The International Year of Millets 2023 has been successful in creating and spreading awareness about the ancient Millets. This article is dedicated to the best millet types in India with their unique characteristics and nutritional benefits. India’s tropical climate, sizzling hot temperatures in summers, monsoon rains, the dry spells are all ideal for the cultivation of Millets in India. Hence it is one of the oldest and ancient foods widely grown in India due to its tolerance to sustain the harsh and tropical climate.
These mighty Millets are known to thrive in regions with water scarcity amidst the scorching heat. Due to their adaptable nature, Millets have been a staple in Indian agriculture for centuries. From the dry landscapes of Rajasthan to the hilly terrains of the Deccan Plateau, Millets thrive in such harsh and difficult conditions in which other crops would simply collapse. Thus, Millets are a significant part of India’s food security. India is one of the largest producers and consumers of millet worldwide.
In addition to the resilience that these Millet crops portray; they are also highly nutritious and beneficial in various health concerns. Given the alarming need to switch to sustainable agriculture, with minimum inputs, these nutrient-dense superfoods are now gaining much-deserved attention and are being incorporated into the daily diet.
Let’s discuss about top 10 millet types in India:
1.) Sorghum Millet or Jowar: Sorghum Millet is widely popular due to its gluten-free characteristics. It is wholesome and is packed with protein, iron, fiber, and antioxidants.
Health Benefits: Sorghum aids in improving digestion, maintains cholesterol levels, promotes heart health, and strengthens bone functioning. It is also known for its potent cancer-fighting properties due to the presence of 3- deoxyanthocyanidins, a type of antioxidant. It is highly beneficial to gluten-intolerant people.
Ideal Season: The best season to consume Sorgham is during summer, due to its cooling effect on the body, making it a perfect alternative to wheat.
Grown in: The Sorghum Millet is widely grown in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh.
2.) Finger Millet or Ragi: Finger Millet or Ragi is a great source of Calcium among the grains. It is excellent for maintaining Bone Health, especially for children, pregnant women, and elderly people. It is loaded with dietary fiber, iron, and antioxidants.
Health Benefits: It helps in managing Diabetes, and Anaemia, reducing Cholesterol, effective for Osteoporosis prevention. Ragi is also known to combat Anxiety, Insomnia, and Depression due to its high tryptophan content.
Ideal Season: It is ideal to consume Ragi in the Winter season as its warming properties help to keep the body warm in cold months.
Grown in: Ragi or Finger Millet is grown in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, and parts of Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra.
3.) Pearl Millet or Bajra: Bajra or Pearl Millet is one of the most popular millets in India. Pearl Millet is enriched with essential nutrients like magnesium, protein, fiber, and iron.
Health Benefits: It is an ideal and healthy food alternative for people looking to lose weight. Bajra supports the digestive system, promotes heart health, and maintains cholesterol levels.
Ideal Season: It is ideal to consume Ragi in the Winter season as its warming properties help to keep the body warm in cold months.
Grown: Pearl Millet or Bajra is grown typically in Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and parts of Maharashtra.
4.) Foxtail Millet or Kangni: Foxtail millet is known for its high dietary fiber content, protein, magnesium, healthy fats, and low glycemic index.
Health Benefits: Consuming Foxtail Millet is highly beneficial for lowering cholesterol levels, managing blood sugar levels, and promoting digestive health. The magnesium present in Foxtail Millet supports the nervous system and reduces inflammation in the body.
Ideal Season: It is ideally consumed in the summer season and has cooling properties that help soothe the digestive fire.
Grown: Foxtail Millet or Kangni is grown in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, it also flourishes in semi-arid regions.
5.) Kodo Millet or Kodra: Kodo Millet is enriched with a lot of antioxidants like polyphenols, dietary fibers, and phosphorus.
Health Benefits: It is beneficial in maintaining heart health, maintaining blood sugar levels, promoting digestion, and also aiding in weight management. The presence of phosphorus ensures support for bone health.
Ideal Season: It is ideally consumed in the summer season, due to its naturally cooling properties and light nature.
Grown: It is mostly grown in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
6.) Little Millet or Kutki: Little Millet or Kutki is a great source of B vitamins, potassium, iron, and dietary fiber. It is an ideal choice of millet for someone looking to lose weight.
Health Benefits: It aids in weight management, maintains cholesterol levels, supports the digestive system, promotes heart health, and is also a major source of energy. These small tiny grains are easy to cook and digest especially useful for people with gut issues.
Ideal Season: It is suitable for year-round consumption but most importantly you must consume it in the monsoon, as it is light, and easy to digest when the digestive system is weaker.
Grown: It is mostly grown in the dry regions of Central India and Southern states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
7.) Amaranth or Rajgira: Amaranth or Rajgira is a great source of protein, calcium, iron, and essential vitamins that are required for overall functioning.
Health Benefits: It consists of bioactive peptides that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help in reducing inflammation and promoting overall health. It helps strengthen the bones, repair muscles, boost the immune system, improve digestion, and reduce inflammation.
Ideal Season: It is ideal to consume Rajgira in the Winter season as its warming properties help to keep the body warm in cold months.
Grown: It is mostly grown in the Himalayan regions, Gujarat, and parts of South India.
8.) Barnyard Millet or Sanwa: Barnyard Millet is gluten-free and consists of fewer calories. It is loaded with protein, calcium, and iron and has a low glycemic index.
Health Benefits: It is excellent for weight loss, helps manage anemia, strengthens and improves bone health, and promotes muscle repair. Due to its low glycemic index, it is ideal for consumption by diabetic people as it also helps regulate blood sugar levels.
Ideal Season: It is ideal to consume during the monsoon and winter season. It supports a balanced digestive system in colder months when the digestive system is weak.
Grown: It is mostly grown in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, and the North-East.
9.) Proso Millet or Chena: Proso Millet is a great source of protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
Health Benefits: It aids in promoting heart health, supports bone health, and reduces cholesterol levels. It also helps in reducing inflammation, improves digestive health, and boosts the immune system.
Ideal Season: It is mostly recommended to consume in winter due to its warming properties.
Grown: It is mostly grown in parts of Southern India and the Deccan Plateau.
10.) Brown Top Millet: Brown Top Millet is enriched with protein, fiber, and minerals.
Health Benefits: It aids in weight management, maintains cholesterol levels, supports the digestive system, and promotes heart health. It is especially beneficial for metabolic disorders and helps improve metabolism.
Ideal Season: It is recommended to be consumed in summer due to its light, cooling effect on the body.
Grown: It is mostly grown in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh.
Here’s how you can include Millets in your daily diet:
Millets, with their high nutritional value and adaptability to India’s tropical climate, are ideal grains for promoting health and sustainable agriculture. From managing chronic diseases like diabetes and heart issues to aiding digestion and improving bone health, millet can be an integral part of a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Each millet offers unique health benefits and is best consumed during specific seasons to maximize its effects on the body. Incorporating these grains into your daily diet can help you achieve better health and well-being in the long run.
