vk;qosZne

`rkuke~

RAGI : A MAGIC
DIETARY SUPPLEMENT
PRESENTED BY
DR. GYAN CHAND
MORYA
(M.D.SCHOLAR)

GUIDED

BY
PROF. KEDAR NATH
YADAV (H.O.D.)
DR. R.B. YADAV
P. G. DEPTT.
OF DRAVYAGUNA
(READER)

L. H. S. AYURVEDA COLLEGE & HOSPITAL,2

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

INTRODUCTION

Millets are important staple food in India and nursed

generation of humans since Neolithic phase and
now people of low income groups.
Research has proven millets are exellent wholesome
diet and better balance of vitamins, minerals, iron,
proteins, fibres rather than Rice and Wheat.
Most commonly millets are Jowar(Sorghum),
Bajra(Pearl millets), Sama (Little millet), Kodo, Ragi
(Finger Millet), Kanghuni (Foxtail millet) and
Chena(Proso millet).
3
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

RAGI

Ragi also known as Finger millet is

originally native to the Ethiopia and
was introduced in India
approximately 4000 years ago.
Major diet of Harrapan civilisation.
In India one of the important grains
cultivated among the Millets.
Staple food grain of tribal of India,
East Africa, Ethopia and Somalia.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

RASPANCHAK

Rasa -Madhur, Tikta, Kashay

Guna- Laghu
Vipak- Madhur
Virya -Sheeta (cooling)
Prabhav - Tridosh-shamak
Karma-Trisna, Karapada daha ,
Swasa, Kasa , Jwaropdrava
shamak etc.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

LITERARY REVIEW

The term Ragi derived from Rag krit means Rakta

varna visistah
Ragi is mentioned in Charak Samhita (CS.Su.27/22)
as Madhuli.
Sushrut Samhita as Madhulika (SS.SU.46/25).
Dalhana mentioned as Markathasta and Ragi
Bhav Prakash described it as a type of wheat.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

USES IN TRIBAL
(INDIAN JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE/21AUG.2006)

Plants used by Tribes of Maharastra for treatment of

Gastro-intestinal disorder.
In abdominal distention Root decoction is taken once
or twice a day for 1-3 days.
Seeds used as staple food by tribes of Orissa,
Tamilnadu.
Alternative cereal used in Hilly areas.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Liliopsida

Order: Poales

Family: Graminae

Subfamily: Chloridoideae

Genus: Eleusine

Species: Coracana

Bot.Name. Eleusine coracana Gaertn.

Eng.Name. Finger Millet

Synm. MADHULI, RAGIKA, NACHNI, MADUA

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

MORPHOLOGY

It is said to be African origin and believed to be the cultigen

of a wild species Eleusine indica Gaertn.
Annual, 2-4 ft. height
Inflorescence consists of spike-like main branches that are
open or contracted and are digitate or sub-digitate.
The spikelets are 5-8 mm long and 3-4 mm wide.The grains
are globose.
There are two subspecies of African finger millet, the wild
form (E. coracana subsp. africana) and a cultivated form
derived from it (E. coracana subsp. coracana). Wild African
finger millet (E. coracana subsp. africana) is similar to Indian
goose grass (E. indica) and may be confused with it, but the
latter has smaller spikelets and oblong, not rounded grains.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

SPECIES OF ELEUSINE

E. indica

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

E.africana

10

NATIVITY

De Candolle (1886) considered finger millet to be

an Indian origin.
There are more species of Eleusine in South of
Asia than in any other part of the World.
Eleusine has a sanskrit name but no Arabic name.
Wildman(1940) believed that E.coracana is of
Indian origin and later introduced in East Africa.
Greenway(1945) concluded that Finger millet was
domesticated there from the weedy E.indica.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

11

RAGI FOR BABY

In south India, pediatricians recommend fingermillet-based food for infants of six months and
above because of its high nutritional content,
especially Iron and calcium.
Home made Ragi malt happens to be one of the
most popular infant food even to this day.
In Tamil Nadu, ragi is considered to be the holy
food of Amman, knowns as Goddess Kali.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

12

Ragi Nutrition Chart (Comparison)

CONTENT- gm

BROWN RICE

WHEAT

MAIZE

RAGI

ENERGY-KCAL

362

348

358

336

CABOHYDRATE

76

71

73

72.6

PROTEIN

7.9

11.6

9.2

7.7

FIBRE

1.0

2.0

2.8

3.6

FAT

2.7

2.0

4.6

1.5

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

13

NUTRITIONAL VALUE
TOTAL
CALORIES

378

CARBOHYDRATE

72.9g

PROTEIN

11g

FAT

0.4g

Nutrien calcium
t

Coppe
r

Iron

magnesiu
m

Maganes
e

phospho potassiu
rus
m

Amount

8mg

0.75m
g

3.01mg

114mg

1.63 mg

285 mg

195 mg

% of
Daily
value

0.8 %

37.5%

16.72%

28.5%

81.6 %

28.5 %

5.57%

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

14

RAGI FLOUR NUTRITIONAL VALUE

CONTENT

CARBOHYDRATE

PROTEIN

FIBRE

FAT

AMOUNT
(TYPICAL)

