10 Types Of Millets – Health Benefits, Easy Recipes and Uses

In this article we will learn about 10 Types Of Millets – Jowar | Ragi | Kakum | Bajra | Sanwa | Chena | Moraiyo | Rajgira | Kuttu | Kodon and health benefits of these millets.

Those who are familiar with millets know these wonder crops to be gluten-free. Millets are not unfamiliar crops in India. People of India are using these since the ancient ages. These crops have managed to stay in the list of people’s favorites because of the beneficial values these bring along.

The crops are known to play essential roles in curing many health issues. Millets don’t only fix health hazards; these crops can prevent health issues from arising as well. Thus, millets have remained in the wanted list of the health freaks since the past.

Millets are famous not only because of the health benefits; these crops can be turned into delicious dishes. You can make idli, halwa, khichdi, and even cookies using the right recipes and good millet. We will give you a list of millet recipes in this article, so read on.

Types of Millets

You will find different types of millets when you set out to buy them. Each one of the millets is unique in its nutritional value. You can pick the one that suits your need and digestive system. These millets are easy to find and more comfortable to cook. Here is a quick introduction to the wonder crops. 

Jowar (Sorghum)

Jowar is commonly found types of millets. There is hardly anyone around India who has not heard about Jowar. Jowar is commonly used to make bread or Rotis. Jowar comes with a plethora of beneficial features. You will be surprised to know that the humble granny crop has a powerhouse stored in the grains. It contains iron, fiber, and protein. Together these elements can lower the cholesterol level. (1)  

Ragi (Finger Millet)

Ragi has many takers. This crop has gained its fame due to the massive array of advantages it brings to the table. Being loaded with multiple nutrients, Ragi can be your substitute for rice or Rotis. Ragi, with its gluten-free components, plays a significant role in brain improvement. 

Therefore, it could be an excellent food for the children. (2)

Kakum (Foxtail Millet)

Famed for its contribution to balancing blood sugar level, Kakum is also known as Kangni to some of its admirers. The crop is commonly available in the form of rice flour or semolina. It comes packed with iron and calcium. The regular consumption of Kakum can improve immunity. Therefore, you can consider adding this to your daily diet without hesitation.

Bajra (Pearl Millet)

This is another famous crop that does not need an elaborate introduction. However, modesty does not allow this crop to boast about itself. It offers multiple health values. Regular use of bajra can give you the health benefits of protein, fiber, iron, and calcium. You will be able to notice the changes as you keep consuming bajra. 

Sanwa (Banyard Millet)

In the race of popularity, Sanwa has not yet gained mass fame. However, this crop has everything to be your mealtime-essential. Sanwa contains phosphorus and calcium. The crop’s regular consumption can give you strong bones. Also, it can promote weight loss quickly. Sanwa is capable of making you strong enough to fight bone disease. The crop brings along many exigent health benefits. (3)  

Chena (Broomcorn Millet)

Once a famous bird food, Chena has succeeded in getting a decent place in fitness freaks’ diet chart. The crop has proved its effectiveness in promoting weight loss to come this far. The low glycemic level of the crop has turned it into a favorite of the people trying to lose weight. The millet also helps in balancing out blood sugar levels. Thus, this could get you multiple values when consumed regularly.

Moraiyo (Little Millet)

Better known as the little millet to the world, Moraiyo is not precisely small in nutritional values. This millet has its high nutritional values, which make it a sought-after crop in the past. Vitamin B makes the little millet significant in nutritional values. Added to this, you get minerals like zinc, calcium, and iron when you consume this millet. Therefore, you can quickly bid adios to white rice and have Moraiyo each time you set out your table. (4)

Rajgira (Amarnath)

Better known as Amarnath, this millet comes with many values. When consumed on a regular basis, one gets high benefits from Rajgira or Amarnath. If you are unaware of this millet’s nutritional values, you may get surprised to know that it contains a high level of calcium; therefore, consuming this will give your bones a quick strength boost. Also, it comes with anti-oxidants and minerals. Together the elements help in lowering cholesterol and improving the health of the heart. People have found rajgira to be beneficial for hair growth as well. 

Kuttu (Whole Grain Buckwheat)

If you are trying to lose weight, look further than this wonder millet. It has already gained its cult fame for promoting quick weight loss. This diabetic compatible millet is capable of taking care of blood pressure-related problems. The whole grain can prevent breast cancer. The multi-beneficial crop is loaded with nutritional values and can protect childhood asthma. Many have found this crop to be immensely beneficial for people who are suffering from gallstones as well. Thus, you can include this crop to your daily diet menu without hesitation. 

Kodon (Kodu Millet)

Also known as kodu millet, this crop is for people suffering from digestion problems. It can solve your digestion-related issues with ease. Also, the crop possesses a high level of lecithin. It can be an excellent solution for the weak nervous system. Enriched with vitamin B, this crop can be everyone’s favorite mealtime-basic. Other than Vitamin B, it provides iron, calcium, and zine. Because the crop does not possess gluten, people who are sensitive to gluten can also consume these millets. The harvest is great for people who are suffering from heart diseases. Problems related to high blood pressure can be resolved by regular consumption of kodon as well.

7 Healthy Millet Recipes

You can make these types of millets easily at home.

1. Mixed Millet Bhel Puri

This dish is amazingly tongue teasing and easy to make. Ingredients are Gather ragi, puffed rice flakes, brown rice namkeen, and Amarnath. Mix all the ingredients well. Throw in some boiled potatoes and tomatoes for taste. You can add green pudina chutney to give this bhel puri a taste boost as well. 

