MILLET

Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. Most species generally referred to as millets belong to the tribe Pinaceae, but some millets also belong to various other taxa. Millets are typically annual and range in height from 30 to 130 cm (1 to 4 feet), except pearl millet also known as Pennisetum glaucum, which has stalks 1.5 to 3 metres (5 to 10 feet) tall and about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick. Except for pearl millet, seeds remain enclosed in hulls after threshing. Hulled seeds are usually creamy white.

Description

Generally, millets are small-grained, annual, warm-weather cereals belonging to the grass family. They are highly tolerant of drought and other extreme weather conditions and have a similar nutrient content to other major cereals.

Health Benefits

• It acts as an antioxidant – Millet contains a high concentration of phenolic chemicals, particularly ferulic acid and catechins. These chemicals safeguard your body from damaging oxidative stress by acting as antioxidants.
• Controls blood sugar level – Millet is high in fibre and non-starchy polysaccharides, two types of non-digestible carbohydrates that aid with blood sugar regulation. This cereal also has a low glycemic index, which means it won’t cause blood sugar levels to increase. As a result, millets are regarded as an optimal grain for diabetics.
• Improves digestive health – Millet is high in both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. Millet’s insoluble fibre is a “prebiotic,” which means it helps your digestive system’s healthy bacteria thrive. This sort of fibre also helps keep you regular and lowers your risk of colon cancer by adding bulk to your stools.
• Protect your heart by reducing cholesterol – Millet includes soluble fibre, which causes your intestines to become sticky. As a result, lipids are trapped and cholesterol levels are reduced.

NUTRITIONAL PROFILE

• Calories: 207
• Carbs: 41 grams
• Fiber: 2.2 grams
• Protein: 6 grams
• Fat: 1.7 grams
• Phosphorus: 25% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Magnesium: 19% of the DV
• Folate: 8% of the DV
• Iron: 6% of the DV