Millet is a small grain known to be quite popular in many regions of our country. This is a cereal that contains many nutritional components that many people may not know. They are used to make a number of nutritious, healthy foods.
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1. About millet
Millet seeds in nature are shaped like rice grains. They were once considered a very early human food and are still used as a staple food for residents in many parts of the world.
General characteristics of millet
Millet is small, round and much smaller than a grain of rice. The bark is dark brown, hard. Yellow gut. Millet has the ability to adapt very well to climatic conditions, especially in arid places. Short growing period, fast to be harvested and less pests.
Types of millet
Most of the millet in the world belongs to the family Poaceae. Millet is classified into quite a few different types. Among them can be mentioned some popular varieties such as white millet, finger millet, mink tail millet, jade millet, small millet, etc. Some places have a type of millet also known as sago with larger seeds than common millet. .
Millet in nature
2. Nutritional composition of millet
Millet is called a “small but mighty” grain. This tiny seed has a very diverse nutritional profile. In which, the main ingredient is still starch, accounting for 73%. Along with that, there are other rich ingredients such as: carbohydrates, fiber, protein, fat, phosphorus, magnesium, folate, iron, etc. Millet contains the highest calcium content in the whole grain family. Besides, millet also has many essential amino acids for the body and more than most other grains.
3. Health benefits of millet
With high nutritional content, millet is a cereal that is especially good for human health. This tiny seed has a lot of benefits such as:
Provides necessary calcium
Millet is a cereal that contains a very high calcium content, which is different from ordinary grains. This is considered a good food for the development and health of the bone system. They have a good effect in preventing osteoporosis, limiting bone pain in the body. Besides, this calcium content also plays a very important role in the nervous system. They can help improve memory, improve neurasthenia.
Millet contains high nutritional content, especially calcium
Prevent cancer
Millet contains the highest levels of antioxidants, namely phenolic compounds, catechins and ferulic acid. These substances have a high antioxidant effect that protects cells in the body from free radicals. As a result, using millet in the right way, in sufficient doses, has the effect of preventing cancer. These substances are found in many varieties of millet with dark skin such as white millet, finger millet, and mink tail.
Good for the digestive system
Millet is known to be a very good substitute for those suffering from digestive problems. Millet is rich in fiber. Besides, millet does not contain gluten, so it is suitable for people with poor digestive system, especially children or people who are allergic to gluten in cereals.
Good for heart health
Millet also contains high levels of choline. This is a very good substance for the cardiovascular system, they have the function of improving the functioning of the arteries, reducing the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Consuming millet has the benefit of stimulating the oxidation of fatty acids, which can significantly improve cholesterol, prevent obesity.
Improve blood sugar
Abundant fiber content along with polysaccharide compounds, two types of carbohydrates in seeds have a good effect on blood sugar control. The percentage of sugar in millet is also very low, so it is a recommended food for diabetics to replace rice.
Besides, millet is also a very good food for pregnant women and children. Millet is high in nutrients but low in calories and should be used as a safe weight loss food.
Millet has many health benefits
3. Ways to prepare nutritious millet
Millet is high in nutrients and has many health benefits. To make the most of the nutrients in millet, you can apply the following processing methods:
Cook millet porridge and chicken
– Ingredients: millet, chicken
– How to prepare: Soak millet seeds for about an hour before cooking. Boil the chicken until cooked, take out the meat and tear it into small pieces, then pour the soaked millet into the chicken broth, then simmer on low heat until the millet is cooked gradually. Use chopsticks to stir continuously to avoid burning the porridge pot. When the millet is soft, put the shredded chicken into the porridge pot, stir well, season with a little seasoning to taste. Millet porridge is suitable for people who have just woken up, postpartum women who need a lot of milk to feed their babies, etc.
Millet and sweet potato porridge
Clean millet seeds, soak in water. Potatoes are peeled, washed and cut into pieces. Put both ingredients in a pot of water and cook together, stirring until both millet and potatoes are soft. Add seasoning and enjoy. This is considered a quick, nutritious and low-calorie breakfast dish, good for those who want to maintain a normal weight and avoid obesity.
Millet seeds can be used to prepare many delicious and nutritious dishes
Porridge with millet and bamboo pods
Chop bamboo leaves or bamboo leaves in a pot of boiling water and then discard the residue. Then add the millet and cook until tender. This is a very good dish for those who suffer from seasickness, heatstroke, nervousness or palpitations, etc.
In addition, you can also cook vegetarian millet porridge, cook millet rice, millet tea, cook millet porridge with big apples, make millet cake, millet seed salad, etc.
Note: Do not share millet with almonds because in almonds there are ingredients that cause irritation that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, etc.
Above are the knowledge and information you need to know about millet, a nutritious, healthy cereal. If you need advice on health-related issues, please call MEDLATEC General Hospital via call center. 1900 56 56 56 for an answer.
John Alen was born in 1971 and is a doctor in the healthcare and psychology fields with many years of experience. He is currently working at easyhealthylive.com, a leading health and psychology blog. Having studied at Y1 National Medical University named after IM Sechenov, John Alen is using his knowledge and experience to help improve the physical and mental health of people in the United States.
