All about Millets- Types, Benefits and Recipes

Millets were earlier considered the food of the poor and the developing nations. But now the rich have discovered they are gluten free, help in weight loss, have more protein and good for digestion. The Indian government along with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi are backing Indian millets across the world.

In fact, even the United Nations has declared 2023 to be the “International Year of Millet” at the initiative of the Indian government.

The oldest crop has also got a boost from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. It wants to spread millet across the entire world by promoting its larger-scale production and consumption. A very significant part of Indian agriculture millets are the oldest crop known to humankind.

What are Millets?

They are a group of cereal grains that belong to the Poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family. Compared to other grains, Millets are easy to grow and do not ask for much soil or rain. They can prosper even in semi-arid region. We don’t need to care and work so much in the farmland as required for rice and wheat.

(Ragi or Nachni), Brown top (Sama), Kodu (Arke), Proso (Chena/Barr), Barnyard (Sanwa), and Foxtail Millet (Kora) are some of the millet’s variety. Majority of them have high iron contents and offer more protein and fibre  than rice.

There has been a long tradition of millet intake in India. However, over the years the consumption  has reduced. According to studies, millets were consumed during the Indus-Sarasvati civilization (3,300 to 1300 BCE).

 A study shows that between 1972-1973 and 2004-2005, consumption of pearl millet or bajra fell by 67 per cent in urban areas and by 59 percent in rural ones. A report showed that  jowar, bajra, maize, and ragi provided 23 per cent of India’s grain needs in 1983 but only 6 percent in 2011.

Millets can help prevent lifestyle diseases.

Types of Millets

Jowar or Sorghum

Is used to make flat rotis or Bhakris in India. Enriched with iron, protein and fibre, jowar can help in reducing cholesterol levels. It has a component called policosanols (a part of sorghum wax). It is good for people who have wheat intolerance.

Ragi (Finger Millet)
Ragi rotis are popular. Ragi is also used in making biscuits, cookies and as a health food for kids.  Loaded with protein and amino acids, this gluten free millet is good for brain development in growing kids.

Bajra (Pearl millet)
Packed with the goodness of  fibre, and minerals such as calcium and magnesium; Bajra rotis with Spinach are very popular.

 Barnyard millet
This nutrient dense millet has high fibre content, which can effectively help in losing weight. It is a rich source of calcium and phosphorous, which helps in bone building. Its daily consumption helps infighting bone diseases.

Proso millet
This millet can effectively help in balancing blood sugar level. Its low glycaemic index has made it a fad among weight watchers. In India is has been a commonly bird feed.

Little millet
More popular down South of India, Little Millet is packed with the goodness of B-vitamins, minerals like calcium, iron, zinc and potassium. It helps in weight loss and is a healthy replacement for rice.

Millets need less care and water to grow

Benefits of Millets

India being the second largest diabetes capital of the world has increased the demand of millets. The gluten free food can play a pivotal role in preventing and handling of several health issues. Millets are a rich source of fibre, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, calcium, zinc and potassium.

In fact, the health market is now flooded with several snacks and dishes like Ragi Idli, Millet Khichdi, Apple Ragi Halwa (healthy for toddlers), Bajra Cookies.

For more of Millets Recipies Read Here

https://recipes.timesofindia.com/searchresults.cms?query=Millet-recipes