2. Kodo Millet Burger

This is the burger for the health-freaks. It will cut down your calories and will help you lose weight. To make this, you need to grind soaked Kodo millet and watermelon seeds together. Mix mustard and coriander paste along with cumin seeds to the millet and watermelon seeds. Shape it like a patty and then cook it to make your burger.

Take a separate bowl to add tomatoes, onion, and coriander. You can add spring onion to this as well. Once the mixture looks a bit, you need to add olive oil to make the perfect salsa. To create the hummus, you need to boil chickpeas and create a paste by mashing it. Add olive oil, lemon juice, and chili powder to make it tastier. To serve the burger, you need to spread the hummus on the buns, place the cooked patty inside. Serve the burger with salsa now.

3. Bajra Tartlets with Fruit Custard

You will need tartlet moulds for this. First, grease with oil and heat the moulds in an oven. In another bowl, mix bajra, wheat, salt, and sugar. After this, you need to add cold butter to this mixture. Add egg yolk and water and mix well to create the dough. Make sure not to knead too much. Now, divide the dough to create small ones. Roll these out and cover the moulds with the rolled out doughs. You need to press the doughs with forks and then heat in the oven until the tartlets turn crisp. In another bowl, make the custard separately. Pour the custard in the tartlets and serve after garnishing with dry fruits.

4. Ragi Wheat Dosa

This is an easy thing to make. You have to gather all the required ingredients, mix well to create a thick batter. Now, keep aside this batter to settle down. The next day, make dosa and serve with coconut chutney.

5. Jowar Medley

This light snack is easy to make. You need to soak the jowar seeds and keep overnight. The next day, you need to boil the seeds in the water you have soaked the seeds. Now, you need to heat rice bean oil. Put some jowar seeds, curry leaves, mustard seeds, ginger, and green chilies in the oil. After the seeds begin to splutter, you add sliced baby corn, red pepper, and zucchini. Now, add salt and then cook for a few minutes. Serve after garnishing with coriander.

6. Foxtail Millet Porridge

To make this tasty dish, you need to soak foxtail millet in water. Now, drain the water and cook the millet in milk. After it is cooked, add dry fruits, banana, and figs before serving.

7. Ragi Chakli

You will need ragi flour, basan, ginger, garlic paste, chili, and salt for this dish. Make a dough using the ingredients with water and oil. Now, put the dough in the chakli machine and then heat the chakli in the oven to prepare the snack.

Types Of Millets – Naked Vs Husked Millets

You will come across two different types of millets when you start exploring—naked and husked millets. Naked millets are the ones that arrive without the husks. You will find three different types of naked millets, including ragi, bajra, and jowar. These three millets come without the husks. The beauty of the millets is – these can be used without processing. Naked millets are the popular ones which get cultivated across the country.

Husked millets come with a seed coat. Kodo millets, foxtail millet, and little millet fall into the husked millet category. Before consuming the millets, the husks need to be removed as the coating is not digestible. These millets are incredibly beneficial for health. The millets are rich in iron, calcium, and other minerals. Also, millets don’t attract pests, and therefore, these are good to have around for healthy meals every time.

Benefits of all Types of Millets

There are countless benefits of all types of millets. Here are some of the benefits 

1. If you are looking for nutrients to boost your health, millets are the best source. They come loaded with multiple nutrients like – copper, phosphorus, iron, manganese, and many more. The nutrient content is the main reason you should include millets to your daily diet.
2. Its gluten-free diet plan which can benefit people from a gluten allergy, with a millet loaded diet. Healthy nutrients are found in these crops. Because millets are free from gluten, contain, you will not have to worry about gluten even if you are sensitive to it. A gluten-free diet has many health benefits. 
3. Millets are the best friends of people who are looking for quick weight loss. The crops contain low calories. Therefore, you can incorporate millets like ragi, jowar, or bajra in your meal to promote healthy weight loss. These are filling meals, which will never lead to weight gain. Thus, these could be your weight-loss time associate. 
4. Immunity is essential for a plethora of reasons. It helps people fight virus infection and promote healthy growth. If you are looking for immunity-boosting foods, millets are the best options for you. Nutritious millets help in boosting immunity. Regular consumption will leave you healthy, more energetic, and better at fighting diseases. Because these humble crops are tasty to consume, you will not have to fret overeating these. Millets can be turned into many delicious dishes with the right recipes.
5. Millets are both healthy and tasty. Therefore, these are perfect for daily use. The health benefits of millets make these rights for children as well. You will get a high level of starch along with protein. Therefore, the regular consumption of millets is immensely healthy. You can consume these for a health boost and better immunity. 
6. Those who have type 2 diabetes will appreciate millets. The crops are great for patients of diabetes. Millets contain a low glycemic level. Therefore, these are the best for the patients of diabetes.
7. Millets can reduce your blood pressure. Because these are high on magnesium, these can control high blood pressure. If you consume millets regularly, you can reduce the risk of having a heart attack. This is why millets are so famous among the people who are suffering from heart-related ailments.
8. Regular consumption of millets can reduce digestion problems. Enriched with dietary fibers, millets can make amazing cereal for you. These take care of digestion problems and helps in easing bowel problems.
9. Millets help I removing foreign agents from the body. Therefore, it can help in balancing the enzyme in the body. 

Commonly asked questions about Types Of Millets

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about Types of Millets you need to know.

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