbours phytates, natural compounds that possess the potential to hinder the absorption of crucial minerals such as iron and calcium in the digestive tract. This nutritional interference warrants particular attention, especially when ragi becomes a predominant or exclusive dietary component for infants.
3. Allergic Responses
While allergenic reactions to ragi remain infrequent, there is a possibility of such responses manifesting in some infants. It is imperative to maintain vigilant surveillance over your baby for any indications of allergic reactions when incorporating ragi into their dietary regimen. Allergic symptoms may encompass skin manifestations such as rashes and hives, as well as swelling or even respiratory distress, underscoring the need for cautious introduction.
4. Tannin-Mediated Iron Disruption
Ragi contains tannins, naturally occurring compounds known to potentially disrupt the absorption of iron in the body. This phenomenon is of particular concern when ragi constitute a primary dietary staple for infants, as an improper balance with other nutrient-rich foods may, over time, contribute to iron deficiency issues.
5. Nutritional Implications for Growth and Weight
It is noteworthy that ragi is not a calorie-dense cereal, and if it assumes a significant role in an infant’s diet without proper supplementation of other calorically rich and nutritionally diverse foods, there exists the potential for repercussions on their overall growth and weight development. Consequently, careful nutritional planning is essential to ensure your baby’s holistic dietary needs are met during this formative stage of their development.