Millet falls under the category of grain. Millet is globally regarded as a super-food because it is the storehouse of nutrition. Many people widely use millet all over the world. The health benefit of millet is surplus.
What is millet?
Millet is a group of variable small-seeded grasses known as cereal crops. The millet comes in various types. Each millet has its unique benefit and cooking style.
What are the types of millet?
The following are the types of millet:
- Finger millet
- Foxtail millet
- Sorghum millet
- Pearl millet
- Buckwheat millet
- Amaranth millet
- Barnyard millet
- Broomcorn millet
- Kodo millet
Among the various type of millet, foxtail millet stands apart for its unique health benefits. The most important benefit of foxtail millet is it helps to maintain a good and healthy nervous system. Vitamin B1 in foxtail millet aids in maintaining a healthy nervous system and prevents neural weakness. In addition, the vitamin also improves memory power.
10 Health benefits of millet rice
The addition of millet to daily life did not pop up suddenly. This has been the concept for more than thousands of years. Millet is regarded as the most important cereal grain in the world. Millet is also used to feed pets, birds and animals.
After acquiring knowledge about the benefit of millet, a wide population consumes them. Millet contains vitamin B, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, etc. The rundown points out the health benefits of millet rice.
Weight loss
Studies believe that regular intake of millet or adding millet to diet will control obesity and high cholesterol. Millet helps in weight loss because they are low in calories and gluten-free. As the millet is high in fibre, it prevents overeating. Among the listed millet, foxtail millet, finger millet and pearl millet will benefit the weight loss.
Reduces the risk of cancer
Millet contains fibres and phytonutrients. Phytonutrients have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This property can heal the damaged DNA if exposed to the toxin. It is believed that the phytonutrient property of millet can reduce the risk of Colon cancer.
Lignan is a steroid-like chemical structure regarded as the precursor of phytonutrients. The health benefits of lignan reduce the risk of menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and breast cancer.
Prevents Celiac disease
Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disorder. The excessive intake of gluten protein triggered the condition. Celiac disease damages the small intestine and prevents it from absorbing nutrition. So, people diagnosed with celiac disease are restricted from consuming gluten foods.
People with Celiac disease can consume millet with no worries because millet is gluten-free.
Regulates blood sugar level
Millet is low in carbohydrates. As they have high fibre content, it is widely known as low glycemic index food. Consumption of millet is helpful to manage Diabetes. Low glycemic foods such as millet help to regulate the blood sugar level.
Good for heart health
Millet is rich in antioxidants, including beta-glucans, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, tannins, lignans, and policosanols. These antioxidants help to lower the blood cholesterol level. So, the blood vessels remain free from clots and stay healthy. Thus, it reduces the risk of developing heart ailments and diseases. It is believed that millet can increase the good cholesterol level.
Promotes digestion
The presence of fibre in millet makes them well-suited food that promotes digestion. It also combats certain digestive diseases like constipation, flatulence, bloating, cramping, regulates the function of bowel movement and improves the overall digestion process.
Reduces muscle degradation
The protein and amino acid lysine promotes the growth of muscles and slow down the process of muscle degradation. The lysine amino acid is also responsible for structuring the skin tissue. Consumption of millet reduces muscle degradation, increases skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles.
Enhances better sleep
The amino acid tryptophan in millet increases the serotonin level in the body. Serotonin helps in reducing stress. Thus, a regular intake of millet can provide sound and healthy sleep.
Relieves menstrual cramps
Prostaglandins induce menstrual cramps. Regular intake of magnesium can reduce the pain of menstrual cramps. Despite the nutrition, fibre and proteins, millet is rich in magnesium too. This helps to relax the muscles of the uterus during the menstrual cycle. Millet has the property that reduces menstrual cramps.
Boost immune power
The antioxidant properties in millet will help to combat diseases. These antioxidant properties also improve the overall immune system of the body. This helps to reduce the radicals in the human body, which help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and the ageing process.
What are the side effects of consuming millet?
Safe and moderate consumption is important to avoid the side effects caused by excessive consumption of millet. Even though millet is rich in health benefits, they cause certain side effects to the body. Consuming millet in excessive amounts can lead to the following side effects.
- Millet is rich in oxalates which can develop kidney stones.
- Phytic acid in millet impairs the absorption of nutrients.
- The fibre can hurt the stomach and cause swelling and absorption.
- Excessive consumption of millet may lead to iron deficiency.
Apart from the above side effects, the goitrogens in millet disturb the function of the thyroid gland. Goitrogens cause iron deficiency which leads to thyroid gland problems. Only a few are aware of the side effects of millet. Be aware of the side effects before including millet in the plate.
Conclusion
Millet is one of the ancient grains celebrated and enjoyed for thousands of years. It also gains the name whole grain because of the surplus amount of protein, fibre, vitamins and nutrition. Consuming millet in any form will benefit the overall health and wellbeing.
It is readily available in all supermarkets. It aids in giving strength to the immune system, combating diseases and helping in weight loss. The health benefits offered by millet is unique.
Need not worry about adding millet to your diet because various ways exist to use it. If you dislike taking it as grain, consider consuming it as flour. The uses and benefits of millet are endless. So, start now trying innovative ways to serve it and enjoy a healthy lifestyle.
