These days, processed foods and polished grains are consumed a lot. However, many people are searching for healthier and more natural options. Unpolished millets are one such marvelous food that has come back. These are small grains, a part of traditional diets for several thousand years, particularly in regions like India, Africa, etc. Yet, it was in an age not so long ago that people moved to white rice, refined wheat, and polished grains that often have their benefits processed away.
What makes unpolished millets so different is the fact that they are consumed in their original form, with their outer layer intact, giving their full nutritional contents from nature. So when you eat them, you take in everything that nature has to offer. This superfood is rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, fulfilling all the parameters that make it one of the best in boosting health naturally. It has plenty of benefits that you must know about.
One of the most important health benefits of unpolished millets is their high fiber content. Because the outer layer is retained, this food is far richer in fiber than polished grains. Fiber plays a vital role in digestive health, helping prevent constipation, creating the foundation for a routine bowel movement, and cleansing the gut. It also keeps one feeling full longer, thereby preventing overindulgence, and assists with weight management. People who add fiber to their diet, like unpolished millets, find that they stay energetic and avoid unhealthy snacking during meal gaps.
Unpolished millets are low glycemic index foods that do not cause a sudden rise in blood glucose level after eating. This makes them an excellent choice for diabetic patients and those at risk of developing it. Unlike polished rice and refined wheat products that dissolve into sugar, complex carbohydrates in the millets are digested slowly, as a result providing the body with a steady supply of energy over a long duration. Using unpolished millets, therefore, helps in better control of blood sugar levels while reducing the chances of insulin resistance.
If getting in shape or simply staying fit is your goal, unpolished millets will surely help you. They are low on calories yet high on nutrition, giving you a decent quantity to eat without affecting your weight. Since millets have a high fiber content and are slow to digest, they give a feeling of fullness for a long time, thereby reducing the craving for unhealthy snacks. With their ability to stabilize blood sugar levels, they can further complement your weight loss efforts by preventing sudden hunger pangs.
Your heart would always be grateful for unpolished millets if you consume this superfood. These grains are rich in magnesium, potassium, and other important minerals that help a lot in keeping your heart fit. Magnesium helps maintain normal blood pressure; potassium helps counter the effects of sodium in the body. The fiber content of millets also helps to reduce bad cholesterol while increasing good cholesterol. With this, you can keep off heart diseases, strokes, and other similar issues.
Unpolished millets, including finger millet (ragi), are especially rich in calcium, which is very important for strong bones and teeth. In fact, ragi is one of the best non-dairy sources for calcium. Growing children, elderly people, etc. all benefit from such foods, thereby preventing conditions such as osteoporosis and bone fractures. Consumption of unpolished millets will go a long way in helping maintain strong and healthy bones.
With poor food choices being prime reasons for many health problems these days, switching to wholesome foods-such as unpolished millets-can make a huge difference. Unpolished millets have unmatchable health benefits that, to a certain extent, hold the key to a healthier and happier life.