Ragi for Babies : What makes it an excellent meal for little ones?

Read full article By Rudrani Gupta @ She the People Photo Credit: She the People

Ragi for babies: Feeding a healthy and nutritious diet is essential for growing babies. And ragi is known as a superfood for babies who begin consuming solids for the first time

Why is it considered Nutritious as one of the first foods for your Baby?

India is regarded as the leading producer of ragi in the world. Ragi which is also known as finger millets or nachani, is rich in many nutrients that are healthy for a six-month-old baby. Regarded as a superfood for babies, ragi powder or porridge is often chosen as the first solid food that a baby is fed when it is ready to consume solids like rice gruel, rice mash among others. So what makes ragi a superfood for babies? Here are some points

Ragi Superfood For Babies

1. Rich in calcium The amount of calcium in Ragi is more than most other cereals that are fed to babies. Hence Ragi becomes one of the primary sources of calcium which is essential to strengthening the bones of the baby. It makes the bones resistant to any fracture and saves the effort of feeding calcium supplements. Moreover, it also helps in improving the production of blood in the body.

2. Promotes Digestion Ragi is also rich in insoluble fibres that promote digestion and keeps the baby full for a long time. The fibres help in pushing the food down the intestine and eliminate the waste products in the body. It prevents constipation and allows normal movement of bowels in babies.

3. Rich in amino acids Ragi contains amino acids like phenylalanine, methionine, isoleucine, and leucine that helps in dissolving extra fats around the liver, remove the cholesterol level and avoid problems of obesity. The amino acids also help in improving the texture of skin and hair.

4. Rich in natural iron Ragi is naturally rich in iron which is essential for growing babies as it prevents anaemia and malnutrition. Ragi also provides Vitamin C to the babies’ body and hence make them more absorbent towards iron.

5. Ragi is also a relaxant gifted by nature Another very special attribute of ragi is that it is a natural relaxant. It contains a significant amount of antioxidants that relaxes the muscles and avoids problems like insomnia, anxiety or headaches in babies.

6. Avoids the risk of diabetes Diabetes has become one of the most common illnesses affecting humans, irrespective of age. So feeding Ragi to babies in their initial years will reduce the risk of diabetes in their bodies. Ragi contains fiber and polyphenol that helps in making the body resistant to diabetes.

7. Ragi boosts immunity and helps in weight gain As stated above, ragi is rich in many nutrients and hence its regular consumption can boost the immunity of the babies. Moreover, the high nutrition level helps the babies in gaining good weight. Rich in dietary fibers, calcium, iron, proteins and Vitamin B1 and B2, ragi proves to be the superfood for the babies.

How To Feed Ragi?

Ragi or finger millet is served to babies as porridge. The porridge is prepared using ragi flour which is mixed with water and milk (if your baby is not lactose intolerant) and stirred on low flame. However, remember to avoid adding milk if your baby is less than 1 year old. Many mothers say ragi porridge is next best baby food after rice porridge. “I fed my little one with ragi all through her childhood, it’s good for bones, it’s got a distinct flavour. Initially as a baby I used to put a little milk but as the child grew I made it like a thick sweetish halwa,” Sudharani Chakravarti who is a mom to two.