Millets: Types, Health Benefits And Ways To Eat

Nutrition

oi-Neha Ghosh

on November 10, 2020

Millets are a highly nutritious cereal grain belonging to the Poaceae family. It is one of the oldest cultivated cereal grains and has been widely grown and consumed throughout Southeast Asia and Africa for thousands of years.

Millet is a small, round whole grain widely grown in India and Nigeria. The colour, appearance and species of millets vary depending on the variety of the millet. Millet is an important food crop favoured due to its productivity and short growing season under dry, high-temperate conditions [1].

Image ref: smartfood.org

Pearl millet is one of the most widely consumed millets in India and parts of Africa [1]. All types of millets are free of gluten and loaded with essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to many of the health benefits of this cereal grain [2].

Types Of Millets

Millets are divided into major millets and minor millets; the major millets are the ones which are commonly consumed [3].

Major millets

Pearl millet
Foxtail millet
Proso millet or white millet
Finger or ragi millet

Minor millets

Barnyard millet
Kodo millet
Little millet
Guinea millet
Browntop millet
Teff millet
Sorghum millet
Fonio millet
Job’s tears millets

Nutritional Value Of Millets

100 g of raw millets contain 8.67 g water, 378 kcal energy and they also contain:

11.02 g protein
4.22 g fat
72.85 g carbohydrate
8.5 g fibre
8 mg calcium
3.01 mg iron
114 mg magnesium
285 mg phosphorus
195 mg potassium
5 mg sodium
1.68 mg zinc
0.75 mg copper
1.632 mg manganese
2.7 mcg selenium
0.421 mg thiamine
0.29 mg riboflavin
4.72 mg niacin
0.848 mg pantothenic acid
0.384 mg vitamin B6
85 mcg folate
0.05 mg vitamin E
0.9 mcg vitamin K

Health Benefits Of Millets

1. Improve heart health

Millets are high in fibre that play a major role in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and increasing HDL (good) cholesterol. An animal study showed that foxtail millet and proso millet may prevent cardiovascular disease by lowering triglyceride levels [4].

Additionally, millets are also a good source of magnesium, an important mineral that help in reducing the risk of heart attack. Also, the potassium present in millets stabilises blood pressure levels by acting as a vasodilator and help reduce heart disease risk [5].

6 Amazing Health Benefits Of Black Salt (Kala Namak)

2. Control blood sugar levels

Millets are considered a beneficial cereal grain for diabetics because they are high in fibre and non-starchy polysaccharides, which are known to help control blood sugar levels. The cereal is also low in glycemic index (GI), which means it doesn’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels [6] [7].

A study published in The Indian Journal of Medical Research found that patients with type 2 diabetes who replaced a rice-based breakfast dish with a millet-based breakfast dish lowered their blood sugar levels [8].

Another research study pointed out that people with impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) who were given 50 g of foxtail millet per day showed a significant improvement in blood sugar levels [9].

3. Support digestive health

The fibre content in millets has the potent ability to regulate the digestive system and lower gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, gas, bloating and cramping. It also helps in reducing the chances of serious gastrointestinal conditions like stomach ulcers [10]. Millets are also rich in prebiotics and probiotics that play a key role in increasing the good bacteria in the gut [11].

10 Amazing Health Benefits Of Asafoetida (Hing)

4. Manage celiac disease

As millets are a gluten-free cereal grain, it makes for an excellent choice for people suffering from celiac disease and those who are sensitive to gluten [12].

5. Has antioxidant properties

The polyphenol antioxidants found in millets help in neutralising free radicals, which are linked to chronic diseases and ageing. The antioxidants also aid in detoxification by eliminating toxins out from the body, thus improving overall health and reducing the risk of chronic diseases [13].

Chestnuts: Nutrition, Health Benefits And Ways To Eat

6. Lower inflammation

Millets are a rich source of ferulic acid, which has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. It helps prevent tissue damage and stimulates the wound healing process. A 2004 study reported that the antioxidant effects of finger millet accelerated the skin’s wound healing process in diabetic rats [14].

7. Manage cancer

Millets are rich in phenolic acids, tannins and phytates that may help prevent the growth of cancerous cells [15]. A study showed that finger millet and sorghum millet have the ability to manage cancer risk due to the presence of polyphenols and fibre in them [16] [17].

Side Effects Of Millets

Although millets possess essential vitamins and minerals, it also contains phenolic acids, tannins and phytates that act as antinutrients which interfere with the body’s absorption of other nutrients such as iron, zinc and calcium [18].

The antinutrient content in millets can be reduced by soaking, sprouting and fermenting millets.

How To Cook Millets

Millets should be soaked overnight to lower its antinutrient content and then it should be used in cooking. Add water to raw millets and bring it to a boil and use it in all kinds of dishes.