Why should you start consuming millet?
In recent years, our Indian kitchens have undergone a lot of evolution, but at the same time they are also slowly returning back to their roots. While savoring our everyday staples such as wheat and rice, we are going to ancient times looking for some traditional food items. Millet is one such traditional food item which is a whole grain our ancestors used to eat and also feed livestock and birds. Gradually, this bland grain free from glutens hasu fouund its place again on the shelves of IndianuuKitcyhen.u uu
What are millets?
Millets are round-shaped, small whole grains and primarily grown in India and several other Asian and African countries, including Nigeria. They have more benefits when compared with other crops. They resist pests and drought conditions and can easily survive harsh environments. Their genetic composition and their physical structure benefit them. Millets belong to the Poaceae family, and different varieties of millets are different in color, species, and appearance. They are very small and 2u and can easily grow in less fertile soil.
Different kinds of millet that are available in the market are
- Pearl millet
- Kodo millet
- Amarnath millet
- Finger millet
- Foxtail millet
- Buckwheat millet
- Broomcorn millet
- Sorghum millet
- Foxtail millet
- Barnyard millet
Nutritional facts about millet
Like other cereals, millets are also starch grains which means they are high in carbs. But they also are rich in vitamins and minerals. One cup of cooked millet consists of:
- Calories: 207
- Protein: 6gms
- Carbs: 4.1gms
- Fiber: 2 gms
- Folate: 8% of the daily value
- Fat 1.7gms
- Iron: 6% of the daily value
- Magnesium: 19% of the daily value
Benefits you get by consuming millet
Millets contain good nutrients like magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, and copper. Incorporating them into your daily diet helps in gaining the below-written benefits:
Millets are your immunity booster
Proteins are responsible for developing a strong body immunity. Millets are rich in protein and help in developing and strengthening your immunity. When you have strong immunity, you have very less chance of getting any diseases.
Millets help in controlling your blood sugar level
Millet is rich in complex carbs, making it a low-glycemic food. Compared with regular wheat flour, Millet requires a long time for digestion. This controls the spiking of blood sugar after eating, helping people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels.
Enhances digestive health
Millet contains a lot of dietary fiber that is both insoluble and soluble. The insoluble fiber is called a prebiotic as it helps the good bacteria in your digestive system. Such fibers also help add bulk to your stool which assists in keeping you regular and decreases the chance of getting colon cancer.
A grain-free from gluten diet
Millets are mainly gluten-free, one of the best choices for people with celiac disease. Gluten is a protein mainly found in grains such as wheat, rice, etc. People suffering from celiac should avoid it as digestive symptoms like diarrhea, and nutrient malabsorption is triggered.
Millet supports your heart.
Millet is rich in soluble fiber that assists in decreasing bad cholesterol, which is one of the risk factors for getting atherosclerosis. In your stomach, this soluble fiber in millet is converted into a gel, absorbs cholesterol, and is thus carried out from the body.
Millets are the superfoods that will keep you fit and healthy.
It was only after some health and fitness fanatics worldwide understood its perspective that Millet was under more rad because of some popular cereals such as rice and wheat. The health benefits that millets give are unmatchable, and its cultivation is also sustainable. You can include Millet in your daily diet in several ways. So, include this superfood in your daily diet and make good changes in your life.
