Pearl millet or bajra is one of the common grains that Indians love to eat during the winter season as it blends well with winter foods. But, it is also consumed during extreme summers to cool down the body and protect it from heatstroke. In rural India, bajra is a staple grain and used widely in making chapatis, porridge, salad, etc. Here are some reasons why you should also start consuming bajra if you don’t already.
#1 Provides energy
Winter season feels sluggish and summers are extremely exhausting. In any season, when you feel low on energy, consume bajra foods. Generally, rural people who consume bajra and its products never run out on energy. This is because it breaks down starch slowly to make you feel fuller for a long time. Besides, the amino acids in bajra are easy-to-digest and don’t compromise with the stomach.
Also Read: Gluten-Free Pizza Recipe: How To Make Healthy Millet Pizza At Home?
#2 Great for heart health
People who are patients with cholesterol, blood pressure, hypertension or other heart ailments must have bajra daily. This superfood is high in potassium and magnesium that are great for heart health protection. Regular consumption of bajra or pearl millet regulates blood pressure and keep cholesterol levels under check. Bajra contains niacin(vitamin) and lignin(phytonutrient) that are associated with reduced risk of cardiac arrest and heart-related problems.
#3 Better digestive health
As already mentioned, bajra aids digestion and doesn’t affect the bowel movement, unlike other heavy grains. Pearl millet contains insoluble fibre that allows smooth digestion and secretion process. Consuming bara would prevent constipation as it allows faeces to transit shortly and smoothly. Besides, bajra also reduces the risk of gallstone in the stomach and control bile secretion to maintain digestive health. Foods for digestive health is a must to eat for reducing the risk of IBS.
#4 Cancer prevention
Bajra is believed to have anti-carcinogenic properties which means that it can prevent cancer. Several studies have shown that consuming bajra on a regular basis can prevent cancer. Pre-menopausal women who had bajra were found to be safe from breast cancer risk. This is possibly because of liganins present in bajra that protects against cancer.
#5 Good for diabetics
Bajra is exceptionally good for diabetics as it regulates insulin in the body. Also, it reduces the risk of getting diabetes in healthy adults by increasing insulin sensitivity. Thus, it is not only good in forestalling diabetes but also controlling the condition. You should have bajra cereal or chapati or make porridge. There are endless options for adding bajra to your diet. One must know tips to control diabetes for proper management of the health condition.
Also Read: Food’s Impact on Diabetes: These 2 Diet Concepts Are Sure To Help In Diabetes Management
Other Benefits Of Bajra
Apart from the aforesaid benefits, there are other good things about bajra that you should know. Bajra has polyphenols and flavonoids like acacetin, tricin and luteolin. All of these polyphenols are anti-tumor and anti-carcinogenic which prevent cancer cell growth. The antioxidant nature of flavonoids strengthens the immune system to prevent seasonal viruses, flu and infections. Bajra also has high omega-3 fatty acid which is probably the highest than other grains. This fatty acid is a powerhouse of health benefits that most people know about. The other nutrients in bajra are phosphorus and iron.
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