Bajra - The Wonder Millet

Bajra or Pearl Millet is commonly used all over India since times immemorial. Infact, in some north Indian villages (especially those of Rajasthan and Gujarat), it is the staple diet. It is often referred to as “poor man’s cereal”. Being adaptable to dry weather and low soil fertility, it is vastly cultivated and consumed in Rajasthan, especially during the winter season.

The cereal, in addition to being cheap and easily cultivated, is nutritionally also very rich. 100 gm of the cereal provides 361 Kcals, 11.6 gm protein, 5.0 gm fat and 67.5 gm carbohydrates with an iron content of 8.0 mg/ 100 gm.

   

                                                            

The cereal had taken a back seat in the past few decades because of it being the staple of poor farmers and workers. But it has now recently gained importance again among the professionals because of its power packed nutritional composition.

Following are the health benefits of Bajra:

• Being a cereal, its an excellent source of starch which makes it energy rich.
• Of all the edible part of cereals that are available to us, bajra is one of the cereal containing highest amount of protein. Also the amino acid composition of bajra protein is such that the proteins are more readily digestible than the protein of wheat.
• These millets are a rich source of phosphorus which is essential component of the cell membrane as well as plays an important role in the production of energy (ATP) and formation of nucleic acids.
• Pearl millets are rich in various nutrients like methionine, B complex vitamins namely, niacin, thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid which not only make up for the daily requirements   but vitamins like niacin helps in reducing cholesterol;
• Its a rich source of minerals like potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc. These minerals are heart friendly; potassium and magnesium help in controlling blood pressure.
• Bajra is also said to be useful for post menopausal women with regards to provide protection against breast cancer.
• Pearl millet is rich in insoluble fibers which increase intestinal motility and also reduce the secretion of bile acids and thus are helpful in preventing gall stones. They are also known to reduce triglyceride levels.
• Being rich in both soluble and insoluble fibers, it is excellent for diabetics and provides good glycemic control. High fiber content also helps in lipid control.
• Presence of lignin and newly found flavanoid tricin is said to anti-carcinogenic, anti-leukemic, anti-oxidant and estrogenic and thus may be helpful in the prevention of cancer.  

Looking into all these benefits of bajra, this winters gain the benefits of this super food. Next in continuation with this, would be the two popular recipes of bajra. So keep reading and wait for the two delicacies!!!!!!