What are Millets? Types of Millets with Health Benefits?
Packed with nutrients, fiber and protein, millets are touted to be one of the best foods, and rightfully so. The nutritional benefits of millets are often compared to quinoa, an American grain.
Whole grain foods like millets are good for your digestive tract and have the potential to satiate your hunger pangs for longer. The millet grains have such an interesting flavour and texture, and since there are numerous health benefits of millets, more and more people have started experimenting with this super food.
What are millets – what’s with the hype?
Millets are small coarse grains. They are being grown from last 5000 years in the Indian subcontinent. They are grown as well as traditionally cooked and eaten from so many years. The Millet plant is high in nutritional value and is rich in various vitamins, proteins, minerals and fibers. In contrast to other cereals Millet grains require very little water and less fertile ground. They are also known as a ‘poor man's food grain’ because its highly affordable. However, the importance of this humble Millet grain has now been realized by the new age generation who is much more aware of their health and the side effects of the usual cereals.
Different types of Millets:
Millet grains are categorized into two types –
1. Unpolished Millets or Naked grains:
The grains which are used along with their husk that is hard as well as indigestible are known as unpolished millets or naked grains. These unpolished millets are not processed after harvesting and are directly usable after being cleaned. These types of millets are largely cultivated and are highly popular as they are easy to use. Some of them are Ragi, Jowar and Bajra. hey.
2. Polished or Husked grains:
These Millet grains also consist of a seed coat which is indigestible. It is removed after harvesting and made easy to consume. The processing of these minutes was earlier done by humans but now it's meshanically process like other cereals. Some of these cereals are foxtail millets, Little millets, browntop millets, Barnyard Millets and Kodo millets.
Millets Types and Name in Different Languages:
Millets In English
Pearl Millet
Finger Millet
Foxtail Millet
Kodo Millet
Little Millet
Barnyard Millet
Sorghum
Millets In Hindi
Pearl Millet- Bajra
Finger Millet-Nachani, Mundua, Mandika, Marwah
Foxtail Millet-Kangni,Kakum,Rala
Kodo Millet -Koden,Kodra
Little Millet- Kutki,Shavan
Barnyard Millet- Jhangora,Sanwa
Sorghum - Jowar
Millets In Tamil
Pearl Millet- Kambu
Finger Millet- Kezhvaragu, Kelvaragu, Keppai, Ragi
Foxtail Millet- Thinai
Kodo Millet - Varagu
Little Millet- Saamai
Barnyard Millet- Kuthiravali (Kuthiraivolly)
Sorghum – Cholam
Millets In Telugu
Pearl Millet- Sajjalu
Finger Millet- Ragula, Ragi Chodi
Foxtail Millet- Korra
Kodo Millet - Arikelu, Arika
Little Millet- Sama, Samalu
Barnyard Millet- Udalu, Kodisama
Sorghum - Jonna
Millets In Kannada
Pearl Millet- Sajje
Finger Millet- Ragi
Foxtail Millet- Navane
Kodo Millet - Harka
Little Millet- Saame, Save
Barnyard Millet- Oodalu
Sorghum -Jola
Millets In Malayalam
Pearl Millet- Kambam
Finger Millet- Panji Pullu
Foxtail Millet- Thina
Kodo Millet - Koovaragu
Little Millet- Chama
Barnyard Millet- Kavadapullu
Sorghum -Cholam
Millets In Marathi
Pearl Millet- Bajri
Finger Millet- Nagli, Nachni
Foxtail Millet- Kang, Rala
Kodo Millet - Kodra
Little Millet- Sava, Halvi, Vari
Sorghum - Jowari, Jondhala
Millets In Punjabi
Pearl Millet- Bajra
Finger Millet- Mandhuka, Mandhal
Foxtail Millet- Kangni
Kodo Millet - Kodra
Little Millet- Swank
Barnyard Millet - Swank
Sorghum – Jowar
Millets In Gujarati
Pearl Millet- Bajri
Finger Millet- Nagli, Bavto
Foxtail Millet- Kang
Kodo Millet - Kodra
Little Millet- Gajro, Kuri
Barnyard Millet - Swank
Sorghum – Jowari , Juar
Millets In Bengali
Pearl Millet- Bajra
Finger Millet- Marwa
Foxtail Millet- Kaon
Kodo Millet - Kodo
Little Millet- Sama
Barnyard Millet - Shyama
Sorghum – Jowar
Millets In Oriya
Pearl Millet- Bajra
Finger Millet- Mandia
Foxtail Millet- Kanghu, Kangam, Kora
Kodo Millet - Kodua
Little Millet- Suan
Barnyard Millet - Khira
Sorghum – Juara
Benefits of Millets
Big things come in a small package. The packages are made up of none other than millet grains. Millets have been around for centuries and have been a part of the Indian diet for equally as long. Which is why it’s so surprising that the common populace is only just realising their nutritional value and benefits. Let us have a look at some of the important benefits of the wonder grain – the Millet grain:
- They are rich in vitamin B, iron, zinc, potassium, calcium, and magnesium.
