Millet is one of the healthiest foods in the world. It has been grown in Africa and Asia for thousands of years. It has many health benefits, and we show you what they are.
Millet contains high levels of niacin. This vitamin is involved in nearly 400 enzyme reactions in the body, including its important role in maintaining healthy skin. Millet is also quite rich in beta-carotene. This is an antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A in the body and plays a major role in fighting free radicals and maintaining healthy eyes.
Millet only has a low glycaemic index, which means it takes longer to digest. This helps to keep blood sugar levels stable, which is not only helpful in preventing type 2 diabetes, but is also very beneficial for people who have it, as it stabilises blood sugar levels so they don’t have to worry about fluctuations.
Millet is also very rich in dietary fibre, as it contains high levels of both soluble and insoluble fibre, which acts as a prebiotic to support the so-called good gut bacteria in the digestive tract. This type of fibre can even help prevent constipation and protect against the development of colon cancer if consumed regularly.
And the soluble fibre in millet helps to reduce bad cholesterol levels, i.e. LDL cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Soluble fibre forms a gel-like mass in the stomach and prevents cholesterol from being absorbed.
Millet also protects the arteries in another way, by increasing the levels of the good cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and reducing triglyceride levels. Together, these positive effects can be very helpful in preventing atherosclerosis.
Millet is rich in a variety of nutrients, most notably potassium, which not only supports healthy kidney and heart function, but also plays a major role in neurotransmission. What other nutrients does millet contain? Among others, beta-carotene, phosphorus, B vitamins, antioxidants, potassium, niacin, calcium and iron.
