All About Millet’s And Its Health Benefits
Millets are a group of small seed grasses grown in semi-dry areas of Asia and Africa. Millets have been widely cultivated as cereal crops or as fodder for animals.
Because millets have a short growing season, can withstand dry and high-temperature conditions yet yield well, they are popularly grown in the developing nations.
It is now a well-proven fact that consuming whole grains on a regular basis may help lose weight, owing to the rich content of fiber and bioactive compounds in them.
Learn more about other weight loss mistakes you might be making by following certain diet plans.
In the developed nations, millets have been relegated to be used as bird feed.
However, in developing nations like India, are enjoying rising popularity due to a variety of health benefits of millets.
Types of Millets | Health Benefits of Millets
They are gluten-free grains and hence it can be consumed by everyone. We will elucidate on the types of millets.
Millets are supernatural foods for weight loss, Are you still looking for a sustainable weight loss, so you don’t put it back again?
Types of Millet’s in India
Millets in India enjoy prime importance that is because India is one of the largest producers clocking 11 million tonnes every year followed by Africa and China.
So let us know a bit more about the types of millets grown in India and millet nutrition that will convince you to stock them.
1.Foxtail millet
Foxtail millets are available in the form of rice, semolina (like rava) or as fine textured flour.
Like other millets, foxtail millet is rich in smart carbohydrates, the kind which doesn’t increase the blood sugar levels immediately but releases slowly release glucose into the bloodstream.
It is rich in dietary fiber, and minerals like iron and copper.
Due to this, it helps to reduce the levels of bad cholesterol and keeps the immune system strong as well.
2.Barnyard millet
Barnyard millet, with its nutritional profile, should belong to our tables already. It has a considerable amount of fiber that helps maintain satiety.
Apart from this, millet is rich sources of bone-building minerals calcium and phosphorus.
Its good antioxidant profile helps in improving the complications of non-communicable diseases and degenerative disorders like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
Therefore, it can be considered as an ideal replacement for rice in dosa/idli/dhokla batters.
3. Kodo millet
If you are looking for a millet that closely resembles rice, then it is the Kodo millet.
It is easy to digest and is rich in phytochemicals and antioxidants, all of which helps prevent the occurrence of major lifestyle diseases.
For weight loss enthusiasts, this is the millet that will assist in healthy weight loss. Cook it like rice once in a while and relish without any guilt.
Kodo millet has shown to reduce knee and joint pain, helps regularize menstruation in women among others. This is attributed to high mineral content like calcium, magnesium and iron.
4.Little Millet
The little millet may be called little but in no means its nutritional content is little. It is a rich source of B-vitamins, minerals like calcium, iron, zinc, potassium among others.
Little millet contains around 5.2 grams of fat with a good content of unsaturated fats that ensures healthy metabolism and subsequently, a healthy weight loss. [7]
Its high fibre content is yet another positive making it an ideal part of pongal or even kheer instead of rice.
5. Proso Millet
Like it’s millet cousins, proso millet is rich in protein and low glycemic index carbs.
The developed world cultivates this millet to use it as bird feed. It is yet to be consumed as a mainstream millet.
Also, because of the high content of antioxidants and minerals like magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus, it helps in preventing conditions like osteoporosis.
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