What are millets? Types of millets and their health benefits

 

Millets and their health benefits




Before going to know what are millets? We should analyse ourselves; are we following a healthy diet in our everyday plan? Are we consuming the right food? Or Are we giving proper nutrition to our body? Because our health completely depends on our consuming behaviour and source of nutrition. Of course a routine workout in gym or yoga keeps us fit but line by line proper nutrition also matters. And most importantly the source of nutrition. A balanced nutrition keeps our organs healthy, maintains our blood sugar level and keeps us physically and mentally fit with proper immunity.


Today’s fooding habit may lack nutritional balance, which causes improper blood sugar level, weight gain, heart diseases and other health problems. To save time and follow a busy life schedule, today’s generation somehow tends towards junk foods. Which in the long run keeps us unhealthy and causes monetary losses.


It's time to follow traditional fooding habits which are healthier and boost our immunity. Luckily we have whole grains which is a rich source of all nutritions. Examples of whole grains are Brown Rice, Millets, Quinoa etc. All are rich in essential body making nutrition and must be included in our diet plan. Studies proven that consuming whole grains on a regular basis will help lose weight, as they are rich in fibers. They are rich in essential nutrients which keeps our heart healthy and also they are gluten free foods.


What are Millets?

Millets are small seed grasses belonging to cereal crops. It is widely cultivated and consumed in African and Asian countries. Millets are rich source of nutrition. They are mostly rainfed crop and require less maintenance for cultivation.



Different Types of Millets and Their Nutritional Value


Si No

Millets Types

Nutritional Content

1

Sorghum(Jowar)

Iron,Protein,Fiber etc

2

Foxtail millet

Iron,copper,fiber etc

3

Finger millet(Ragi)

Calcium,magnesium,fiber etc.

4

Pearl millet(Bajra)

Iron,protein,calcium,magnesium,fiber etc

5

Barnyard millet

Calcium,Phosphorus,fiber etc

6

Kodo millet

Calcium,magnesium,iron ,fiber etc.

7

Little millet

Vitamin-B, calcium,iron,zinc,potassium,fiber etc.

8

Proso Millet

Magnesium,phosphorus,potassium,fiber etc.


Note- The above nutritional content information is for educational purpose only. Above millets may carry other beneficial nutrients also.


Millets Benefits

Millets are rich in several beneficial nutrients such as phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, copper, potassium, manganese, and so on. Adding Millets in your diet plan may benefit in following ways. However skipping rice or wheat completely for millets will not be healthy for us .We should add multi grains in our diet plan.

Millets for Weight Loss

  • Millets are rich in fibers. So after consuming millets, you feel fuller for a longer period than other carbohydrate rich foods as they take more time to digest. So it prohibits us from taking unhealthy snacks frequently.

  • Millets are also low calorie content grains which also help in losing weight.

  • Due to the rich source of fibers, millets also help in proper digestion.

Millets Keeps your blood sugar levels low

  • Millets can help in lowering the blood sugar level and reduce the risk of diabetics as it has a lower glycemic index(GI).

  • The glycemic index (GI) refers to how early and how much a food raises a person's blood sugar after eating.

Millets enhance your immunity

  • Proteins help in boosting our immunity. Millets content some proteins and can help in strengthening our immunity. 

  • The stronger our immunity, we will be less disease prone.

Millets Keeps Your Heart Healthy

  • Millets contain essential natural fats. So it helps in lowers the risk of high cholesterol, Heart strokes and other heart diseases. 

  • Millets also contain beneficial compounds like lignans, magnesium that may help reduce the risk of heart problems and keep the heart healthy.

  • The potassium content in millets regulates proper blood pressure.

Millets Prevents asthma

  • The magnesium contained in millets lower down the severity of your asthma problems. 

  • Millets don’t contain the allergens. So it reduces the problem of asthma.


Millets Recipes

Some popular millets recipes are as follows;

  1. Millet Biryani or Pulao

  2. Millet Khichdi

  3. Millet Pongal

  4. Millet Dosa 

  5. Millet Halwa

  6. Millet Ladoo

  7. Ragi(Millet) Biscuits and cookies

  8. Millet idli  etc..

 

Millets Side Effects: It’s Not Good to Consume too many Millets

Millets are a rich source of nutrition and have so many health benefits but it also comes with some disadvantages also. Which are as follows.

  • Millets are known to possess a goitrogen substance. These substances interfere with the production of thyroid hormones and suppresses thyroid activity and results in Goitre.

  • Goitre causes enlargement of thyroid glands that present in the throat and develops dry skin, anxiety, depression and slow thinking.

  • It would be suggested to include millets weekly one or two times in your diet plan.

 

FAQs about Millets

Q) Which is better: oats or millets?

  1. Both oats and millets are a rich source of nutrition but oats may be processed before they come to our doorstep. But millets are not processed.

Q) Which is the best millet?

  1. All varieties of millet have their own positive qualities. Adding proper quantity in your diet plan will boost overall health.

Q) Is millets good or bad for thyroid?

  1. Over consuming millets may be harmful for thyroid as they contain goitrogen substance which is not good for thyroid.

Q) Will millets good for weight loss?

Yes. Millets are rich in fiber and also gluten free. So it may help in weight loss.

Q)Is it safe to eat millets everyday?

  1. No. It should not be eaten everyday as it is not good for thyroid.

Q) Which millets are best for weight loss?

  1. All millets have their own nutritional properties. They are rich in fibers and low in calorie content than other cereal crops. So adding millets in your diet plan will help in weight loss. You may consider some high fiber content millets for weight loss are Finger millet, Foxtail millet, Little millet, Barnyard millet.

 

Bottom Line

 Millets are mainly rainfed crops and not require too much water source and also millets are less susceptible to disease pest attack which lower down the expense of farmers towards water source maintenance and pesticide purchase. 

It's good for your health to add millets in your diet plan and take advantage of its healthy nutrition at low cost….Yes…..Millets are less expensive than other whole grains, Which costs less to your pocket. So it is a win-win situation for adding millets in your diet and taking its numerous health advantages.

Thank You.

 

 

 


























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