Once a humble grain of the past, millets have now become a global superfood, and for good reason. Packed with essential nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber, these tiny grains offer a powerhouse of health benefits that go far beyond basic nutrition. Ajay Kangralkar, Founder of SkyRoots Ventures LLP, highlights that while millets have been consumed for centuries, their lesser-known advantages make them a must-have in modern diets.
He says, “Small they may be in size, but never in their attributes and the nutrients in them, so much so, that people across the world have accepted them as staples for centuries. As for their surprising health benefits, the following nine stand out as being relatively not-so-known.”
1. An abundance of Antioxidants: A rich source of antioxidants, consuming millets is known to protect the body from the ill-effects of free radicals and oxidative stresses, thus reducing the risk of chronic and heart disease.
2. Gluten-Free Meals: Free from gluten, a starch-related binding agent known to cause autoimmune problems in those with celiac disease, millets are then the best and most effective option for this with the disorder.
3. High Fiber Meals, Everytime: High in dietary fiber that’s known to promote digestive health, develop the right gut-biome and prevent constipation, consuming millets also supports healthy blood sugar levels as opposed to other grains known to cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar.
4. Helps Manage Diabetes: With its low glycemic index, consuming millets is said to aid in regulating blood sugar levels- something that’s much needed to manage and keep diabetes at bay.
5. Millets for Heart Health: The grain is rich in potassium, magnesium, and fiber, all of which help reduce blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and risk of heart disease.
6. Millets for Weight Management: Millets are high in fiber and protein; eating them in reasonable quantities makes one feel full and satiated thus helping us manage body weight with ease.
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7. Dense in Minerals: Millets are a known source of minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, essential for many issues including healthy bones, immune functioning the right way, and energy production.
8. Inflammation reduction: Millets are equally known for their anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce inflammation and ease symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
9. For Healthy Gut Bacteria: With loads of prebiotic fiber that feeds the good bacteria in the gut, consuming millets is a sure way to have a healthy gut microbiome.
From what he states above, including millets into your diet can have immense health benefits, from a healthy heart to reduced inflammation and cancer risks. Rich in nutrients as also taste, millets can make a healthy and hearty addition to a balanced diet.
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