Pearl millet is known by the scientific name of Pennisetum glaucum. It is the most commonly grown millet in the Indian subcontinent and in West Africa. It is also known by the name of “Bajra” in India. Indian subcontinent is also coincidentally the largest producer of Pearl millet. Pearl millet requires surprisingly low amounts of water to grow. This millet is completely gluten free.
Health Benefits of Pearl Millet
Beneficial in treating stomach ulcers :
Pearl millet is recommended for curing stomach ulcers. The most common cause for stomach ulcers is excess acidity in the stomach after food intake. Pearl millet is one of the very few foods that turns the stomach alkaline and prevents formation of stomach ulcers or reduces the effect of ulcers.
Beneficial for Heart health :
The lignin and phytonutrients in millet act as strong antioxidants thus preventing heart related diseases. This is why, pearl millet is considered good for heart health. High amounts of magnesium present in pearl millet have been shown to control blood pressure and relieve heart stress.
Helps in bone growth development and repair :
Pearl millet has a large amount of phosphorus. Phosphorus is very essential for bone growth and development as well as for development of ATP which is the energy currency of our body.
Reduces cancer risk :
All millets are known to reduce the risk of cancer occurrence and pearl millet is no exception. Though scientists are not sure how this is, they believe it has something to do with the high amount of magnesium and the compound phytate.
Reduces Cholesterol :
It is common knowledge that Pearl Millet is suggested for people suffering from high cholesterol levels. Pearl millet contains a type of phyto chemical called phytic acid which is believed to increase cholesterol metabolism and stabilise the levels of cholesterol in the body.
Beneficial for diabetes :
Pearl millet is very effective for controlling diabetes. Because of its high fibre content, it digests slowly and releases glucose into the blood at a slower rate as compared to other foods. This effectively helps in maintaining the blood sugar level constant in diabetes patients for a long period of time.
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