Millets

Exploring Millets: Types, Uses, and Health Benefits

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in ancient grains and their nutritional benefits. Among these, millets have emerged as nutritional powerhouses, offering a range of health benefits while being versatile in the kitchen. Let’s delve into the world of millets, exploring their types, uses, and the numerous advantages they bring to our plates.

Varieties of Millets

1. Pearl Millet (Bajra): This is one of the most widely cultivated millet varieties. It’s rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and magnesium. Pearl millet is commonly used to make flatbreads, porridge, and even alcoholic beverages in some cultures.

2. Foxtail Millet: With a similar texture to rice, foxtail millet is often used as a rice substitute in various dishes. It’s a good source of antioxidants, dietary fiber, and B vitamins, making it a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

3. Finger Millet (Ragi): Finger millet is known for its exceptional calcium content, making it an excellent choice for bone health. It’s often ground into flour and used to prepare porridge, dosas (pancakes), and baked goods.

4. Proso Millet (Common Millet): Proso millet is easy to digest and is a good source of energy. It’s used in a variety of dishes, from breakfast porridges to soups and casseroles.

5. Barnyard Millet: This millet is gluten-free and rich in fiber. It’s often used in Indian cuisine to prepare dishes like upma (a savory porridge) and pulao (a rice dish).

6. Kodo Millet: Kodo millet is high in antioxidants and essential nutrients like iron and zinc. It’s used in a manner similar to rice and can be incorporated into salads, stir-fries, and pilafs.

Our Millets Range


Pearl Millet (Bajra)

It is one of the nutrient rich millets. It contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, protein, fiber, and iron. The regular intake of Pearl Millet/ Bajra helps to fight against type II diabetes and helps in weight loss. Being a rich source of iron as well as more crucial for the healthy growth development of a healthy immune system. Pearl millet helps to relax the body, and it fights off insomnia. Breakfast with pearl millet protects stress-free day without headaches. There are several health advantages for kids like boost up their energy. Develops the bowel movement and protects the cell development.


Sorghum (Jowar)

The millet can aid to prevent cancer, and control the diabetes, the millet offers to increase the digestive health. Sorghum/ Jowar is capable of building healthy bones and helps to promote the red blood cell improvement. This millet being fiber rich and also helps to reduce bad cholesterol like LDL. Regular consumption of Sorghum enhances the heart health and can protect the body from various ailments such as stroke, atherosclerosis and heart attack.


Finger Millet (Ragi)

Often referred as Ragi and is used as a healthier cereal substitute for rice and wheat. Finger Millet/ Ragi is gluten-free and rich in protein and aids brain development in growing children. It is the importance sources of natural calcium which helps to build & maintain strong bones for both children and aging peoples. Particularly, the southern parts of India. Finger millet is the great source of natural Iron, and it is consumption helps to recovery the Anemia. It is valuable in conditions of depression anxiety, and also insomnia also useful for migraines.

Small Millets


Foxtail

The Foxtail millet is a power house of nutrition and the dishes made with foxtail millets are a good source of overall health for growing children. The Foxtail Millet is one of the best source of Iron and has the properties to control Anemia and has great benefits in treating constipation. The millet also called as Kakum/ Kangni. It contains blood sugar balancing healthy carbohydrates. The iron and calcium content present in it also helps strengthen immunity. In addition, foxtail millets help regulate your blood cholesterol and increase HDL cholesterol levels in your body.


Barnyard

The Barnyard millet or Sanwa rice as it is commonly referred has high levels of protein, calcium, iron, minerals, and vitamin B complex. It is also low in carbohydrates and gluten-free, making it a boon for those with gluten allergies, type II diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. It has six times more of fiber when compared to wheat making an ideal weight loss food. Barnyard Millets are rich in fiber and when consumed regularly helps for healthy weight loss.


