Millets are a common ingredient in traditional Indian food. These nutrient-dense grains, which slipped into obscurity as people adopted better lifestyles, are making a comeback. While you probably consume rice and wheat every day, adding organic millets to your diet can be helpful in more ways than one. However, many individuals are unaware of the various varieties of Indian millets available and their nutritional worth and calorie content. You should know about the many varieties of Indian millets, their common names, and why you should eat them. Indian millets are gluten-free plants with a nutrient-dense profile. Fibre, vitamins, and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, iron, and potassium are abundant.

Millets come in a variety of flavours and textures, in addition to their nutritional benefits. Indian millets like Ragi, Jowar, and Bajra are commonly used in meals. If you're going to include millets in your diet, aim for the best quality Indian millets because they're excellent for good health. You can buy all types of best Indian millets online in UK from Justhaat.com the largest online Asian grocery store near you!

Indian Millets 

Millets are small-seeded grasses with a wide range of characteristics widely used as cereal crops and grains worldwide. Millet comes in various colours, including white, green, yellow, and red, small and spherical. In terms of nutritional value, these are quite high. Millet is three to five times more nutritious than rice and wheat in terms of proteins, minerals, and vitamins. Millets are gluten-free and high in B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. Millets are good for individuals with wheat allergy, gluten allergy or intolerance since they have a low GI. Millets for weight loss are also helpful for people with diabetes.

Types of Indian Millets

Millets come in a variety of shapes and sizes. With correct care and harvesting techniques, it may be cultivated and harvested in various parts of the world. Because of their affordability and nutritional quality in humans, the agriculture industry has demanded greater millet production.

• Ragi (Finger Millet)

Finger millet, often known as ragi, is a reddish-brown grain. It's an excellent alternative to rice and wheat because it's high in protein and amino acids. Ragi is also utilised to prepare biscuits, ragi roti, ragi khakhra, dosa, idli, porridge and halwa. It's also gluten-free, and it's recommended for brain development in growing children.

• Jowar (Sorghum)

Another variety of millet used to produce Rotis and other bread in India is this one, and Jowar is the local name. Because of policosanols, Jowar is a good source of iron, protein, and fibre and can help reduce cholesterol levels. Jowar is a healthier option for people who are allergic to wheat. Jowar is also higher in calories and macronutrients than blueberries and pomegranates and contains more antioxidants. Sorghum aids in the growth of metabolism.

• Bajra (Pearl millet)

Pearl millet, also known as Bajra, is one of the most widely consumed millets. It comes in different forms, including Bajra roti and khichdi, and has several health advantages. Iron, fibre, protein, and minerals like magnesium and calcium are all found in Bajra. Regular pearl millet consumption can benefit your health, such as assisting you in battling type II diabetes.

• Buckwheat Millet

Buckwheat is a kind of millet that is commonly consumed during the Navratra fasting period. It is used to prepare pancakes, bread, and noodles. It is diabetic-friendly and aids in blood pressure reduction. It is beneficial to cardiovascular health and should be included in your diet to reduce weight. Buckwheat also helps to prevent breast cancer, asthma in youngsters, and gallstones.

• Little Millet

Moraiyo, Kutki, Shavan, and Sama are all names for little millet. It's high in vitamin B and important minerals, including calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium. In India's southern regions, little millet is widely utilised in a variety of traditional cuisines. Raw millet may be mixed into baked products for added crunch or used to thicken soups. It is most often prepared as a porridge for breakfast. It's a healthier alternative to rice that won't make you gain weight.

• Amaranth Millet

Amarnath Oats are well-known for their numerous health advantages. This millet is a high-protein, high-fibre grain, and it's ideal for a balanced diet. In most recipes, cooked amaranth may be substituted for rice in soups, stews, and chilli. Muffins, bread, and pancakes may all be made with amaranth flour. Amaranth millet also aids in the prevention of greying and hair loss. Amaranth also helps to reduce cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease. It contains a lot of calcium, vitamins, and other nutrients.

• Barnyard millet

Sanwa is another name for barnyard millet. It has a significant quantity of dietary fibre, which aids weight reduction and improves bowel movement. It's high in calcium and phosphorus, which can help you build stronger bones.

Also, read Everything you need to know about Different Flour used in Indian Cooking.

Health Benefits and Why do you need to add Millet to your diet?

• Control your blood glucose levels

Millets are abundant in nutrients, gluten-free, and have a low glycemic index of 54-68 compared to wheat and maise, including a significant amount of dietary fibre, proteins, and all essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals, aids in stabilising blood sugar. Millets can be included in a patient's diet to help avoid blood sugar rises and improve insulin sensitivity.

• Weight Loss Assistance

Including millets in one's daily diet, such as millet flour or millets for breakfast, can significantly assist obese persons in decreasing their BMI. By replacing rice with millets regularly, you may reduce fat buildup, enhance intestinal health, and achieve long-term weight loss.

• Beneficial to the heart

Millets are high in antioxidants such as beta-glucans, flavonoids, anthocyanidins, tannins, lignans, and policosanols. These antioxidants are important in decreasing LDL and total cholesterol and helping to keep blood arteries healthy and clear of clogs, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

• Combats cancer cells

Millets, including foxtail and proso types, have been shown in studies to prevent the development of malignant cells in various tissues. Millets include phytochemicals that have antiproliferative properties and reduce the development of cancer cells in the colon, breast, and liver without harming normal cells.

• Encourages Digestion

Millets have a high quantity of dietary fibre, which helps to enhance digestive system function. It relieves constipation, gas, bloating, and cramping enhances the general health of other key organs like the liver and kidneys and strengthens the immune system.

• Asthma prevention

Millets have a high magnesium concentration, which might help you have fewer migraines. It may also help to lessen the intensity of your asthma symptoms. This is because, unlike wheat, they lack the allergens that cause asthma and wheezing.

Also, read The Most Popular Indian Superfoods That Have Taken Over The World.

Bottom lines

Millets are one of the finest choices you can make for your diet. They give your body the energy it needs to go through the day and provide various health advantages. You may select from a variety of millets and prepare some incredible healthy and delectable meals. Millet is high in vital nutrients, and each kind has its distinct flavour and health advantages. Why not try some millets to see if they are a good fit for you? You can get all types of millets at justhaat.com.