We enjoy learning new things. In the health and wellness industry, new discoveries and information are published all the time. And, sometimes, new trends can have us studying stuff we haven’t paid much attention to in the past. That’s the case with millet. While it has been around for quite a while as a healthy grain, it’s only now beginning to really gain traction. With that in mind, we wanted to focus on it, and maybe help you decide if it is something you want to try.
You have seen millet in birdseed mixes. However, for much of the world, it is a staple. When it’s made for human consumption, the inedible hull is removed. It’s nutrient-dense, rich in copper, magnesium, manganese and phosphorus. It has a corn-like flavor and is gluten-free — making it ideal for people who cannot tolerate gluten. Additionally, it takes other tastes well, not being too overpowering. So, it can be used in sweet and savory dishes. When ground, it can replace mashed potatoes or, in its whole form, enjoyed like rice. When flaked it can easily make porridge. If you are gluten-free, it is also a great stand-in for couscous.
The grain’s high nutrient content gives it a lot of health potential, with magnesium and fiber, it can be a big boon for heart health. Phosphorus can aid bone health and healing. And the fiber of the grain can help someone with blood sugar concerns avoid spikes and may help protect people from cancer. Millet can fight constipation and other gastrointestinal problems and aid metabolism. Additionally, it has been shown, in early studies, to help asthma sufferers experience fewer symptoms.
But, it should be noted that millet is hard for some folks to digest because it is hard to breakdown. This may be a problem if you have glandular or thyroid issues. If you have any concerns of that nature, you should speak to your doctor about whether millet is right for you. As it isn’t commonly eaten in America, it might not be suitable for everyone.
Millet is becoming more and more popular. Many supermarkets have it where they have other grains. (https://www.thespruceeats.com/what-is-millet-3376839) Sometimes they have it puffed in the cereal aisle. If you don’t see it there, it can easily be bought online. Try it out in your kitchen and find out if it’s going to be a mainstay in your kitchen.
