What you need to know about major millets!

Millets have been an integral part of Indian cuisine for centuries, and it’s no surprise that they are now gaining popularity worldwide. Among the different types of millets, Bajra, sorghum and finger millet are some of the most popular and widely consumed varieties. These millets are not only tasty and nutritious but also offer a host of health benefits. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these three major millets.

Pearl Millet:

Pearl Millet, also known as Bajra, is a staple food in many parts of India, especially in the arid regions. It is a rich source of energy, protein, and dietary fiber. Bajra is gluten-free and easy to digest, making it an ideal food for people with gluten intolerance or digestive problems. It is also rich in micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Bajra can be consumed in various forms such as porridge, bread, and roti. It is also used to make traditional Indian snacks such as bhakri and thalipeeth. Bajra flour is a popular ingredient in gluten-free baking and can be used to make cakes, muffins, and bread.

Sorghum:

Sorghum, also known as jowar, is a gluten-free cereal grain that is widely grown in India and other parts of the world. It is a rich source of protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Sorghum is also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Sorghum can be consumed in various forms such as porridge, bread, and roti. It is also used to make traditional Indian snacks such as bhakri and chakli. Sorghum flour is a popular ingredient in gluten-free baking and can be used to make cakes, muffins, and bread.

Finger Millet:

Finger Millet, also known as ragi, is a gluten-free cereal grain that is widely grown in India and Africa. It is a rich source of calcium, protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. Finger Millet is also a good source of iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

Finger Millet can be consumed in various forms such as porridge, bread, and roti. It is also used to make traditional Indian snacks such as puttu and idli. Finger Millet flour is a popular ingredient in gluten-free baking and can be used to make cakes, muffins, and bread.

Health Benefits:

All three major millets, Bajra, sorghum, and Finger Millet, offer a host of health benefits. They are gluten-free and easy to digest, making them ideal for people with gluten intolerance or digestive problems. They are also rich in protein, dietary fiber, and micronutrients such as iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium.

The high fiber content in millets helps in regulating blood sugar levels and promoting digestion. They also help in reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. The antioxidants present in millets help in reducing inflammation and fighting free radicals, which can cause cell damage.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Bajra, sorghum, and Finger Millet are three major millets that are widely consumed in India and other parts of the world. They are gluten-free, easy to digest, and offer a host of health benefits. Millets can be consumed in various forms such as porridge, bread, and roti, and can also be used in gluten-free baking. So, if you are looking to add more nutritious and tasty foods to your diet, millets are definitely worth trying.