Along with a sedentary lifestyle, an unchecked diet is one of the major reasons for growing obesity in India. Obesity leads to enormous underlying conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, unbalanced cholesterol levels and so on. Hospitals and clinics are thronged with people looking for a cure to these underlying issues.
Maida is hugely prevalent in India these days, you can find it in various foods from bread to kachoris and from pizza to momos, it is everywhere. Other than maida, wheat is more prevalent in Indian households when it comes to preparing rotis and parathas. Maida and wheat flours have glycaemic index which can spike your blood sugar levels.
Instead of regularly consuming maida, one can switch to millet flours which have tremendous nutritional value and they even help in balancing blood sugar levels and blood pressure.
To know more about millet flours, OnlyMyHealth team interacted with Reena Poptani, Clinical Dietitian, Fortis Hospital, Mulund, Mumbai.
Benefits Of Millet Flours
- With the help of dietician Poptani, we have listed down some important benefits of millet flours.
- Millets contain vitamins and antioxidants that lower bad cholesterol and also help in boosting good cholesterol
- Millets help in balancing blood sugar levels
- Millets are low in carbohydrates and take time in digesting and it increases satiety.
- Increased satiety means less hunger pangs which helps to maintain blood sugar and weight
- Millets are rich in fibre which makes digestion easy
- Maida or wheat are devoid of fibre
- Millets are great source of vitamin D complex
- Additionally, Millets are good sources of minerals, calcium and magnesium
- Millets help in lowering blood pressure
Five Millet Flours That Help You Lower Cholesterol Levels And Blood Sugar
Let’s explore various types of millets with the help of Dietician Poptani.
1. Bajra
Bajra is one of the millets that has made a comeback according to Poptani. It was traditionally used to prepare rotis and bhakris unlike today, as we regularly use wheat. Poptani said, “Bajra is affordable and various dishes can be made out of it. Bhakri, mathri, theplas, muthiya, khichi and pizza as well.” Adding to this she said, “Bajra is rich in magnesium and calcium and it improves insulin sensitivity keeping blood sugar levels in check.”
2. Ragi
Counting the benefits of Ragi flour, Poptani said, “Ragi helps in lowering hypertension and reduces stroke. It contains amino acids which promote hair growth.” Ragi is low in fats and right in fibre and protein, both of which help promote a feeling of fullness and reduce overall calorie intake.
3. Sama millets
Sama millets are high in antioxidants that help fight the free radicals and protect the cells from damage. Sama also lowers LDL cholesterol levels. It helps in reducing the risk of heart attack or stroke. Additionally, they are high in fibre.
4. Foxtail millets
According to Poptani a study showed that foxtail millets help in lowering blood sugar levels. It also contains calcium and iron.