What Is Millet? Nutritional Importance, Types, Growing season

Introduction
Millet is a cereal grain that belongs to the poaceae family, commonly known as the grass family. Millet are traditional staple food in India. It is a collective term referring to a number of small seed annual grasses that are cultivated as grain crops, primarily on marginal lands and dry area temperature.

It is widely consumed in developing countries. Porso millet is important for bird seed in the developed countries and for food in parts of Asia.

Nutritional importance of millet

Millet has a multiple importance and advantages over other crops including drought and pest resistance it can be used for both human consumption and bird feed.

Raw millet consists of 9% water, 73% carbohydrates, 4% fat and 11% protein.

Millet’s provides more essential amino acids than other cereals . These compounds are known as the building block of protein.

One cup (174 grams) of cooked millet packs (Trusted Source):
Calories: 207
Carbs: 41 grams
Fiber 2.2 grams
Protein: 6 grams
Fat: 1.7 grams
Phosphorus: 25% of the Daily Value (DV)
Magnesium: 19% of the DV
Folate: 8% of the DV
Iron: 6% of the DV

It is a whole grain that’s packed with protein, antioxidant and nutrients it may have numerous health benefits, such as helping lower your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Plus, it’s gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people who have celiac disease or follow a gluten-free diet. Also,
Millet is rich in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The insoluble fiber in millet is known as a “prebiotic,” which means it supports good bacteria in your Is system. This type of fiber is also important for adding bulk to stools, which helps keep you regular and reduces your risk of colon cancer.

Types of millet
Given below are 10 different types of Millets that are commonly consumed across the world:

1.Sorghum Millet

2.Finger millet

3.Foxtail Millet

4.Pearl millet

5.Barnyard millet

6.Porso/Broomcorn Millet

7.Little Millet

8.Amaranth Millet

9.Buckwheat Millet

10.kodu Millet

Growing Climate/Harvesting
Generally, the Millets are grown in tropical as well as sub-tropical up to an altitude of 2,100m. It is a heat loving plant and for its germination the minimum temperature required is 8- 10°c. A mean temperature range of 26-29°c during the growth is best for proper development and good crop yield
It takes 60 days to grow millet to maturity (good seed formation).

Sowing takes place between May and September, and harvesting between September & February. The plants are tall, annuals, growing to a height of from 1.8 to 4.5 inches. Farming: Pearl millet varieties are hybrids, so new seeds should be purchased

Health benefits of millet

• Beneficial in detoxifying body.
• Lowers bad cholesterol level.
• Prevents breast cancer.
• Helps to prevent type 2 diabetes.
• Effective in reducing blood pressure.
• Helps to protect against heart disease.
• Aids in treating respiratory conditions like Asthma.
• Improves skin elasticity.
• Helps in good sleep.

Disadvantage
Millets are advised in moderate amounts because excessive consumption can lead to adverse effects as the cereals contain substances that interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Millets can cause delayed digestion due to their slow digestibility.