Pearl millet is a power-packed grain used as a nutritious food in countries including India, Australia, Europe, Africa, USA, and Nepal. It comes in colors ranging from white and pale yellow to state blue or purple. Pearl millet is an ideal food for those who are looking forward to adding a whole grain in their diet. So, what is it about this wonderful grain that makes it perfect? The answer is its inherent protein, iron, fiber, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. Intrigued with this power-packed grain? Read on to learn more about its benefits and some easy-to-prepare recipes with the grain.
Benefits of pearl millet
The potent and nourishing nature of the grain lets you have no second thoughts about why you should be consuming it. It works for your external looks and internal protection. Here are the benefits your health derives from it:
Diabetes Control
Owing to its fiber content, pearl millet is effective in controlling diabetes. It is high in fiber and digests slowly, releasing glucose in your blood at a slower rate than other foods. This way it helps maintain blood sugar levels.
Weight Control
Just the way it controls your blood sugar, the grain also controls your weight too. Good news for the fitness pros and weight conscious people. Right? The high fiber content in this grain sets aside fat accumulating tendencies very well.
Cholesterol Control
Just like pearl millet controls body weight by cutting down fat, it cuts down cholesterol. It has a compound which is also called phyto. Its phytic acid is a fighter which keeps cholesterol levels of the body in control.
Digestion Control
The high insoluble fiber in pearl millet also leads to better digestion. Its secretion of bile acids acts as a shield for the gallbladder lowering the risk of gallstone formation. It also has anticancer properties.
How is pearl millet best served?
Pearl millet is primarily prepared in the form of porridge and bread. Thus, it teams up indeed miraculously with spicy and medium spicy curries. Let’s look at a few recipes that include pearl millet as the primary ingredient. These recipes are easy and quick to make.
Indian Bread
Making bread requires making dough out of ground pearl millet flour. The flour while making dough may combine spices and salt, even vegetables like fenugreek. This leads to filling and nutritious, full meals. These delicious bread can be eaten with semi-spicy curries and spicy gravies.
Dessert
Pudding dishes, when cooked with milk, pearl millet and thickened, becomes a perfect dessert. You may amicably top it up with fruits, dry fruits and whatever another garnishing you like.
Fried Snacks
Pearl millet can transform into a delicious snack. Just mix it with mashed ‘paneer’ or cheese. Add turmeric, coriander red, chili, etc. in the dough and then make them into dumplings. Fry and have it with special spicy chutneys and sauces.
Porridge
A pearl millet porridge is cooked merely with water in basic spices. This is a perfect diet preparation with minimum spices and yet is tasty and leaves you full.
The Gist
Pearl Millet makes you shine like a pearl in aspects like health, appearance, and energy. Include this easy to cook grain in your daily diet and get lifelong benefits. It is found in grain form and even as flour. So, just lay your hands on this affordable and magical food, and devour great meals.