Millets are no longer the food of the poor. In fact, they are now considered to be superfoods with numerous health benefits.
Here are 8 types of millets that are found in Odisha and their various health benefits.
Sorghum: It’s a gluten-free millet packed with protein, fat, fibre, calories, carbs, etc. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties and aids in weight loss. Recipes: cakes, cookies, bread, porridge, etc.
Foxtail Millet: It’s gluten-free, rich in fibre and carbs, good for diabetic people, and easily digestible. With its sweet and nutty flavour, it’s eaten in kheer, cutlet, coconut rice, pulao, biryani, etc.
Finger Millet: Also known as Ragi, it’s the powerhouse of nutrients including protein, dietary fibre, carbs, and minerals. They have anti-diabetic and anti-cancer properties. Recipes: cookies, halwa, ladoo, etc.
Barnyard Millet: A rich source of fibre, protein, iron, and zinc, these millets are gluten-free and support heart health, digestion, and weight management. Recipes: pancakes, vadas, dosa, etc.
Kodo Millet: A super food packed with vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, it’s good for heart, kidney, and gut health, and aids in weight loss. Recipes: kheer, pulao, upma, etc.
Little Millet: Smaller in size, yet is a rich source of nutrients like carbs, protein, fibre, calcium, iron, etc., and is great for gut health and has anti-oxidant properties. Recipes: salad, upma, kheer, etc.
Proso Millet: These grains are rich in B-complex vitamins, folic acid, Iron, Zinc, and amino acids and support neural health and gut health, strengthen bones, prevent cancer, and more. Recipes: upma, salad, dosa, etc.
Pearl Millet: Also known as Bajra, it’s a rich source of fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It’s good for people with diabetes and aids in skin, health, nail health, etc. Recipes: khichdi or dosa.