When it comes to choosing a proper pregnancy diet, we resort to the best recipes for the optimum health of both mother and baby. Among the most recommended pregnancy foods, nutritionists also advise including Ragi in the diet.
Now, those who are thinking if Ragi is safe for pregnancy, we must tell you, Yes, it is perfectly safe for pregnant women. In fact, it is incredibly super millet for pregnancy. However, its quantity must be optimum and suit the mother’s health. Don’t worry, we’ll discuss it all below. So, before picking Ragi for pregnancy, you will have a good knowledge about it. Let’s go.
What is Ragi?
Ragi, also called, finger millet, is one of the most nutritious grains, grown mainly in Asia and Africa. ‘The Hindu’ has named it the ‘Superfood”. It is abundant in:
Nutrients in Ragi
In addition to being rich in antioxidants, Ragi has the following nutrients:
- Calcium,
- Protein,
- Vitamins,
- Minerals,
- Phosphorus,
- Iron,
- Carbohydrates,
- Potassium,
- Fats, and
- Amino acids.
Ragi flour is often used in popular recipes in India, such as chilla, upma, chapatis, porridge, etc. It has its unique taste and doesn’t require too many spices when incorporated into recipes.
Is Ragi safe during the First/Second/Third Trimester of pregnancy?
This fibre-rich food serves as an alternative food to many other grains and cereals. Ragi has replaced grains like rice, barley, wheat, etc. owing to its numerous benefits. The nutrients present in Ragi are also renowned for supporting the growth of the fetus.
Ragi for Pregnancy
It can be consumed during the different trimesters of pregnancy. Soaking some Ragi grains in water during the night and then eating them the next morning can have many benefits on the health of both the expecting mother and the child. The nutrients in Ragi stimulate the production of milk and also balance hormones in them. Hence, choosing Ragi for pregnancy can prove to be a wholesome decision for the expecting and young mothers.
Ragi During Pregnancy First Trimester
The first trimester of pregnancy is a period of many emotional and physical changes. You may feel excited this hour, while completely fatigued in the next hour. These moments may be too stressful to cope with. Consumption of Ragi during pregnancy first trimester can help reduce that stress. This is because Ragi has natural antioxidants that can save the body against oxidative stress, in addition to having several benefits.
Ragi During Pregnancy Second Trimester
During the second trimester, the baby’s bone development is at its maximum. To support this development, expecting mothers must have Ragi during pregnancy second trimester. Such consumption will help not only fulfil the calcium and protein deficiencies of the mother but also promote the baby’s bone health.
Ragi During Pregnancy Third Trimester
The third trimester is also the period of the baby’s bone development. Plus, during this period, the mother also has to go through back pains as the baby’s weight grows. Consuming Ragi during pregnancy third trimester can support the bone development of the baby. It will also contribute to the mother’s physical strength and prepare her for the delivery.
Health Benefits of Ragi for Pregnancy & General Well-Being
Ragi is a healthy grain for everyone, be it a mom-to-be or any other individual. So, whether you are taking Ragi for pregnancy or only well-being, you will acknowledge the following benefits.
- Ragi is Gluten-Free
Ragi is a gluten-free grain, which makes it suitable for gluten-intolerant mothers and other individuals. They can effectively replace wheat with Ragi to make dosa, upma, chapati, parantha, and even sweets like laddus.
Maa Mitahara’s Ragi laddu is becoming pregnant women’s favourite snack during pregnancy. Women from all the trimesters are buying Ragi ladoo online from Maa Mitahara. Why don’t you check them out?
- Has essential Amino Acids
Ragi is one of the plant-based sources of proteins, as it is rich in amino acids. They help in improving skin and hair, repairing injured tissues, enhancing teeth health, and maintaining the mouth’s overall health.
- Supports Bone Health
Pregnancy often results in fatigue, body aches, and weakness. Ragi helps fight them. It improves the health of bones and muscles as it is a natural source of calcium. Different measures of Ragi are advised for different age groups. However, regular consumption of Ragi is suggested for individuals of all ages.
- Treats Iron Deficiency
Just like methi ke laddu, ragi laddus are also beneficial in treating iron deficiency and anaemia. Numerous men, women, and children resort to Ragi recipes in addition to iron supplements to overcome low productivity and fatigue.
Pregnant women who are anaemic and observe low haemoglobin levels must include Ragi in their pregnancy diet, after consulting with their doctor.
- Improves the Functionality of Nervous System
Our nervous system is among the most crucial parts of our body. The multi-nutritional Ragi grain can help enhance our memories and relax our minds. This is because it has high levels of tryptophan, an amino acid, which helps in reducing stress and anxiety and keeping up good mental health.
Expecting mothers can benefit from Ragi during pregnancy first trimester, the period of maximum anxiety. Along with a good sleeping routine, the first trimester can be spent merrily.
- Maintains Heart’s Well-Being
When it comes to managing cholesterol levels, Ragi is a pretty useful grain. It is full of fibres and vitamin B3 and contains a very low percentage of sodium or cholesterol-boosting nutrients. This makes it completely safe for heart patients or people with high cholesterol.
- Great for Baby’s Growth
Mothers-to-be should not only choose Ragi for pregnancy but post-pregnancy period too. Ragi recipes, when fed to young kids or infants, can improve their wholesome growth. Ragi water or malt is the common recipe given to them.
Consumption of Ragi for Pregnancy
Ragi is a comprehensive grain. However, when it comes to consuming Ragi for pregnancy, one must be mindful. A nutritionist would never recommend the same quantity of Ragi to all the expecting mothers. This is because the consumption depends on the mother’s health and requirements. Hence, always consult with your gynaecologist or nutritionist before consuming Ragi during pregnancy second trimester, third trimester, or even the first trimester.
End Note
The benefits of Ragi during pregnancy have no limits. Maa Mitahara is all set to deliver those benefits to you.
Maa Mitahara is an initiative to serve nutritious pregnancy and post-partum snacks to moms-to-be. The entire range of homemade laddus is safe for consumption during the first, second, and third trimesters. If you’re an expecting mother, it is time to explore the collection a get the most nutritional and relishing snacks for the well-being of both you and your baby. Visit the website today.