Millets Unveiled: A Comprehensive Look at Varieties and Uses

Types of Millets

Millet is loaded with nutritional value and that is why many dieticians and doctors recommend it as one of the breakfast cereal that you must include in your diet. Here are several types of millets that are consumed across the world.

Millets are available in different types, however the most common varieties include Finger Millet, Foxtail Millet, Pearl Millet, Proso Millet, Little Millet, Barnyard Millet, Kodo Millet, Amaranth Millet, Buckwheat Millet and Sorghum Millet.

1. Sorghum Millet (Jowar) : Jowar is a cereal grain commonly used in baking, and preparing Rotis. It's syrup is used as natural sweetener. Jowar is rich in Iron, proteins, fiber and vitamins B that helps in metabolism, neural development, and skin and hair growth. It contains more antioxidants than Blueberries and pomogrenates. Jowar is a good alternative for people allergic to wheat.

2. Finger Millet (Ragi) : Ragi is one of the best millet varieties. People with diabetes can use Ragi as an alternative of rice and/or wheat as it acts as a blood sugar stabilzer and even reduces inflamation. Ragi is gluten - free and is rich in proteins, amino acids, calcium, iron and minerals.

3. Foxtail Millet (Kakum/Kangni) : Kangni is the powerhouse of energy as it is loaded with good calories. Foxtail Millet is high in Iron and vitamin B12, which is necessary for healthy heart, smooth functioning of nervous system, and overall good skin and hair growth. It is also rich in carbohydrates that helps in balancing blood sugar level.

4. Little Millet (Moraiyo/Kutki/Sama) : Little Millets are gluten - free, non - acid forming, and a perfect addition to meal of diet - conscious people. It is loaded with vitamin B, and essential minerals such as Calcium, Iron, Zinc and Potassium.

5. Proso Millet (Chenna/Barri) : Proso Millet helps in balancing blood glucose levels as it has low glycemic index. It is great choice for a diabetic patient. It is rich in Magnesium and Potassium, which regulates blood pressure and reduces strokes, and heart attacks. It has lot of fibre, that helps in reducing cholesterol and also helps in removal of bad cholesterol and even promotes the production of good cholesterol.

6. Pearl Millet (Bajra) : Bajra is high nutrient source of protein, fiber, Iron, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, such as Magnesium and calcium, and plant compounds. Regular intake of pearl millet helps in curing chronic illnesses and Type - 2 diabetes.

7. Barnyard Millet (Sanwa) : Barnyard Millet is stacked with high amounts of dietary fibres that helps in improving bowel movement and aiding weight loss. It is significant in calcium and phosphate, that can help to boost bone mass. The high content of antioxidants significantly reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

8. Kodo Millet : Kodo Millet contains higher amount of lecithin amino acids, that helps in strengthening the nervous system. It is rich source of B vitamins, especially niacin B6, and folic acids, along with other minerals and vitamins. It contains calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. As it is a gluten - free millet, it is best for gluten intolerant individuals. It can relieve cardiovascular disorders such as High blood pressure and cholesterol level, when consumed regularly by postmenuposal women.

9. Amaranth Millet (Rajgira) : Amaranth is high - protein, high - fiber grain, ideal for a balanced diet. It helps in prevention of greying and hair loss. Rajgira also helps in reducing cholesterol and the risk of cardiovascular disease, as it contains antioxidants such as gallic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, and vanillic acid. It also contain high amount of calcium, vitamin supplements, and mineral deposits.

10. Buckwheat Millet (Kuttu) : Kuttu is one of the most prevalent millet variety and mostly consumed during Navratra fasting period. It is diabetic-friendly and helps in reducing blood pressure. It is advantageous to heart health and must be included in your nutrition if you want to lose weight. Buckwheat also helps to prevent breast cancer, asthma in youngsters, and gallstones. The flavonoids rutin present helps to strengthen blood vessels, while quercetin acids helps in reducing inflamation.