What can be the benefit of foxtail millets in the body?

Here is a brief introduction to foxtail millet?

Millets are a must-have for millennials!!

Millets have been a staple diet of humans for over 8000 years, until modern cuisines swept the world of gastronomy, forcing us to devour all that is refined and described as pleasant food.

But, Ladies and Gentlemen, let us give another round of applause to these millets. Millets have made a comeback, to be sure!

Foxtail millet is little seeds, around 2mm in diameter, with a thin, crispy hull and a light yellowish-brown color. It thrives in semi-arid climates.

Benefits of foxtail millets to our body– what is it?

Manages Diabetes

• Foxtail millet is an excellent rice substitute since it keeps you fuller for longer.

• To avoid mid-day hunger pangs and a fast surge in sugar levels, eat cooked foxtail millet instead of rice.

• Because it has a low glycaemic index (50.8), it is an excellent choice for lowering blood sugar levels and glycosylated hemoglobin.

 Triggers Weight loss

• Foxtail millet has a lot of Tryptophan, which helps you reduce hunger pangs.

• So, if you’re struggling with excess stomach fat, now is the time to up your consumption of foxtail millet, which prevents fat accumulation in the body.

Stronger bones

• Foxtail millets are high in iron and calcium, which help to keep bones and muscles healthy.

• It aids in the prevention of brittle bones, inflammation, osteoporosis, arthritis, and spondylitis by meeting the body’s calcium and phosphorus requirements.

Strengthens nervous system

• Vitamin B1 is abundant in foxtail millet, which helps to prevent a variety of neurological illnesses!

• This nutrient-dense cereal is also high in iron, which aids in the prevention of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, as well as improving brain oxygenation.

Boosts Cardiac health

• Foxtail millet is gluten-free, high in protein, and low in carbohydrates, and it aids in the synthesis of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which helps muscles and nerves communicate.

• Consume it on a daily basis to protect your heart from a variety of diseases.

Helps improve Immunity

• Foxtail millet is a nutritional powerhouse that boosts energy, makes you stronger, and boosts immunity to help you fight off diseases.

• Include this power millet in your daily diet to aid in the fight against illnesses and regain vigor!

HOW TO COOK FOXTAIL MILLET?

There are a few ways to get the most out of cooking foxtail millet seed-

Soak before using

• Soak the millet for at least 6 hours in 3-4 times the quantity of water, swishing or swirling the bowl with your fingers before filtering until the water runs clear.
• Soaking the millet overnight guarantees that the phytic acid, which inhibits nutrient absorption, is broken down.

If not soaking, toast

• While some cooks prefer to wash their millet before cooking, some do not, in which case you can toast the millet in a sauté pan before cooking to add a mild nuttiness to the flavor profile.

Add more liquid to change the texture

• You can also prepare foxtail millet with a lighter, looser texture similar to couscous or make it into a porridge. Use a 2:1 ratio of water to millet.

 Pressure Cook

• Soak Foxtail millet in water for a few minutes before pressure cooking for a few whistles. The millets should be gritty once cooked. For a fluffy texture, use a 2:1 ratio of water to millet, and a 3:1 ratio for a softer consistency.  The boiled millet can be served with Dal, curry, or chutney/pickle. U can add boiled millet with vegetable stir-fry.

FOXTAIL MILLET- LEMON RICE

Millet rice with onions and carrots sautéed with ginger, turmeric, green chilies, and other spices for a healthful meal. This nutritious rice provides nutrition and fibre to the diet, making it ideal for a kid’s lunchbox.

• 1 cup Foxtail millet (Pressure cooked for 3 whistles with 2 cups of water)
• 1 tsp White Udad dal
• 1 tsp Mustard (Rai)
• 1/8th cup Raw Peanuts
• 1/4th cup chopped Carrots
• 1-inch ginger
• 1 Sprig of curry leaves
• 2 finely chopped green chilies
• 1 Lemon
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• Coriander leaves
• Turmeric and salt according to taste and color.

Recipe-

1. Heat oil, add mustard seeds, Udad dal, and peanuts
2. Add the curry leaves, ginger, green chilies, turmeric powder
3. Add carrots and sauté till the carrots soften.
4. Add the pressure-cooked foxtail millets, and salt and give it a good stir. Turn the flame to low, cover the pan and allow the millet to absorb the aroma of the spices added.
5. Lastly, squeeze the lemon juice and add coriander leaves
6. Serve and consume Hot.

The healthy Takeaway

Like the other millets, foxtail millet is a nutritional powerhouse. In our fast-paced world of rising pollution and chemically treated veggies, it is past time for us to make dietary modifications to improve our immunity to communicable and non-communicable diseases.

Encourage your seasonal grains to inherit immunity by growing them locally. As a result, foxtail millet is a local grain that should not be overlooked.