Nutritional profile and Health Benefits of Super Food Ragi (Finger millet): A powerhouse of Calcium

Abstract

Ragi or Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is an annually cultivated crop vastly found in the regions of Asia and Africa such as in Ethiopia, India and Srilanka. It ranks as the fourth most produced millet globally. It is densely packed with many nutrients like protein, calcium, iron, and amino acids. It is rich in minerals like phosphorous, calcium and magnesium. Its rich calcium content makes it a powerhouse of Calcium. Ragi can be called as a superfood that conifers valuable health benefits such as enhancing digestion, reducing the risk of heart disease, slowing down aging, regulating diabetes etc. This study highlights the nutritional profile and health benefits of Ragi. Several factors that affect the bioavailability of calcium in ragi have also been discussed. The methods of its consumption and ways to improve the calcium absorbance from Ragi consumption has also been given. Thus, this study affirms that Ragi is a highly recommended crop to provide adequate calcium, especially for low-income groups.