Natively known as Kangni, Kang, and kakum, foxtail millets are miraculous or supernatural grains. These tiny seeds are available in pale yellow-brownish and have a thin, crunchy husk covering them. Foxtail millets (Setalica Italia) were first grown in China in 8700 BC. They are commonly grown in India's Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The market offers three to four foxtail varieties: Moharia, Maxima, Nana, and Indica. These are used as instant foods, ready-to-eat items, rice flour, etc., and have a sweet and nutty flavour. In addition to its culinary purposes, this crop is also beneficial to farmers and health, making it a healthier option for you and the farmers because millet requires less water to grow.
Many nutrients are found in them, so let us learn how including them in your diet will improve your health.
Benefits Of Consuming Foxtail Millet
Before we jump into the delightful recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the numerous health benefits of foxtail millet. Here are some of the advantages of including ancient grain foxtail millet in your diet:
1. Enhanced Digestion
Foxtail millet is packed with abundant dietary fibre. This ancient grain is here to save the day. By including it in your diet, you treat your taste buds and give your gut some much-needed love and care. The fibre content promotes better digestion, keeping those common gastrointestinal issues at bay.
2. Weight Management
Who said managing weight had to be a boring journey? Foxtail millet is your trusty companion on this path to wellness. The secret lies in its high-fibre content, which acts as your loyal ally in the battle against overeating. It curbs those pesky hunger pangs by keeping you feeling full for longer, making weight control a breeze. No more struggling with strict diets or feeling deprived.
3. Diabetes Management
If you or someone you know is battling diabetes, foxtail millet is a superhero in managing blood sugar levels. Its low glycemic index ensures a gradual and steady rise in blood sugar levels, making it a perfect choice for individuals with diabetes.
4. Heart Health
Foxtail millet knows the secret to a happy heart. Magnesium, one of the essential nutrients found in abundance in them, plays a significant role in heart health. How? By relaxing blood vessels as well as reducing blood pressure. With a relaxed heart, you can breathe easily, knowing you're caring for your cardiovascular health. So, add a dash of foxtail millet to your plate to show your heart some tender, loving care.
5. Bone Health
Its phosphorus content is an invaluable gift to your bones and teeth. Its presence ensures calcium performs its role effectively, creating a robust partnership for a strong skeletal system. Remember, your bones work tirelessly to support you throughout your life, and it's your turn to show them some love by embracing a diet rich in bone-boosting nutrients like foxtail millet.
6. Easy To Digest
Foxtail millets are easily digestible, making them gentle on the digestive system. Their low fibre content and unique nutritional composition contribute to their digestive benefits. For people with sensitive stomachs or those recovering from digestive issues, such as gastritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), foxtail millets can be a soothing and nourishing addition to their diet. The grains' easy digestibility can help reduce discomfort and promote better nutrient absorption in individuals with digestive challenges.
Now that you are aware of its numerous health benefits, let us move towards learning how to include it in your daily diet.
Foxtail Millet Salad With Chickpeas Recipe
Are you ready to improve your salad game with this wholesome and delightful millet salad? Let's gather the ingredients and get started!
Ingredients
Foxtail Millet - ½ Cup (Cooked)
Chickpeas - ¼ Cup (Boiled)
Cucumber - 2 tbsp (Finely chopped)
Carrot - 2 tbsp (Finely chopped)
Broccoli - 2 tbsp (Finely chopped) (optional)
Bell Pepper - 2 tbsp (Finely chopped)
Onion - ¼ Cup (Finely chopped)
Tomato - ¼ Cup (Finely chopped)
Paneer - ¼ Cup (diced) (optional)
For Dressing
Wood-Pressed Sesame Oil - 1 tbsp
Garlic - 2 Cloves (Minced)
Lemon Juice - 1 tbsp
Salt & Pepper - To Taste
Method
- Mix wood-pressed sesame oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Now, take another large bowl. Add cooked foxtail millet, boiled chickpeas and all the veggies together.
- Drizzle the dressing mix over the salad mix. Combine them well.
- Your Foxtail Millet Salad with Chickpeas is ready to serve.
- You can also top it with your favourite nuts and seeds.
Summing Up
Foxtail millet is a miraculous grain with numerous health benefits. It contains high nutrient content and requires less water for growth. This characteristic makes millet a healthier choice for both farmers and consumers. Consuming it as part of your diet can promote overall wellness and a healthier way of life. You can easily buy millets online to include this ancient grain in your meals. So, why wait? Embrace the goodness of these amazing tiny millets and experience their delightful flavours and health benefits in your journey to better health and a sustainable future.
