Are you a white rice eater and looking to cut your rice intake but, findings it hard to do so? The best way to cut down on rice is to replace it with millets. Millets are also called wonder or magical grains. However, these wonder grains are not much recognized and used in today’s world of junk food and where refined flour has captured the whole market. Millet is full of nutrients your body needs, such as: Magnesium, Calcium, Manganese, Tryptophan, Phosphorus, Fiber, B vitamins, Antioxidants.
Most people have not even heard of millet forget knowing the benefits of millet nutrition. And yet, millet is one of the best-kept secrets of our ancient ancestors. Traced back to its origin, millet has been used throughout the ages and across many countries.
For centuries millet has been a prized crop in China, India, Greece, Egypt and Africa, used in everything from bread to couscous, and as cereal grain.
Some of the key reasons millet is part of your healthy Body Ecology diet is because it is:
*Highly nutritious – ideal for children
*Acts as a prebiotic to feed important micro-flora in your inner ecosystem
*Provides serotonin to calm and soothe your moods.
*Helps hydrate your colon to keep you regular.
*Great energy source – ideal for athletes
*Complete protein source when combined with legumes – ideal for a vegetarian diet
*Is alkaline.
*High amounts of fiber
*Rich in photochemicals including phytic acid, which is believed to lower cholesterol, and phytate, which is associated with reducing cancer risks.
*All Millet varieties show high antioxidant activity.
*Millet helps to control Blood sugar and Cholesterol.
*Digests easily.
*Millet Consumption decreases Triglycerides and C-Reactive Protein.
VARAGU/KODU MILLET The fiber content of this whole grain is very high. Varagu rice has around 11% protein, and the nutritional value of the protein has been found to be slightly better than that of Thinai but, comparable to that of other small millets. As with other food grains, the nutritive value of Varagu rice protein could be improved by supplementation with legume protein. It has high source of Protein, Calcium, fiber and Minerals. It can reduce body weight. Varagu increases Liver functionality and good for lympatic disorder.
THINNAI RICE/ FOXTAIL MILLET: Thinai is fairly tolerant of drought; it can escape some droughts because of early maturity. Due to its quick growth, it can be grown as a short-term cash crop. It is adapted to a wide range of elevations, soils and temperatures. Its grain is used for human consumption. Rich in protein and minerals, increases kidney functionality. Best for muscle strength and hormonal imbalances.
FINGER MILLET/RAGI- Foxtail millets are ideal for reducing the cholesterol of the body, controlling blood sugar and aiding metabolism rate. It is highly rich in anti-oxidation, which removes all the acidic elements away from the body. Foxtail millets are also high in dietary fiber, which aids in proper breakdown of food and complete digestion. Ragi flour can be used in many different ways to make Roti, porridge and dosa or idli (steamed panckaes). It has thirty times as much calcium as rice, more than ten times as much fiber.
KUTHIRAIVALI RICE/PEARL MILLET: This particular variety is 6 times more nutritious than wheat. Rich in Protein, fiber, minerals and iron compared to all other grains. Good for Heart related problems, Anemic, Menstural Disorder and Diabetics.
SAAMAI RICE/LITTLE MILLET Samai is another reliable cash crop in view of its earliness and resistance to adverse agro-climatic conditions. Samai is suitable for all ages. Samai trend constipation. Stomach related diseases and improves Men’s sperm production. Diabetic patients and in women it could be a good idea for all periods and imaginary problems. Samai is rich in fiber, helps reducing fat, good for bones and muscles.
Millets can be used to make many simple and easy recipes to replace white rice and has many healthy nutrients that makes the dishes more yummy by adding new flavor to them.
