Once a staple in the Indian diet, millets have been a long-lost entity for almost four decades now. Until recently, when gluten-free nutrition bars and quinoa hit the market, the health benefits of millets were rekindled.
Rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibres, iron, calcium and phosphorous, millets help tackle a lot of health issues.
With fitness enthusiasts vouching for its benefits, and more and more people around the world making it a part of their daily diet, why not give it a try?
Kakum/Kangni (Foxtail millet)
Foxtail or kakum/kangni contains blood sugar balancing healthy carbohydrates. Its high content in iron and calcium content helps to boost immunity and balance sugar levels and cholesterol in the body.
Did you know?
Foxtail millet is a kharif crop and requires no or minimum irrigation. It is mostly grown as a rain-fed crop in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh Uttar Pradesh, and in some northeast states of India.
Recipes you can try:
- Foxtail millet upma
- Foxtail millet dosa
- Foxtail millet lemon rice
Kong Millet
This is a lesser-known millet, which offers an abundance of health benefits. It’s very useful for menopausal women and helps with migraines and hormone-based cancers. It boosts immunity in kids and bone density in adults, and also protect the skin from discolouration and premature ageing.
Did you know?
Kong is a forgotten millet from Gujarat, and it tastes like vari, samo, or jhangora. It’s usually eaten as an alternative to rice during fasts, especially Navratri.
Recipes you can try:
- Kong kheer
- Kong khichdi
- Kong khais
Ragi (Finger Millet)
Ragi is often used as a healthier cereal substitute for rice and wheat. Loaded with protein and amino acids, Ragi is believed to aid brain development in growing children.
Did you know?
Ragi is consumed in Asia as well as Africa. It can even grow over 2000 m above sea level, has a high drought tolerance, and can be easily stored for a long period of time.
Recipes you can try:
- Ragi idli
- Ragi khichdi
- Ragi laddoo
Bajra (Pearl Millet)
It is seriously a nutrition-dense millet. Rich in calcium, magnesium, protein, fibre, and iron. It helps boost the overall health and helps prevent and fight against Type II Diabetes.
Did you know?
Bajra grows in various shades of white, yellow, gray, brown, and bluish-purple. It can also grow in low fertility soil, and drought conditions, making it a staple in the state of Rajasthan.
Recipes you can try:
- Bajra roti
- Bajra uttapam
- Bajra wada
Kuttu (Buckwheat)
Kuttu is an all-rounder. It’s highly beneficial for weight management, diabetes, blood pressure, gallstones, childhood asthma, and breast cancer.
Did you know?
Buckwheat has an inedible black shell, which is removed before processing. It is a popular millet in Russia, Poland, parts of China, Korea, Nepal, and India. It can grow even in the coldest and harshest weathers.
Recipes you can try:
- Kuttu dhokla
- Kuttu pakora
- Kuttu paratha
Millets are very versatile, and you can always experiment and try out exciting new recipes with them.
They are easy on your pocket, as well as good for the environment, more reasons to try them, right?
Do give these a try and open your doorway to good health.
Read more: Top Brands That Offer Sustainable Grooming Products
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