Health Benefits of Millets

Millets are high in fiber content. They are rich in polyphenols, minerals, and Protein. Regular consumption of millet aids in weight loss and reduces the risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. They are also rich in B vitamins which help in maintaining healthy skin, hair, and eyes. Millets are gluten-free and rich in iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium. They are also a good source of antioxidants.

Major Types of millets

1. Pearl Millet

2. Finger Millet

3. Foxtail Millet

4. Proso Millet

5. Kodo Millet

6. Barnyard Millet

7. Little Millet

Nutrition in Millets

Protein – Millets are a rich source of protein, providing about 11-12% of the daily value.

Fiber – Millets are a good source of dietary fiber, providing about 5-7% of the daily value.

Vitamins – Millets contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, and B6. They also provide folate and vitamin E.

Minerals – Millets are rich in minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium.

Antioxidants – Millets contain antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage and reduce inflammation.

The health benefits of millets are listed below.

Millets for Weight Loss

Finger millet (Ragi), Foxtail millet (Kangni), and Barnyard millet (Jhangora) are the best millets for weight loss. They contain high amounts of dietary fiber which helps in reducing appetite, controlling blood sugar levels, and promoting a healthy digestive system. All three millets are also low in calories, making them ideal for those looking to lose weight. Additionally, they are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help promote overall health.

Millets as Prebiotic

Not many know that millets are a good source of prebiotics. This is one of the health benefits of millets, which many overlook. Millets are a great source of prebiotics, which are non-digestible carbohydrates that feed the beneficial bacteria in our gut. This helps to create an optimal environment for digestion, absorption of nutrients, and elimination of toxins. Prebiotics can also help to reduce inflammation throughout the body and improve overall health. Millets are an excellent source of dietary fiber which helps to increase the levels of beneficial bacteria in the gut, thus promoting a healthy gut microbiome. Additionally, millets contain various bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and phytochemicals which have been shown to be beneficial for human health.