4 Powerful Health Benefits Of Millet You Must Know Today
What is Millet ?
Millet is a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. They are important crops in the semiarid tropics of Asia and Africa. The crop is favored due to its productivity and short growing season under dry, high-temperature conditions.
The most widely grown is pearl millet, which is an important crop in India and parts of Africa. Finger, proso, foxtail are also important crop species.
They can be used as a traditional cereal, but can also be used in porridge, snacks, and other types of bread, as it is very high in starch, like other grains. It is also a very good source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and organic compounds that can significantly boost human health in various ways.
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Health Benefits
Protects Heart Health
It is a rich source of magnesium, which is an important mineral for reducing blood pressure and the risk of heart attack or stroke, particularly in the case of atherosclerosis. It is also a great source of potassium, which further keeps blood pressure low by acting as a vasodilator. Reducing your blood pressure and optimizing your circulatory system is one of the best ways to protect your cardiovascular health.
Prevents Diabetes
The significant levels of magnesium found in this particular grain helps to reduce the chance of Type 2 Diabetes. Magnesium is considered one of the important minerals for increasing the efficiency of insulin and glucose receptors in the body, thereby preventing this disease. A 30% reduction in diabetes has been seen in the population that includes magnesium-rich diet.
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Maintains Cholesterol Levels
The high fiber levels in millet make for an ideal cholesterol-lowering approach. Dietary fiber eliminates dangerous “bad cholesterol” (LDL) from the system while promoting the effects of “good cholesterol” (HDL).
Promotes Digestion
It can help to move your gastrointestinal system along and eliminate problems like constipation, excess gas, bloating, and cramping. By regulating your digestive process, you also improve your nutrient retention and reduce your chance of more serious gastrointestinal conditions like gastric ulcers or colon cancer. Regular digestion and elimination of waste also help to optimize your kidney, liver, and immune system health, as those organ systems are closely related to the body’s metabolic activities.
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Uses
- Ragi is available in your nearest supermarket as ragi seeds, flour, multigrain flour and ready-made breakfast mixes.
- Its flour is used in India to make breads, chapatti and dosa.
- If stored properly, millet can be kept for more than a year. You can store it an airtight container, in a cool and dry place.
- It’s flour deteriorates easily so purchase it just before using.
- It has no characteristic flavor and adopts the flavor of the food it is prepared with.
- Cooked millet is creamy and fluffy and has a sweet and nutty taste.
- Millet porridge makes a delicious and healthy breakfast.