Makar sankranti or the harvester's festival is celebrated for the happiness of getting new crops for farmers. As we celebrate makar sankranti, we are going to look into one of the most important agricultural crops in India, which are also a very good source of nutrition - Millets.
Millets have been, throughout history, a very good source of plant food for humans and livestock. The young junk-eating generation has forgotten the likes of natural health food which leads to a variety of health problems. But for people who are still health conscious and looking for better alternatives to reduce their daily 'junk'consumption, millets are like wonder grains. Doctors and nutritionists vouch for their high nutritional value.
Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains. They can be consumed by people in the form of pilafs, snacks and cookies too. India is a major contributor in the global market for millet cultivation. Millets are also widely grown in Africa and Northern china.
Types of millets:
*Little Millet – These type of millets can be cooked and consumed like rice. Also comes in semolina and flour form and used to make roti, dosa and bread. They have the highest fat content of all the millets and a good level of protein.
*Fox tail Millet – Like little millet, fox tail millet too can be cooked and consumed like rice and the semolina and flour can be used as roti, dosa and idli. They have the highest mineral content and second highest in the world production of all the millets.
*Finger Millet (Ragi) – Staple grain in Africa and India, these have the highest calcium content in all the millets. They can be consumed as porridge, roti, dosa, mudde, payasam.
*Barnyard Millet – These are the fastest growing millet, producing yield in 6 weeks. They have the highest fibre and iron content of all the millets.
*Kodo Millet – High fibre and energy content, they are ideal for diabetics and can also be consumed as rice.
*Proso Millet – They have the highest protein content and very high in carbohydrates.
*Sorghum – Known as jowar, these hardy grain can be consumed in the form of flat breads and porridge. They have a good protein, carbohydrate and energy content.
*Pearl Millet – India is the largest producer of pearl millets, commonly known as bajra. They are very high in protein and energy content and used in rotis and porridge. They can also be cooked and consumed like rice.
Health benefits of millets:
Millets are rich in Protein, fibre, calcium, Iron and Minerals. They help in reducing cholesterol, lower blood pressure and help in the development and repair of body cells and tissues. They help in reducing the risk of Type-2 Diabetes especially for women. They are great for people looking for weight loss, diabeties and cardiac patients. The high insoluble fibre helps to prevent Gallstones formation. Pre-menopausal women eating millets have a reduced breast cancer risk. They have a higher nutritional values when compared with rice and wheat.
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