72.6

7.7

3.6

1.3

AMOUNT
(RANGE)

71.6-89.5

5.8-12.8

3.5-3.9

1.3-2.7

MINERAL
CONTENT

CALCIUM

IRON

NIACIN

THIAMIN

RIBOFLAVIN

AMOUNT
(TYPICALmg)

350

3.9

1.1

0.42

0.19

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

15

RAGI IN ANEMIA

IncreasesHemoglobin
Ragi is an excellent plant source of
natural Iron. Its consumption helps in
Anemia. Vitamin C increases iron
absorption. Sprouted ragi develops
vitamin C in the process of sprouting,
therefore the iron in ragi becomes
more bioavailable when consumed as
sprouted ragi flour or ragi malt.
Include it in your daily diet and cut
out artificial iron tablets or tonics.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

16

HELPS IN WEIGHT LOSS

Ragi contains an amino acid, Tryptophan

which reduces appetite. It has a much higher
amount of dietary fiber compared to white
rice and other grains.

It is also a low fat cereal and most of the fats

are in the unsaturated form. This makes it the
best choice in grains for people trying to lose
weight.

The bulkiness of the fibers and the slower

digestion rate makes one feel fuller on fewer
calories and therefore helps prevent excess
caloric consumption.
CHAND
MORYA
DR. GYAN

17

RICH IN CALCIUM

No other plant source that comes even close to Ragi. It

is loaded with calcium and vitamin D that makes it a
vital component for increasing bone strength.

Super calcium supplier for growing children, aging

people, pregnant ladies, working women etc. It helps
development of bones in children, maintains bone
health and prevents bone erosion in adults. It also
works as an effective food to avert Osteoporosis.

Thus Ragi helps to keep bone problems at bay and

could reduce risk of fractures too. Consumption of Ragi
helps prevent arthritis and to recover from fractures
faster.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

18

HIGH FIBER CONTENT

The high level of dietary fiber in this cereal

aids in proper digestion, normal bowel
movement and prevents constipation.
The insoluble fibers present in Ragi assists
movement of food through the intestine while
the insoluble fibers retain water there by
easing the passage of waste.
Include it to your daily diet in order to protect
your digestive system and avert risk of
constipation and other digestive disorders.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

19

DIABETES CONTROL

Regular consumption of Ragi has been found

to reduce the risk of Diabetesbecause of its
high content of dietary fibers and
polyphenols to increase insulin sensitivity .
It also has a low glycemic index that makes
it an ideal snack to prevent late night food
cravings and help to maintain blood sugar
within safe range.
The low glycemic index in millet slows down
the digestion process and keeps the blood
sugar level at a constant ratio.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

20

MENTAL RELAXATION

The abundance of antioxidants, mainly

Tryptophan and amino acids in Ragi help in
fighting damage causing free radicals and
reducing oxidative stress.
One amazing benefit of Ragi is that it helps
in relaxing the body naturally.
It is found to be beneficial in conditions of
anxiety, depression, hypertension,
migraine and insomnia. Tryptophan in
millet raises the serotonin level in the body
which helps with
stress reduction. 21
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

REDUCE RISK OF STROKE

Consumption of millet regularly helps

to decrease triglyceride levels in the
body.
It thins the blood to prevent blood
platelet clumping, thereby reducing
the risk of sunstroke, hypertension and
coronary artery disorder.

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

22

RAGI FOR LOWERING CHOLESTEROL LEVEL

Lowers bad cholesterol

Vitamin B1,2,5 helps to break down carbohydrates
and fat more efficiently. It reduces homo cysteine
level in the blood to prevent cholesterol from
bonding and forming deposits.
Niacin prevents cholesterol from getting into the
blood stream and raises high density lipoprotein
(HDL) in the blood. This protects the blood vessels
from atherosclerosis and hemorrhage.
The key amino acids Lecithin and Methionine
present , helps in lowering cholesterol by
extracting and cutting out excess fat from the
liver.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

23

REDUCES BLOOD PRESSURE

Magnesium in millet relaxes the

muscles that line the inside of
the arterial wall, which helps to
reduce blood pressure.

