TYPES OF MILLET'S AND HEALTH BENEFITS

Proso Millet: 

English: Proso Millet
Kannada: Baragu
Marathi: Vari
Tamil: Pani varagu
Telugu: Variga
Hindi: Chena; Barri

• It Is a winter crop that grows naturally like grass.
• It has a high amount of starch and fatty acids.
• It is rich in phosphorus, calcium, manganese and magnesium.
• It is completely gluten free
• Consumption of proso millets reduces cholesterol, strengthens the nerves and helps keeping heart attack and breast cancer at bay.
• Regular consumption of proso millet slows down ageing and since the fibre level is high.
• It’s a good regular diet for diabetes.

Barnyard Millet:
 
English: Barnyard Millet
Hindi: Sanwa

Kannada: Oodalu
Tamil: Kuthiraivolly
Telugu: Udalu, Kodisama

• Has a history of thousand years, research on the intestines of Egyptian mummies too revealed presence of barnyard millets! 
• It is grown even now in the hilly mountains area of India. 
• It contains ten times more fiber than wheat 
• It is a complete food for diabetic people. 
• It moderates the heat generated in the body and protects body from disease. 
• Unpolished barnyard millet has high amounts of vitamin B and therefore increases Red Blood Cells in the body. 

Foxtail Millet:
 
English: Foxtail Millet
Bengali: Kaon
Hindi: Kakum
Kannada: Navane
Marathi: Kang, Rala
Tamil: Tenai
Telugu: Korra

• It appears like the tail of a fox and has historical reference too. 
• It is rich in starch and fiber 
• It is good for diabetes 
• Helps in lowering the cholesterol levels, regulates blood pressure and prevent heart attacks 
• Helps in relieving from constipation 
• Helps in increasing the resistant power 
• Aids in growth of fetus in pregnant women and is also very good for development of brain. 

Finger Millet:
 
English: Finger Millet
Hindi: Ragi, Mandika, Marwah
Kannada: Ragi
Marathi: Nagli, Nachni
Tamil: Keppai, Ragi, Kelvaragu

Telugu: Ragi, Chodi

• It is a treasure of nutrients. 
• It is rich in calcium. It even contains vitamin D and as such is good for bones and teeth. 
• Having high iron content, controls anemia. 
• It is also safe food for diabetics as it regulates the release of sugar into blood. 
• Also helps faster wound healing 
• As it contains more fiber than other grains and contains amino acid tryptophan, it is ideal for weight loss. 
• Helps in reducing cholesterol and also regulates stress hormone and maintains mental balance. 

Kodo Millet:

English: Kodo Millet
Bengali: Kodo
Hindi: Kodon
Marathi: Kodra
Tamil: Varagu
Telugu: Arikelu, Arika

Kannada: Harka

• Kodo millet is very easy to digest, it contains a high amount of lecithin and is excellent for strengthening the nervous system. 
• They are rich in B vitamins, especially niacin, B6 and folic acid, 
• It contains minerals such as calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc 
• It contains no gluten and is good for people who are gluten intolerant. 
• Regular consumption of kodo millet is very beneficial for postmenopausal women suffering from signs of cardiovascular disease, like high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. 

Little Millet: 
 
English: Little Millet
Hindi: Kutki, Shavan
Kannada: Same, Save
Marathi: Sava, Halvi, vari
Tamil: Samai
Telugu: Samalu

• It is rich in phyto-chemicals and it has excellent antioxidant properties 
• Its Dietary fiber protects against hyperglycemia. 
• It reduces cholesterol and helps in digestion. 
• Has nearly 6.3 times fiber and nearly 1.8 times Iron than Wheat. 
• Has lesser amount of carbohydrates than Wheat and rice and has abundant quantities of Thiamine (Vitamin B1) which is not present in Rice and Wheat. 
• Helps lowers risk of type 2 diabetes 
• Reduces chances of heart attacks 
• Improves digestion 
• Protects from breast cancer 
• protects childhood asthma 

Pearl Millet:
 
English: Pearl Millet
Bengali: Bajra
Hindi: Bajra
Kannada: Sajje
Marathi: Bajri
Tamil: Kambu
Telugu: Sajja

• With nearly 80% of pearl millet being carbohydrate and protein, it offers good source of energy. 
• It supplies ample amount of iron which is helpful in treating anemic conditions. 
• With high supply of phosphorus, it is helpful in ensuring proper tissue development and repair. 
• Presence of Fiber in this helps to smooth movement of bowels and cure constipation. It also helps in prevention and absorption of cholesterol and toxic substances in intestine. 
• Various studies have shown that this millet has antioxidant properties, because of the presence of various phytonutrients, it helps protect body cells from oxidizing free radicals. It helps reduce risk of degenerative diseases. 
• Other minerals and vitamins present in it, protects the cardio vascular system and reduce the risk of atherosclerosis, hemorrhage, plaque formation, blockage in vessels and even stroke. Traditionally regular diet which includes this millet is considered good way of supporting your heart health. 
• It plays important role in reducing blood sugar and insulin sensitivity. 
• Magnesium present in it helps in relaxing the muscles and treats menstrual cramps. 
• It also contains phytoestrogen which resembles female hormone estrogen. 

Sorghum:
 
English: Sorghum
Hindi: Jowari, Juar
Kannada: Jola
Marathi: Jwari
Tamil: Cholam

Telugu: Jonna

•  It is a powerhouse in terms of nutrients. 
• A single serving of sorghum contains 48% of your daily recommended intake of dietary fibre, means that your digestive tract will keep your food moving along rapidly, preventing cramping, bloating, constipation, stomach aches, excess gas, and diarrhoea. 
• The tannin-rich bran of sorghum actually has enzymes that inhibit the absorption of starch by the body, which can help to regulate insulin and glucose levels in the body. Which helps in keeping these levels balanced. 
• Magnesium is found in high quantities in sorghum, which means that your calcium levels will be properly maintained, as magnesium increases calcium absorption in the body. These two minerals are also integral to the development of bone tissue and speed up the healing of damaged or aging bones.This can prevent conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis, thereby keeping you active and healthy into your old age.