7 Reasons to Choose Ragi as First Food for Babies

Ragi is the best ingredient in your baby’s plate. Ragi is known as “Finger Millet” in English. While it is also known as Bhakri (भाकरी in Marathi), Ragi is a popular food in southern Karnataka. It is good for babies as well as adults. Today we will see why is this grain so popular and explore – What are the benefits of Ragi for babies.

7 Benefits of Ragi for babies:

Ragi is a powerhouse many nutrients and essential elements for baby’s good health. This finger millet is responsible for a healthy metabolism which promotes the growth of a baby. Below we highlight many more benefits of ragi which will make you consider Ragi as an important part of baby’s diet.

1) Helps in weight gain:

Being a good source of proteins Ragi helps in muscle formation in babies. For growth and development of babies protein is a must have and Ragi serves it best.

2) Gets digested Quickly:

Ragi is a very light meal for your baby. Less in cereal fat and high fiber content is ideal for baby’s diet. It fills the tummy quickly and your little one’s tummy can digest it without much hassle.

3) Easy to cook:

Ragi is a friendly cereal as it can be combined with most veggies and cooks in little time. Some good options for ragi dishes are Ragi porridge, Ragi and apple halwa, Ragi dosa/Cheela and much more. Dishes made from ragi are easy to make and will be liked by a baby.

4) Controls Anxiety:

If your baby is fussy then Ragi can prove helpful to ease his anxiety and mood. It has shown good results in improving sleep in babies and comforts them.

5) Rich source of Calcium:

If baby feeds on ragi porridge regularly there are no chances that he will suffer from diseases of bones. No other cereal can match Ragi in its calcium content. Calcium is responsible for healthy bone development in babies and growing children.

6) Healthy Digestion:

Ragi has high fiber content. The fiber helps to promote good digestion in your little one’s tummy. Not only does it keep digestion healthy but also maintains water levels in baby’s body. Ragi promotes healthy bowel movements and prevents constipation.

7) Keeps away from Anemia:

Ragi is the natural source of Iron. Iron helps to battle anemia. If sprouted Ragi is given to baby it provides Vitamin C too which increases Iron absorption in the body. This combination of Vitamin C and Iron is essential for growing baby for maintaining the right levels of hemoglobin.