Types of Millets and their benefits
Millets are gluten-free crops that have been used in India since ages. They can play a pivotal role in preventing and curing several health issues. Millets have incredible nutrient rich composition. Enriched with the goodness of nature, millets are a rich source of fiber, minerals like magnesium, phosphorous, iron, calcium, zinc and potassium.
In fact, it is often advised to prepare millets in the form of porridge for growing kids and aging adults. What’s more, millets are loaded with high amount of starch and proteins, which can be beneficial, if added to the daily diet.’
Millets are not only healthy but at the same time they have a unique taste, which can accentuate the taste quotient of any meal. With various culinary innovations, millets like ragi, jowar and bajra are used to prepare several snacks and dishes like Ragi Idli, Millet Khichidi, Apple Ragi Halwa( healthy for toddlers), Ragi Cookies etc.
Buy some millet-based snacks and seeds-mix that are super-healthy
Here are types of millets and their benefits :
1. Jowar (Sorghum): Sorghum is commonly known as Jowar in India. Traditionally, jowar was used as a grain to make flat breads/ rotis. Enriched with the goodness of iron, protein and fibre, jowar can help in reducing cholesterol level as it has a component called policosanols (a part of sorghum wax). It is good for people who have wheat intolerance.
2. Ragi (Finger Millet): Ragi is used as a healthy substitute for rice and wheat. Ragi is undoubtedly a powerhouse of nutrition. Loaded with protein and amino acids, this gluten-free millet is good for brain development in growing kids.
3. Kakum/Kangni (Foxtail millet): Foxtail millet has healthy blood sugar balancing carbohydrates, and it is popularly available in the form of semolina and rice flour. The presence of iron and calcium in this millet helps in strengthening immunity.
4. Bajra (Pearl millet): Bajra is known for its umpteen health benefits. Bajra is packed with the goodness of iron,protein, fibre, and minerals such as calcium and magnesium; the daily consumption or inclusion of this millet can work wonders.
5. Sanwa(Barnyard millet) : This nutrient dense millet has high fiber content, which can effectively help in losing weight. It is a rich source of calicum and phosphorius, which helps in bone building and its daily caonsumption helps infighting bone diseases.
6. Chena(Proso/Broomcorn millet): This millet can effectively help in balancing blood sugar level. Its low glycemic index has made it a fad among weight watchers. In India is has been a commonly bird feed.
7. Moraiyo/ Kutki/ Shavan/ Sama(Little millet): Packed with the goodness of B-vitamins, minerals like calcium, iron, zinc and potassium, little millets can provide essential nutrients, which further help in weight loss. It is a part of many traditional dishes in south India. What's more, more than anything its high fiber content makes it a healthy replacement for rice.
8. Rajgira/Ramdana/Chola (Amaranth): Amaranth has a great protein content. It helps with hair loss and greying. It lowers cholesterol and risk of cardiovascular disease. It's High In Calcium. Amaranth Is Full Of Antioxidants And Minerals.
9. Kuttu (Buckwheat): Whole-grain buckwheat can be very helpful in weight loss. It is Diabetic friendly Reduces Blood Pressure: and promotes good cardiovascular health. Buckwheat or Kuttu provides protection against breast cancer. It also provides protection against childhood asthma. Kuttu or buckwheat also prevents gallstones
10. Kodon (Kodu millet): Kodo millet is very easy to digest, it contains a high amount of lecithin and is excellent for strengthening the nervous system. Kodo
millets are rich in B vitamins, especially niacin, B6 and folic acid, as well as the minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc. Kodo millets contain no gluten and is good for people who are gluten intolerant.Regular consumption of kodo millet is very beneficial for postmenopausal women suffering from signs of cardiovascular disease,like high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.