Published: October 2017
Millets like kambu (pearl millet), solam (sorghum), ragi (finger millet), sama (little millet), thinai (foxtail millet), kuthiraivali (barnyard millet), and varagu (kodo millet) are traditional grains in our diet. These crops thrive on rainwater and the natural nutrients in the soil, making them cost-effective and health-beneficial. Unlike modern scientific agriculture, which is loaded with chemical fertilizers and pesticides, these grains grow without such harmful effects, making them safe to consume. This article explains the medicinal properties of these grains.
Our ancestors believed “food is medicine.” However, today we have reached a point where “medicine is food” due to our heavy reliance on processed foods, which is a significant cause of many diseases.
Changing dietary habits and lifestyles have led to a rise in diabetes in our country. Besides addressing such issues, millets play a crucial role in preventing nutritional deficiencies. With many women and children affected by malnutrition, the importance of millets has increased manifold.
The Decline in Millet Cultivation
A study of cultivation patterns over the past fifty years reveals a decline in millet cultivation in Tamil Nadu. Increased individual purchasing power, urbanization, and preference for rice have led to a decrease in the cultivation area of millets.
Health Benefits of Millets
Millets prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms and promote the growth of beneficial ones in the body. They regulate bowel movements, aid in the production of serotonin (which keeps us active), and magnesium in millets helps prevent asthma and migraines.
They stabilize blood pressure and prevent heart diseases. The niacin (vitamin B3) in millets reduces cholesterol accumulation. Regular consumption can prevent type 2 diabetes by maintaining blood sugar levels. They also prevent diseases caused by nutritional deficiencies in children and gallstones in women. High in fiber, millets help prevent cancer.
They aid in weight loss. The phytochemicals and acids in millets prevent diseases, and phytates in millets help prevent cancer. Millets support bone growth and overall health.
Millets can be used to make idli, dosa, roti, puttu, idiyappam, adai, upma, payasam, sweet adai, omapodi, murukku, pakoda, and vadai. These dishes are enjoyed by both children and adults.
Medicinal Properties of Specific Millets
Sorghum: Rich in protein, iron, and calcium, sorghum strengthens the body, aids in weight loss, heals mouth ulcers, and reduces bad breath. It contains low fat and should be avoided by those with hemorrhoids.
Pearl Millet: Its proteins, calcium, phosphorus, and other nutrients enhance digestion, dissolve unwanted fats, and promote milk production in mothers. Drinking pearl millet porridge in the morning can reduce body heat, especially for those who stay up late or work under stress. Rich in beta-carotene, it improves vision, strengthens the heart, promotes urine production, and increases immunity.
Finger Millet: High in protein, minerals, calcium, iron, and other nutrients, finger millet maintains body temperature and strengthens the intestines. It is particularly useful in managing diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. It supports bone growth in children and reduces bone loss and arthritis in the elderly. Its iron content helps prevent anemia.
Kodo Millet: Rich in protein, iron, and calcium, kodo millet helps address menstrual issues in women.
Little Millet: Suitable for all ages, it relieves constipation and manages stomach-related ailments. It also helps improve sperm production in men and is suitable for diabetics.
Barnyard Millet: This millet helps control diabetes and is high in fiber, starch, fat, calcium, and phosphorus. It contains six times more fiber than wheat.
Foxtail Millet: A highly nutritious grain, foxtail millet contains proteins, vitamins, and other nutrients essential for heart health and appetite stimulation.
Proso Millet: Packed with carbohydrates, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, iron, B-complex vitamins, fat, thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, and choline, proso millet strengthens the nervous system, keeps you active throughout the day, and improves skin health. It prevents aging, strengthens bones, protects the heart, controls diabetes, dissolves liver stones, and prevents their formation. It enhances immunity, speeds up wound healing, reduces body weight, alleviates menstrual problems, supports fetal brain development, reduces stress, and prevents memory loss in the elderly.
Dr. S. Sangeetha, Dr. K. Parameswari, Dr. M. Jayaramachandran, Dr. M. Balu Mahendran, Agricultural Science Center, Tindivanam, Villupuram – 604 002.