Kodo

Kodo millets are power packed with essential nutrients, and are rich in vitamins, especially niacin, B6 and folic acid, as well as minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc. The phosphorus content in kodo millet is lower than any other millet and its antioxidant potential is much higher than any other millet and major cereals.


Proso

Proso millet is rich in minerals, dietary fiber, polyphenols, vitamins and proteins. It is gluten-free and therefore, ideal for the gluten intolerant people. Proso millet contains high lecithin which supports the neural health system. The millet is helps hugely in balancing blood sugar level. Proso millet consumption helps in strengthen and build a strong nervous system.


Little Millet/ Kutki

Little millet is an good option for those looking to lose weight and can be consumed as rice replacement. It is rich in fibre and filled with numerous minerals such as potassium, zinc, iron, and calcium. It is also packed with the health benefits of vitamin B and works as an antioxidant for your body. Little millet is a low glycemic index food that is also rich in dietary fibre. It is useful for diabetics who must control the rapid rise and fall of blood glucose levels. Little millet is high in magnesium, which helps to improve heart health. It is also high in Niacin, which aids in the reduction of cholesterol.

Pseudo Millets


Buck Wheat

Buckwheat is rich in nutrients such as proteins, fibers, & flavonoids, has an important role in controlling blood sugar levels. These nutrients found in buckwheat have reportedly helped people who consumed Buckwheat and with type 2 diabetes manage the condition by improving insulin resistance. It makes for a healthy food option for people with diabetes and can help to lower blood pressure, and improves cardiovascular health. Buckwheat also fights against diseases such as gallstones, childhood asthma, and breast cancer.


Amaranthus Millets

The nutrients in amaranth can offer significant health benefits when included as a part of a healthy diet. It's a source of vitamin C, which is vital to the body's healing process because it helps process iron, form blood vessels, repair muscle tissue, and maintain collagen. Amaranth has many micronutrients and anti-inflammatory properties. It may help lower cholesterol, aid weight loss, and is gluten-free.

Uses of Millets

1. Cooking Staples: Millets can be used as a substitute for rice or other grains in various dishes, such as pilafs, stir-fries, and casseroles.

2. Processed Forms: Noodles, Pasta, Vermicelli, Flakes, Puffs, Flour.

  • Millets can also be sprouted to increase nutrient bioavailability and absorption.
  • Fermented millets reduces phytic acids and tannins, which enhances protein availability and digestibility.

3. Baking: Millet flour can be used in baking to create nutritious and gluten-free baked goods like bread, sourdough, muffins, and pancakes.

4. Porridge: Millets can be cooked into hearty porridges, providing a satisfying and nutritious breakfast option.

5. Flatbreads: Millet flours can be used to make flatbreads like rotis or tortillas, offering a nutritious twist to traditional bread.

6.Beverages: In some cultures, millets are used to make traditional alcoholic beverages or non-alcoholic drinks

Health Benefits of Millets

1. Rich in Nutrients: Millets are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins (B-complex), minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus), and antioxidants.

2. Gluten-Free: Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them a fantastic option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

3. Blood Sugar Management: Millets have a low glycemic index, which means they help regulate blood sugar levels and are suitable for individuals with diabetes.

4. Heart Health: The fiber and antioxidants in millets contribute to heart health by reducing cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular function.

5. Weight Management: The high fiber content of millets promotes a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight management and preventing overeating.

6. Digestive Health: Millets are gentle on the digestive system and can alleviate digestive issues due to their fiber content.

7. Bone Health: Certain millet varieties, like finger millet, are rich in calcium, supporting bone health and preventing conditions like osteoporosis.

Incorporating millets into your diet can be a wonderful way to diversify your nutrient intake while enjoying their unique flavors and textures. Whether you’re seeking gluten-free alternatives, aiming for a balanced diet, or exploring new culinary horizons, millets offer a wide array of options to enhance your meals and nourish your body. At Ochre Export we source the millets directly from the farms and we take care at every stage for the quality of the products we source. Read below about the various millets we have in offer for exporting to the global countries.

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