Bajra or Pearl millet is one of the most popular varieties of millet in India. Pearl millets are native to India and West Africa. In the past few years, bajra has regained immense popularity because of its impressive nutritional profile and affordability. People from various parts of the world are looking for interesting ways to include bajra or Pearl millets in their diet.
Famous nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar says that bajra or pearl millets are high in fiber, amino acids and great sources of various essential nutrients like magnesium and calcium. She states Bajra is a great winter food, and we must include this in our diet during winter to get all the amazing benefits it offers for our health.
Pearl millet is an iron-rich grain and helps a lot in improving heart health. It reduces bad cholesterol levels and offers various other significant health benefits, too.
What are some impressive health benefits of Pearl millets or bajra? Read on to know more.
Bajara helps in preventing and treating iron deficiency anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is one of the common problems in developing countries like India. As per 2019 studies, 68.4% of youngsters and 66.4% of all women suffer from iron deficiency anemia.
Bajra or Pearl millet is a rich source of iron. Pearl millets nutritional profile tells us that 100 gm of Pearl millets provides 11 mg of iron. And it fulfills 60 percent of the daily requirements of iron per 100 grams. Thus, including Pearl millet in your diet is a great way to treat or prevent iron deficiency anemia.
Pearl millets are great for heart health
Pearl millets contain good amounts of potassium and magnesium. Both these nutrients play an important role in lowering blood pressure. Therefore, reduce the risk of heart attack or other cardiovascular diseases with regular consumption of bajra. Potassium has incredible vasodilator properties. They help in dilating blood vessels and maintain good blood circulation. That is another significant benefit that pearl millet offers for heart health.
Pearl millet helps in reducing bad cholesterol level
As a next health benefit, pearl millets help in reducing bad cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of clogging arteries due to increased cholesterol levels. This mechanism reduces the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Other health benefits of Pearl millets
Good for managing diabetics
Pearl millets have a lower glycemic index and are absorbed slowly. They help to prevent sugar spikes, making them a great grain option for diabetic patients.
Help in weight loss
Pearl millets are high in fiber. They keep you full for longer periods and help in managing calorie intake. In this way, they help in maintaining an ideal weight and work great for the weight loss process, too.
Great for people with gluten allergies
Being gluten-free, pearl millets are a great grain for those who have gluten allergies or are suffering from celiac disease.
Boosts energy
Pearl millets contain various essential nutrients like magnesium, iron, calcium and zinc. These essential nutrients provide good nutrition to our body and boost energy.
A great option for lactating mothers and infants
Pearl millets help in increasing milk secretion in lactating mothers. They are great cereal options for infants, too. You can make amazing recipes like millet porridge for introducing pearl millets into your infant’s diet.
Pearl millet is a great protein source for vegetarians
If you are a vegan or vegetarian and looking for ways to boost your daily protein requirements with a plant-based source, then Pearl millet can be a great option for you. 100 gm of Pearl millet contains 11.6 gm of protein and performs various essential functions (muscular repair, etc.)
For better results, include a bean or lentil-based curry or other dish with pearl millets. This combination is the perfect option to have a high-protein meal.
Great for digestive health and reduces the occurrence of acidity and stomach ulcers
Pearl millet is one of those foods that have alkaline food properties. Being high in fiber, they prevent constipation. Alkaline food properties reduce the risk of gastric ulcers and acidity.
Word of caution
Pearl millet is not a great food or choice if you are suffering from thyroid dysfunction. Pearl millet has goitrogenic properties. Excessive consumption of pearl millets can worsen existing thyroid conditions. Thus, first take a medical consultation, if you have thyroid disorders and want to include pearl millets or any other millets in your diet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, including pearl millets in our diet is a great way to boost the nutrition quotient of our daily meals. If you want to buy some amazing pearl millet products, or want some no-cook options for pearl millet based breakfast, then we recommend you check our pearl millet product like Bajra flakes for including pearl millets in your routine diet. We never compromise on quality and always offer the best quality products at an affordable price for our customers.
