Coarse grains like jowar, bajra, ragi, kang., cheena, kodo, kutki and kuttu are very beneficial for health. The abundance of nutrients present in them makes these grains superfoods. Compared to common grains like wheat and rice, millet has more fiber, minerals and vitamins, which prove to be extremely beneficial for the body.
Along with this, consumption of these grains not only helps in weight loss but also strengthens bones, improves heart health and also reduces the risk of serious diseases like diabetes. This is why the United Nations has declared 2023 as the Year of Millets to raise awareness about the health benefits of these grains.
Nutrients present in millet
Dr. Amit Kumar of Shatayu Ayurveda and Panchakarma Center, Hardoi, told IANS that these coarse grains contain vitamins, minerals, zinc and fiber in abundance, which are very important for the body.
beneficial in digestion
These grains contain high amount of fiber, which helps in cle.ng the stomach and improving digestion. Especially for people who are deficient in calcium from milk, consuming coarse grains is an excellent option because they contain iron and calcium in abundance.
beneficial in diabetes
Dr. Amit explains that coarse grains like ragi and jowar have low glycemic index, due to which carbohydrates are absorbed slowly in the body. This increases the blood sugar level gradually, which is beneficial for type-2 diabetes patients.
Effective in preventing heart disease
Millet contains vitamin B (especially B-3 or niacin), which helps reduce triglyceride levels. Triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack, so consuming these grains is helpful in controlling cholesterol levels.
fills bones with strength
Consuming coarse grains also strengthens bone health. These grains are rich in calcium and iron, which helps in strengthening bones and formation of blood cells. Apart from this, these grains are rich in fiber and protein, which increases the strength of muscles and bones of the body.
