"...is the most female-friendly cereal": Sadhguru suggests making this high-energy superfood your staple diet

Sadhguru is known for sharing simple and easy lifestyle habits. He often talks about consuming seasonal fruits, vegetables and grains and also advocates nourishing the body in the most natural way. In a recent Instagram reel, he talked about a cereal and suggested making the high-energy superfood a staple diet. Scroll down to read the details.In his reel, he said, "Ladies of the world, I must tell you, ragi is the most female-friendly cereal you can consume. This millet is fantastic for women. Not that it's not good for men, it's good for everybody."He further added, "But I'm saying there are special advantages for a woman. It has the highest amount of calcium in... among all the cereals and also very high levels of iron. There is such a level of anemia all over the world, particularly for the female population." "There is also a problem of porosity of bones being high at certain stages in a woman's life. And ragi can make a tremendous difference for both," he concluded the video. According to an online report by PIB, 67.1% of children and 59.1% of adolescent girls in India are anemic (NFHS-5) and 3 in 4 Indian women have low dietary iron intake. The report duly mentions that anemia is primarily caused by iron deficiency, results from low haemoglobin levels, reducing the blood's capacity to carry oxygen to vital organs. Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A are other nutritional causes of anemia. Its widespread prevalence is rooted in poor nutrition, early pregnancies, inadequate maternal care, and limited access to iron-rich foods, making it a pressing public health challenge that demands urgent and sustained action. The report mentions that in 2019, approximately 30% of non-pregnant women (539 million) had anemia and approximately 37% of pregnant women (32 million) were affected by anemia, globally.The PIB report mentions that anemia’s treatment and prevention depend on its underlying cause. Still, it can often be managed through dietary changes such as consuming iron- and nutrient-rich foods (like folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin A), maintaining a balanced diet, and taking supplements when a healthcare provider recommends them. It is a natural cooler that can consumed in the form of ragi malt or porridge to keep the body hydrated and cool. According to Ayurveda, ragi is considered a cooling food, especially beneficial for individuals with a predominance of Pitta dosha, as it helps mitigate excess heat and acidity in the body. Also, it is a rich source of calcium, and contains around 320 to 344 mg calcium per 100 grams, which is higher than many other millets. It is proven to be a good source of dietary fiber, which helps promote digestion, prevent constipation, and maintain gut health. According to a study, the dietary fiber along with resistant starch, escapes enzymatic digestion in the small intestine and ferments in the colon. The high fiber content in ragi improves bowel regularity and prevents constipation, contributing to healthy digestion and gut function as well. It also aids weight loss and the low glycemic index helps regulate blood sugar levels. Ragi Ambli: It is a popular drink of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, where ragi flour is cooked with buttermilk, salt and cumin and makes for a soothing drink. It is hydrating, easy to digest, and keeps you full for longer.Ragi Dosa: This is for all the dosa lovers and can be easily made at home by combining ragi flour with rice flour, onions, green chilies, and spices. It is best served with sambar and coconut chutney.Ragi Mudde: It is a traditional dish of Karnataka and is prepared by cooking ragi flou into soft, steamed balls and is best served with sambar or vegetable stew.Ragi Idli: This is a breakfast staple and is made by combining ragi flour into idli batter and is best served with coconut chutney.Ragi Malt: This is a cooling summer drink and is made by combining ragu flour, milk or water, and a natural sweetener such as jaggery.