- They are gluten-free
- They help in lowering the type 2 diabetes and reduces the risk of heart disease
- They are a great source of starch and are thus helpful in making any food a high-energy food.
- It is also an excellent source of protein and fiber.
- They are mostly organic in nature as no pesticides and fertilizers are used on them.
Millets Nutrition Facts per 100gms
Pearl Millet
Protein(g) - 10.6
Fat(g) - 4.8
Fiber(g) - 1.3
Minerals(g) - 2.3
Iron(mg) - 16.9
Calcium(mg) - 38
Calories (kcal) - 378
Finger Millet
Protein(g) - 7.3
Fat(g) - 1.5
Fiber(g) - 3.6
Minerals(g) - 2.7
Iron(mg) - 3.9
Calcium(mg) - 344
Calories (kcal) – 336
Foxtail Millet
Protein(g) - 12.3
Fat(g) - 4
Fiber(g) - 8
Minerals(g) - 3.3
Iron(mg) - 2.8
Calcium(mg) - 31
Calories (kcal) – 473
Kodo Millet
Protein(g) - 8.3
Fat(g) - 3.6
Fiber(g) - 9
Minerals(g) - 2.6
Iron(mg) - 0.5
Calcium(mg) - 27
Calories (kcal) – 309
Little Millet
Protein(g) - 7.7
Fat(g) - 5.2
Fiber(g) - 7.6
Minerals(g) - 1.5
Iron(mg) - 9.3
Calcium(mg) -17
Calories (kcal) – 207
Barnyard Millet
Protein(g) - 11.2
Fat(g) - 3.9
Fiber(g) - 10.1
Minerals(g) - 4.4
Iron(mg) - 15.2
Calcium(mg) -11
Calories (kcal) – 342
Sorghum
Protein(g) - 10.4
Fat(g) - 3.1
Fiber(g) - 2
Minerals(g) - 1.6
Iron(mg) - 5.4
Calcium(mg) -25
Calories (kcal) – 329
Proso Millet
Protein(g) - 12.5
Fat(g) - 2.9
Fiber(g) - 2.2
Minerals(g) - 1.9
Iron(mg) - 0.8
Calcium(mg) - 14
Calories (kcal) - 356
Rice
Protein(g) - 6.8
Fat(g) - 2.7
Fiber(g) - 0.2
Minerals(g) - 0.6
Iron(mg) - 0.7
Calcium(mg) - 10
Calories (kcal) - 362
Wheat
Protein(g) - 11.8
Fat(g) - 2
Fiber(g) - 1.2
Minerals(g) -1.5
Iron(mg) - 5.3
Calcium(mg) - 41
Calories (kcal) - 348
Millets Side Effects
Though nutritious as well as delicious, one should consume millets in moderation. Its excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects on one's health. Millets-only diets are dangerous for anyone resulting in the following health issues –
- It can interfere with the digestion system by delaying the digestion process because of the high fiber content
- The thyroid gland cannot function well with overconsumption of the millets.
- People who are suffering from intestinal disorders can increase their difficulty due to overcoming consumption of Millet grain
Though millets are a good source of amino acids, very high content of amino acids can cause trouble with the functioning of the digestion.
Where to buy Millets from?
One can buy Millets from organic shops, supermarkets, local shops as well as various online shopping sites. In case if someone wants to know where to buy millets in USA or where to buy millets wholesale in USA, then they are readily available in the USA in any sophisticated hypermarkets or on various online shopping sites.
Millets are available in lots of varieties. Every millet has its own health benefits. Generally, all types of millet grains promote good health and wellness. They usually contain antioxidants, proteins, micronutrients, and a horde of other advantageous vitamins for our body.
Don’t wait, embrace a diet of millets and bring positive health changes.