Benefits of Millets for Health

Millets are considered the healthiest foods. There are so many benefits of millets, unknown to all. These tiny sized seeds come in different colors and are readily available throughout the year. They are healthy alternatives to normal grains. This common seed crop is often underestimated for its benefits. Usually they are cultivated worldwide for livestock feed as well as for human consumption. There are so many varieties of millets such as pearl millet (kambu) foxtail millet (thinai), kodo millet (varagu), barnyard millet (kuthiraivali), and many more. Millets provide a variety of nutrients that are beneficial for health. This traditional cereal is used to make porridge, snacks, and even breads.

Millets are very high in starch and contain good source of nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and many other organic compounds, which help in boosting human health.

1. Millets have very high B-vitamin content.
2. It contains various minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, and zinc.
3. They are a great source of healthy essential fats.
4. Millets also contain significant amount of protein and dietary fiber.

Benefits of millets

• Millets are gluten-free and so is non-allergenic to sensitive people.
• The presence of potassium and magnesium helps to blood pressure under control and optimizes the circulatory system.
• Millets help to protect cardiovascular health. It is a rich source of magnesium, which has the ability to reduce blood pressure and prevents the risk of heart problems and strokes.
• The plant lignans in millet gets converted in digestive system, and protects against several chronic diseases, such as cancer and heart diseases.
• The high dietary fiber content in millet provides cholesterol-lowering properties. It eliminates LDL or the “bad cholesterol” from the body system.
• The presence of Niacin or (vitamin B3) in millets help lowering cholesterol.
• Millets have low percentage of glucose in it and so helps prevent the risk of diabetes.  Regular consumption of millets show reduced chance of Type 2 diabetes. The magnesium in millets increases the efficiency of glucose and insulin receptors in the body.
• Millets are alkaline in nature and so digests easily. It also is fiber-rich and helps gastrointestinal system, preventing problems such as constipation, gas bloating, and cramps.
• It also improves nutrient retention in the digestive system and reduces gastric ulcers and colon problems.
• The antioxidant found in millets are neutralizes free radicals and removes other toxins from the body.
• Millets are good for the body digestive system as it acts as the prebiotic feeding microflora.
• It also decreases triglycerides and C-reactive protein to prevent heart diseases.
• The phosphorus content in millets helps develop and repair body tissues.

Millets are similar to most of the grains and cooking them is just the same. There are so many recipes you can do with millets. Try it out to reap the benefits of millet.