Ragi is a widely grown cereal crop in arid or semi-arid regions of India and Africa. Its grain is sprouted and ground to a fine powder and used in several Indian dishes like nachni roti, idli, dosa and porridge. It is dense with nutrients like calcium, iron, protein, dietary fiber, Vitamin B1 and B2, amino acids like phenylalanine, methionine, isoleucine and leucine among others. Moreover, it is 100% natural, gluten-free, low in fat, with no added preservatives or artificial colors or flavors, making it the perfect superfood. With its growing popularity, it has now found its way into recipes of bread, cookies and pasta boosting the nutritional value of these items without compromising on its taste. 

Ragi satva is a traditional Goan recipe and since time immemorial, grandmothers and mothers from Goa have fed it to infants.  A sweet porridge made with ragi, coconut, jaggery and ghee, ragi satva is known to be rich in nutrients needed by children to build their muscles, increase stamina, boost immunity and safeguard them from bacterial infections and diseases. 

Here are some of the many benefits of feeding infants ragi satva.

Rich Source of Calcium and Vitamin D

Children between the ages of 1 and 3 need 700mg of calcium to sustain their growing bones and teeth. A deficiency in calcium leads to a disease called rickets among children. Rickets softens the bones and causes stunted growth, bow legs and weak muscles. ragi is a natural source of calcium and Vitamin D. It is recommended by physicians in lieu of supplements to improve the bone health of infants naturally. 

Rich Source of Fibre

Fiber plays an important role in the process of digestion. There are two types of fiber- soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibers dissolve in water and lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels. Insoluble fibers do not dissolve in water and help maintain healthy bowel movements. raagi is a rich source of both these types of fiber. Further, ragi satva also keeps a child satiated for long periods, effectively helping control and maintain a healthy weight.

Rich Source of Iron

Babies are born with a baseline amount of iron stored in their bodies. However, to aid their rapid growth spurts a steady amount of iron intake is a must. Iron helps move the oxygen from the lungs to every other part of a child’s body. A lack thereof hinders a child’s ability to function normally. Ragi is rich in iron, and ragi satva is fed to young children to keep iron deficiencies like anemia at bay. 

Rich Source of Antioxidants

Antioxidants curb the damage done by free radicals in a child’s body. Free radicals are substances created by the body that harm healthy tissues, cause inflammation and damage healthy, growing cells. Antioxidants present in ragi prevent future cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes. It is known to help the body relax, prevent insomnia, anxiety and headaches.

Rich in Protein and Amino Acids

Protein is vital in the growth and repair of muscle tissue, skin, organs, blood, hair and nails. Ragi is a protein source that doctors recommend for growing children as opposed to supplements. It is a macronutrient and its deficiency slows down the growth of the child. Protein is made up of 20 amino acids that help shed the excess fat around the liver and control the levels of cholesterol in a child’s bloodstream. It prevents stunted growth and malnutrition. Amino acid Methionine, present in ragi promotes healthy hair and skin

We at Mayenkar Products make the finest sprouted ragi atta, specifically to make ragi satva for babies. You can also follow us on Instagram and Facebook for further updates and posts.