Little Millet Description
Millet is an annual herbaceous plant and a vital food in many parts of the world. There are different kinds of millet, which all have similar health benefits. Little Millet (Scientific name- Panicum sumatrense), one of the smallest millets, is commonly called Kutki/Moraiyo/Shavan in Hindi. It is also known as Sava in Marathi, Gajro in Gujarati, Saame in Kannada, Samai in Tamil, and Samalu in Telugu. Also, it is a traditional crop which is grown across India and is suitable for all age groups. It is a relative of Proso Millet but the seeds of little millets are smaller when compared to the Proso Millet.
Little Millet is among the most beneficial millets in terms of health and nutrition. It contains Protein (9.3 grams), Carbohydrates (67 grams), Fat (4.7 grams), Fiber (7.6 grams), Calcium (17 mg), Phosphorous (220 mg), Iron (9.3 grams) and Energy (329 Kcal). It is highly nutritious and we can consume it as rice. All the dishes that require staple rice can be prepared using Little Millet as it has the small seed and can be cooked faster than other similar grains.
When we compare it to rice, little millet is highly nutritious, non-glutinous and alkaline food. It is high in minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorous and potassium. It is a smart carbohydrate with lots of fiber and low simple sugars and hence falls in the category of ‘super-food’. Little millet is a very good source of protein for vegetarians. Further, it has a low-glycemic index which makes it a must include in diet for diabetic people. It has high fat contents comprising mainly of healthy polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
Health Benefits of Little Millet
Among cereals, Little Millet or Samai has the highest amount of fiber. Its crude fiber content is nearly twice that of other cereals and is rich in phenolic compounds that show antioxidant property. It reduces the high blood pressure and lowers the bad cholesterol level. Along with this, it aids in treating respiratory conditions like Asthma. Thus, here we present some of the amazing health benefits of Little Millet:
Good Antioxidant
Being a good antioxidant, little millet promotes health by reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and helps in getting rid of cataract as well.
Fiber Rich Nutrient
Little Millet is a very good source of fiber and helps in solving inflammation and gastrointestinal problems, provides relief from acidity and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal ulcers and cancer.
Controls Blood Sugar Level
Little Millet is a low-glycemic index food which is a good source of slow digesting carbohydrates and dietary fibers that help in controlling the blood sugar level.
Rich in Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) present in Little Millet helps in lowering the cholesterol. Vitamin B3 is also responsible for keeping skin, organs and muscles healthy.
Regulates Metabolism
Little Millet is rich in phosphorous which helps in regulating metabolism, body tissue repair and energy production.
Maintains Heart Health
Being a rich source of Magnesium, Little Millet helps in maintaining optimal cardiac activity and thus keeps the heart healthy and fit.
Boosts Immunity
It is a rich source of Protein which helps in boosting the immunity as our immunity builds on the amount of our protein intake. Thus, by improving our immunity, it makes us less disease-prone.
Healthy Recipes of Little Millet
Kutki or Gajro or Samai is the most common millet in the Indian Households consume, and so, here we present the 5 Most Loved Recipes of Little millet:
Little Millet Dosa
We cook it by using little millet, urad dal, methi seeds and poha. First we ferment the batter and then cook dosas with normal procedure.
Little Millet Upma
We prepare it with little millet, curry leaves, ginger, mustard seeds, jeera and green chillies.
Little Millet Lemon Rice
For this, we require little millet, onion, green chillies, lemon, peanuts, curry leaves and mustard seeds.
Little Millet Idli
We can make it with little millet and urad dal. First, we form the batter which will be same as dosa batter and then steam it in idli mould.
Little Millet Roti
We make Kutki roti by little millet dough and ghee in a similar way like a normal tawa roti.
Also, visit our online organic health store for Little Millet and read more about our Organic Products.
