Postnatal Ragi Laddu

Nutritional value of Ragi laddu

Ragi laddu, made from ragi flour, dates, and ghee, is a nutritious sweet treat that offers several health benefits. Here is an overview of the nutritional value of ragi laddu per serving (approximately 1 laddu):

Calories: Ragi laddu provides around 100-120 calories per serving, making it a moderately calorie-dense snack.

Carbohydrates: Ragi laddu is primarily composed of carbohydrates. It contains approximately 15-20 grams of carbohydrates per serving. The carbohydrates in ragi laddu are mainly from ragi flour and dates, which provide energy for the body.

Dietary Fiber: Ragi laddu is a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive system. It contains approximately 2-3 grams of dietary fiber per serving.

Protein: Ragi laddu contains a small amount of protein, providing approximately 1-2 grams per serving. Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, as well as supporting various bodily functions.

Fats: Ragi laddu contains some amount of fats, primarily from ghee (clarified butter) used in its preparation. The fats contribute to the rich texture and flavor of the laddu.

Micronutrients: Ragi laddu is rich in several essential minerals. It is particularly high in calcium, which is crucial for maintaining strong bones and teeth. Other minerals present in ragi laddu include iron, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Antioxidants: Ragi laddu contains natural antioxidants due to the presence of ragi flour and dates. Antioxidants help protect the body against oxidative stress and may have various health benefits.

Amazing Health Benefits of Ragi Laddu:–

1. Ragi has High Protein Content

The grain’s protein content is comparable to that of rice. The main protein fraction is eleusinin, which has a high biological value, meaning that it is easily incorporated into the body. There are also significant quantities of tryptophan, cystine, methionine and total aromatic amino acids.

2. Ragi is a Rich Source of Minerals

Ragi Laddu is also a very rich source of minerals. It has been found to have between 5-30 times the calcium content found in other cereals. It is also rich in phosphorus, potassium and iron. Calcium is of course an important component in maintaining bone density and health.

3. Ragi Controls Diabetes

The rapid rise in the prevalence of diabetes has led to a great demand for foods containing complex carbohydrates with high dietary fiber levels and beneficial phytochemicals. Phytochemicals are a varied group of chemical compounds derived from plants, which are considered to be important factors in our capacity to combat disease.

4. Ragi has Anti-microbial Properties

Finger millet has been found to act against a number of bacteria including Bacillus cereus, which causes food poisoning, salmonella sp., which causes a typhoid-like fever, and staphylococcus aureus, one of the primary causes of skin and soft tissue infections such as abscesses, furuncles, and cellulitis.

5. Ragi has Anti-cancer Potential

Finger millet is also rich in antioxidants, which have sort of become a byword in health books today. Antioxidants prevent excessive oxidation (how surprising!), which could otherwise cause cancer and ageing because of cell damage.

6. Ragi Keeps you Young

Aside from the phenolic content and antioxidants which are important factors in preventing ageing, finger millet and Ragi Laddu have specifically shown potential in inhibiting cross-linking of collagen. Collagen cross-linking is the process by which cross-links form between or within collagen molecules in tendons, skin, and even blood vessels.

7. Ragi reduces bad cholestrol, Prevents Cardiovascular Disease

Emerging research has shown that finger millet has the potential to reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases. Technically speaking, finger millet reduces concentrations of serum triglycerides and inhibits lipid oxidation and LDL cholesterol oxidation. LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol is what is termed “bad” cholesterol and is especially troublesome when oxidized. Oxidized LDL inflames the arteries, leading to arteriosclerosis and the risk of heart attack or strokes.

It helps in enhancing weight control, and in a better glycemic control which is useful for diabetics. Ragi has a number of health benefits like cooling your tummy, treating diabetes, cardiac diseases and for keeping your head cool during scorching summers.