Top 5 Finger Millet Risks | Who Should Avoid Eating Finger Millet(Ragulu)
Finger millet (Ragulu) is a healthy grain loved by many. But did you know that it is not good for everyone?
Some people should be careful or avoid eating finger millet because it can cause problems. In this article, we will talk about the top 5 risks of eating finger millet and who should avoid it. This will help you make smart choices and keep your body happy and healthy.
Table of Contents
Top 5 Finger Millet Risks
1. Very Small Babies(Infants)
Hey, did you know tiny babies can’t eat finger millet? Our moms say their tummies are too soft and small for this food. One time, our baby cousin was given finger millet porridge, and he cried a lot because his tummy hurt.
The doctor told us that his tummy couldn’t take such strong food yet. Babies who are less than one year old need only milk and very soft foods to help them grow safely. Finger millet is heavy and strong food, so it is not good for their small tummies right now.
When they grow bigger and stronger, then they can try eating finger millet little by little. So, we should always ask our moms or doctors before giving any new food to babies to keep them safe and happy!
2. People with Kidney Problems
Some of our family and friends have kidney problems, so they can’t eat everything they want. Finger millet has high amount of calcium. The calcium is good for our bones, right? But too much calcium can be bad for our kidneys.
Sometimes, it can cause stones to form inside the body, and that can hurt a lot! So, if someone has kidney trouble, they need to be very careful about eating finger millet. So it is not the good option for them. Instead, they can eat other grains that are lighter and easier for our bodies to handle. It’s always good to ask a doctor or a grown-up before trying new foods if our body is not feeling strong.
3. People with Thyroid Issues
One of our aunts has thyroid problems, so she doesn’t eat finger millet. She told us that finger millet has something called goitrogens. That’s a big, tricky word! Goitrogens can stop our thyroid from working properly.
The thyroid is a small but important part inside our neck that helps our body stay strong and full of energy. When the thyroid is not working well, people can feel very tired and weak. Our aunt feels tired and low on energy when her thyroid is not okay. Because of this, she chooses to eat other grains like rice or wheat instead of finger millet. If any of us have thyroid problems,
it’s very important to talk to a doctor before eating finger millet or any new food. The doctor can tell us what is safe and what is not, so we can keep our bodies healthy and happy.
4. People with Stomach Problems
Do you ever feel your tummy full of gas or feel very puffy inside? One of our friends, Rahul, feels like that sometimes. He can’t eat too much finger millet because it makes his tummy hurt and feel very heavy.
Finger millet has lots of fiber, which is good for us, but it is also a heavy food that takes a long time to digest. When our tummy is already upset or full of gas, eating finger millet can make us feel worse. So, it’s better to eat light and easy foods like idli, fruits, or porridge when our tummy is not feeling good. These foods help our tummy rest and get better.
Once our tummy feels happy and strong again, then we can try eating a little bit of finger millet slowly. Always listen to your tummy and give it food that makes you feel good!
5. Very Weak People
After our grandma was sick, she felt very weak and tired. She tried to eat finger millet, but she said it made her feel even more tired. Finger millet is a high fiber food. So, it takes a long time for our bodies to digest it.
When someone is weak or just getting better from being sick, they need soft and light food that is easy to eat and digest. Our grandma ate simple foods like khichdi and bananas until she became strong again.
Finger millet is very healthy, but it is best to eat it only when our body is ready and strong enough. If we feel weak, it’s okay to wait a little before eating heavy foods like finger millet. Taking care of our body with gentle food helps us get better faster.
Know the Nutritional Values of Finger Millet
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g | Benefits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal | Provides energy | Heavy food, eat in moderation |
| Fiber | 3-4 g | Helps digestion | Too much may cause gas |
| Calcium | 344 mg | Good for bones | High calcium may affect kidneys |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | Prevents anemia | Some compounds reduce absorption |
| Protein | 7-8 g | Builds muscles | Good source of plant protein |
| Goitrogens | Present | Affects thyroid function | Avoid if thyroid problems |
Summary Table Of Finger Millet Risks
| Person | Reason to Avoid | What to Do Instead |
|---|---|---|
| Babies under 1 year | Tummy too soft, can cause pain | Give milk and soft foods |
| People with kidney issues | High calcium may harm kidneys | Eat light grains like rice |
| People with thyroid issues | Goitrogens affect thyroid | Consult doctor, eat other grains |
| People with tummy problems | Fiber causes gas and bloating | Eat light foods like idli, fruits |
| Very weak or sick people | Hard to digest heavy food | Eat soft foods like khichdi, bananas |
Conclusion
So, now you know the finger millet risks and who should be careful with it. Always listen to your tummy and ask a grown-up if you are not sure. Eating the right food helps us stay happy and strong!
About the Author
I am Prashanthi, a passionate blogger, assistant professor, and researcher. I write based on real-time experiences and research. I love sharing easy and helpful information about healthy grains and how they keep us healthy.
