What is foxtail millet? It is a fantastic grain in the millet family. It is a small, round grain that can be used for various Indian cuisine-based recipes. Along with the different health benefits, it is also a sustainable crop that doesn't need continuous water irrigation yet provides excellent human nutrition.
Commonly Used Names For Foxtail Millet
Foxtail millet is widely used throughout India. It is commonly known as:
Hindi-Kangini
Tamil-Thinai
Kannada- Navane
Telugu-Korallu
Malayalam-China
Benefits Of Foxtail Millet
Glycemic friendly: Foxtail millet, a whole grain, has a reasonable amount of fibre and is a low-glycemic millet. It also contains complex carbohydrates, which help manage glucose levels. Foxtail millet can be a cereal in the regular diet for diabetes patients. It helps manage the blood glucose elevation post-meal. Foods low in glycemic index and high in fibre are the best choice of cereal for managing diabetes. In that case, foxtail millet is a great choice. Though it is glycemic-friendly, having the right portion size is essential.
Immunity and bone health: Foxtail millet is rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. It also contains phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which are antioxidants. These help prevent inflammation in the body and improve immune levels. Calcium and phosphorous are essential for maintaining bone health. Regularly including foxtail millet helps improve bone integrity.
Gut health: Gut microbiota is crucial for overall health and well-being. Fermented foxtail millet-based food items add many more benefits to improving a healthy microbiome in the gut. An animal study by Yin Cheng et al . 2022 showed that Bifidobacterium and lactobacillus growth (good bacteria) increased, and E. coli growth was reduced.
Gluten-free: Foxtail millet is a gluten-free grain, another inclusion for people with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. Gluten allergy makes it very difficult to enjoy certain varieties of foods, such as breads, pasta, wraps, cakes, and pastries. Foxtail millet can be used as a replacement for gluten-based ingredients.
Foxtail Millet In Diet
It is a whole-grain category that can be used in multiple ways:
Flour: Foxtail millet can be used instead of wheat flour. It is also gluten-free and can be used to make rotis, parathas, etc.
Baking:Foxtail millet flour can be used instead of all-purpose flour for homemade cakes and breads. Foxtail upma, porridge, foxtail rice, and many other recipes can also be made using foxtail millet.
Conclusion: When consumed regularly, Foxtail millet helps manage glucose levels and provides our body with many micro-minerals. It also promotes gut health and is an excellent alternative for gluten-sensitive people.
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