Feeding Ragi Recipe Benefits for Children| How Does Ragi Help in Digestion?

Most Indian mothers believe that Ragi aids digestion, and it is frequently fed to toddlers. Specially processed Ragi powder for infants is easily available in stores and can be prepared in different ways. Raga-based foods are easy to digest because of their high fiber content. In their growing years, toddlers need optimum quantities of protein, iron, calcium, and minerals for their proper health and growth. Ragi is undoubtedly the best choice to provide all these.   

Benefits Of Ragi For Your Child

Ragi is a nutrition-packed grain, usually given to toddlers for overall healthy development. It works well for older children too! This apart, below are the points why Ragi is good for your child. Read ahead for more information on this superfood -

1. Ragi is most beneficial for toddlers during their teething years, because of its high calcium content and it contains the amino acid threonine
2. Regular consumption of ragi boosts immunity in children
3. Ragi improves bone structure and health. Ragi reduces the risk of bone fractures and helps to keep bone problems at bay. Therefore, you should consider replacing their calcium supplements with ragi kanji or porridge and include it in your child's regular diet to keep their bones healthy
4. The amino acid tryptophan found in ragi keeps children mentally active and helps to overcome feelings of anxiety and depression
5. It also induces peaceful sleep in toddlers who have difficulty sleeping at night
6. The iron content in ragi aids in healthy blood formation. Ragi is a great natural source of iron; therefore, if your child is suffering from low levels of hemoglobin or anemia, it is advisable to include ragi in his or her diet as a home remedy for this condition
7. Ragi encourages the release of growth hormones in children
8. The high fiber content in ragi manages cholesterol levels in children, preventing obesity
9. Ragi helps control blood sugar in obese children. Amino acids such as methionine and lecithin decrease cholesterol level in your child's body by getting rid of excess fat around the liver. Threonine, on the other hand, prevents the formation of fat in the liver and reduces cholesterol in the body

How to Buy & Store Ragi?

Ragi is easily available online in the form of powder and in the form of seeds. However, sometimes the store bought Ragi is not easily digested by the babies. So the best way is to buy the seeds, sprout, roast and then ground them into powder. This needs to be stored in an air-tight container in the fridge so that it remains fresh and has a longer shelf life.

How Does Ragi Help In Digestion?

Compared to white rice, ragi contains a high amount of dietary fiber which aids in digestion and prevents overeating. Since it is rich in fiber it is quite filling as well and thus keeping the baby feeling full for a longer period of time.

What Is The Ideal Time To Feed Ragi To Your Child?

Since Ragi takes some time in getting digested experts' advice to give Ragi either in the morning or in the afternoon so that the baby is able to digest it properly. Since Ragi is cold in the teaser it should be avoided in winter and when the child is suffering from cold.

How to Give Ragi To Your Child?

Ragi is extremely versatile. Ragi porridge can be served with curd, fruit juice, vegetable soup, buttermilk, etc. However, since you mothers know how to make a dish delicious for your child, different kinds of accompaniments can be tried and served with ragi porridge.

Quick & Easy Ragi Kanji Recipe for Babies

Ragi Kanji Recipe Ingredients:

1. 1 glass of water
2. 1 tbsp. Ragi flour
3. Salt to taste

How to Prepare Ragi Kanji:

1. Boil a glass of water
2. Add one spoon of ragi flour into the boiling water
3. Then add salt and allow it to cool
4. Serve it to your child when warm with buttermilk and a pinch of salt

Ragi Kanji Recipe Benefits

This not only cools the body but also strengthens bones among other benefits. We can find various recipes of local ragi dishes all over India. For example - ragi chapati, mashed vegetables in ragi porridge, etc. There is no denying the fact that packed with so many nutrients, ragi is extremely beneficial for our children, especially toddlers. Start including this superfood in your child's diet from today for their health and happiness!

Did you find Debashree's information on Ragi useful? Do you give your children ragi? Do share your recipes, experiences, and learnings with us in the comments section below. We love hearing from you!