Millet the ancient grains
Millets are coarse grains and a repository of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Our ancestors used to consume millets as a part of their daily diet. Millets have been the major staple food in many parts of India. After the advent of rice and wheat, millets have been side lined. The main reason behind this is lack of awareness and the tag of “a poor mans’s food”.
Millets are best source of complex carbohydrates and have numerous health benefits. They are loaded with fibre. Millets can withstand dry and high temperature conditions and yields well. They even have short growing seasons. Consuming whole grains like millets on regular basis helps in weight loss. Millets are gluten free and also rich source of micro nutrients. Millets are packed with iron, protein and fiber and also few substances which reduce cholesterol.
India is the largest producer of Millets followed by Africa and China.There are different types of millets each having their own benefits.The types of millets include :
- Sorghum – Mostly known as Jowar
- Foxtail millet
- Finger millet – Mostly known as Ragi
- Pearl Millet – Mostly known as Bajra
- Barnyard Millet
- Kodo millet
- Little millet
- Proso millet
Few health benefits of millets include –
- Millets are least allergic and most digestible gains
- Reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes millets.
- They contain phytonutrient lignans that act against breast cancer and reduce the risk of heart ailments.
- Millets ontain high amounts of lecithin, which is good for nervous system.
- Contain insoluble fibre which lowers triglycerides.
- Helps to combat gallbladder stones, reduce risk of wheezing and asthma among children.
- Lowers high Blood pressure.
- Reduces frequency of migraine attacks
- Millets has minerals that sare important constituents of nucleic acids, which are building blocks of genetic code.
- Aids in sleep
- Reduce risk of colon cancer
- Good source of anti oxidants
- Treats coronary artery disorder
- Helps weight loss
- use for slowing down muscle degradation
- Helps in relieving menstrual cramps.
Consuming millets is one of the reason why our ancestors were healthy and strong.
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