Anaemia is a common health condition when your body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to the body's tissues. This definition was provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO). While there are various causes of anaemia, including nutritional deficiencies, one natural remedy that has gained attention in recent years is the consumption of ragi drink.
Ragi Combats Anaemia
You must have heard of ragi, but what exactly is a ragi drink? But before we get into that, let's explore a few benefits of ragi that make it an excellent choice to fight anaemia.
Anaemia can result from a lack of essential nutrients, primarily iron, folate, and vitamin B12, and is characterised by fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and shortness of breath.
Fortunately, ragi is packed with these essential nutrients:
Iron
Iron deficiency is one of the leading causes of anaemia, and including ragi in your diet can help meet your iron requirements.
Also Read: Iron And Ageing: Expert Shares Why Iron Is Essential For Women To Stay Healthy As They Get Older
Folate (Vitamin B9)
Ragi is a good source of folate, a B vitamin that plays a crucial role in red blood cell formation. Adequate folate intake is essential for preventing certain types of anaemia.
Vitamin B12
Although not as rich in B12 as animal-based foods, ragi contain small amounts of this vitamin, which can still help you prevent Megaloblastic Anemia (MA). The National Organisation For Rare Disorders shared that MA is characterised by abnormally large and dysfunctional red blood cells called megaloblasts, and is primarily caused by deficiencies of Vitamin B12, and B9.
Dietary Fibre
Ragi is high in dietary fibre, which aids in better absorption of nutrients from food, ensuring that your body can make the most of the iron and other nutrients you consume. This has been established by numerous studies including one published by the Cambridge University Press which showed how dietary fibre can help combat anaemia by boosting iron absorption.
How To Make Ragi Drink?
There are various ways to include ragi in your diet, but one of the most popular and convenient methods is by preparing ragi-based drinks. Here's a simple recipe for a nutritious ragi drink:
Ingredients
- 2-3 tablespoons of ragi flour
- 1 cup of water or milk. Opt for a dairy-free alternative as per your dietary restrictions
- A natural sweetener of your choice like honey or jaggery
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix the ragi flour with water or milk to create a smooth paste with no lumps.
- Boil the remaining water or milk, and add the ragi paste while stirring continuously.
- Cook the mixture on low heat until it thickens.
- Add your choice of sweetener and a pinch of salt for taste.
- Once the drink reaches your desired consistency, please remove it from the heat, and let it cool before consuming.
Anaemia can often be managed and even prevented through a balanced diet that includes nutrient-rich foods like ragi. Ragi drink offers a delicious and effective way to increase your iron and nutrient intake, making it a valuable addition to your diet, especially if you are looking to combat anaemia.