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

24

REVERTS SKIN AGING

Lipoic, an antioxidant found in ragi, produces valuable

anti-inflammatory property which increases blood
circulation in the body to reduce acne and fine lines
on the skin.
Ragi are rich in Vitamin E & Alium, assisting the body
with the natural wound healing process. lubricates
the skin and forms a protective layer to the free
radicals away from the wound.
Ubiquinone in ragi is also used in beauty products to
reduce wrinkles on the face and maintaining
youthfulness and vitality of skin.
Methionine and Lysine present in the ragi helps in
maintenance of collagen that supports the skin
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

25

BOON FOR PREGNANT & LACTATATING WOMEN

Increase the production of breast milk.

Ragi proves to be a great cereal for
pregnant and lactating women due to its
high calcium,iron, vital amino acids and
essential minerals content.
Rich in folic acid which helps in brain
development of baby and calcium in
ragi will helps in bone development of
child.
Ragi is also rich in dietary fiber and
hence bowel friendly.
26
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

PROMOTES CHILD GROWTH

Due to its high calcium content and

easy digestibility, its grains are malted
and used for weaning babies.
Ragihelps to fulfill the necessary
mineral requirement of growing children
and therefore helps in proper growth
and development.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

27

PROMOTES HAIR GROWTH

Protein rich Ragi strengthens hair, making it

stronger and less prone to breakage.
Magnesium in reduces inflammation and
promote the blood circulation in the scalp to
treat scalp conditions like eczema, psoriasis and
dandruff.
Stress increases cortisol level in the body
leading to massive hair shedding. Magnesium in
millets control hair loss by reducing cortisol
level in the body. Premature graying of hair is
caused mainly due to oxidation of the tissues.
Antioxidants in Ragi
effectively
prevent the 28
DR. GYAN CHAND
MORYA

WOMEN FRIENDLY

Menopause,the phase of life which no woman can

escape from.
Ragi will not only provide nourishment but also
prevents osteoporosis which is a very commonly
faced problem during menopause.
Magnesium reduces unbearable pain and cramps
during their menstrual cycle.
Calcium in Ragi helps reduce irritability and
nervousness to some extent and particularly
effective in alleviating symptoms associated with
PMS (pre-menstrual stress)
Food having low glycemic index and high fiber
content is recommended in PCOD. Ragi
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

29

GERIATRIC TONIC

The Ragi based foods are highly suited for

elderly due to their high calcium and iron
content.
Chewing efficiency decreases in old age
hence this can be one more reason ragi is
recommended in old age as person needs
less efforts in chewing ragi if given in the
form of porridge.
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

30

SOURCE OF EAA

Ragi contains Valine, Methionine, Isoleucine, Threonine and

Tryptophan essential Amino Acids (EAA) .
Valine essential for repair of tissues, muscle coordination and also
promote mental calmness and maintain mental vigor.
Isoleucine essential for blood formation, keeping a check on blood
sugar levels, also helps heal and repair muscle tissues, bones and skin.
Threonine helps formation of tooth enamel, also prevents formation
of fat in the liver.
Tryptophan act as natural relaxant and fight to anxiety, depression
and insomnia and treating migraine headaches. It reduces excess
appetite and help control weight gain; they also release of growth
harmones.
Methionoine promotes growth of healthy skin and hair. Help to
produces lecithin which
reduce
cholesterol, reduce fat inside
the livers
31
DR. GYAN
CHAND MORYA

GLUTEN FREE FOOD

Celiac is a disease which damages the

small intestine and interferes with the
absorption of nutrients from food. People
who suffer from this disease cannot
tolerate gluten.
Ragi a perfect food for them since it is
completely gluten-free. It is a wonderful
grain alternative for people who are
gluten-sensitive.
Ragi malt is good for those allergic to milk
and dairy products. It is one of the least
allergic and most
digestible
grains. 32
DR. GYAN
CHAND MORYA

SIDE EFFECTS

High consumption of Ragi is avoided as its high intake

could increase quantity oxalic acid in the body;
therefore, it is not advisable to patients having kidney
stones.
Millet contains a small amount of goitero-genic
substance which restricts iodine absorption in the
body leading to goiter and other thyroid
complications.
Goitrogens in foods are usually reduced by cooking.
But in the case of millets, cooking or heating actually
increase the goiterogenic effect. Hence, people
suffering from hypothyroidism should be careful with
their millet intake.
33
DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

CONCLUSION

Research has proven that ragi are excellent

and key to a healthy, wholesome diet and
has a better balance of vitamins and
minerals than wheat, barley, oats, rice or
rye.
It has amazing amounts of iron, Vit. B,
complex protein, amino acids, phosphorus,
magnesium and potassium and can be
given to babies from age 5+ months as
baby food like a porridge or combine it with
milk/ yogurt/ veggies/ fruits which is a
complete nutritious
baby
34
DR. GYAN CHAND
MORYA meal.

WITH THANKS..

DR. GYAN CHAND MORYA

35