Bajra in winter : Super healthy millet you can add in your diet
Bajra in winter : Super healthy millet you can add in your diet
By: Pune Pulse
November 25, 2023
Pune: Millets, the ancient grains, have made a remarkable comeback after being neglected for many years. This resurgence can be attributed to their exceptional nutritional value, which has the potential to combat various chronic diseases.
In today’s era, where the consumption of unhealthy foods rich in carbohydrates, sugar, and fats is increasing, individuals are facing difficulties in incorporating high-quality protein, fibre, and essential micro-nutrients into their diets. Over time, millets transitioned from being a dietary staple to an obsolete grain due to a decline in production and a shift in food preferences towards wheat, rice, and Western cuisine.
While our focus was primarily on satisfying our taste buds rather than nourishing our bodies, we overlooked the nutritional value of millet. These grains, such as pearl millet or Bajra, are rich in iron, protein, fibre, vitamins, magnesium and other essential nutrients. Pearl millet, being one of the oldest millets, not only provides affordability and nutrition but also contributes to environmental sustainability and resilience against drought.
Pearl millets cultivated in the tropical semi-arid areas of Asia and Africa are commonly recognized as a cost-effective and highly productive source of sustenance for impoverished communities. Bajra, along with various other millets, is considered gluten-friendly, making it a suitable dietary option for individuals with celiac disease.
Consumption of plant-based diets, such as those incorporating bajra, offers significant protection against cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, metabolic syndrome and Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, the substantial presence of iron and zinc in bajra can aid in the treatment of anaemia.
The American Diabetes Association has found that consuming millet is linked to a lower risk of diabetes. This discovery gives individuals another strong incentive to include this grain in their diets. Moreover, research has indicated that pearl millet has cancer-preventive qualities and supports bone growth and repair.
Alongside these advantages, pearl millets are regarded as the ultimate superfood for promoting a healthy gut. Their abundance of fibre helps alleviate constipation, and the presence of lactic acid bacteria acts as a probiotic, making them effective in treating diarrhoea.
