Types of Millets: Benefits, Nutritional Value

With the growing global trend towards healthier diets and sustainable food choice, one superfood that has gained popularity are Millets. Many of you may wonder what millets are and how they are used. Millets are a common food staple in Asia and Africa. As per the current studies, the developing countries have 97% of millet production. Types of Millets: Millets are small seeded grasses that are primarily produced as grains or cereal crops. Millets are ancient grains that are highly productive due to their resilience to high temperature and short growing seasons. Millets have different varieties like pearl, proso, sorghum, foxtail and many more. 

Types of Millets

In India, the 8 varieties of millet are produced which are Sorghum, Finger, Pearl, Foxtail, Proso, Kodo, Little, Barnyard millet. Let’s see distribution of Millets in Indian states:

Type of Millet	Producing State
Pearl Millet, Sorghum	Rajasthan, Gujarat
Sorghum	Telangana, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh
Finger Millet	Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Minor Crop in Telangana

Regional Names of Millets In India

English	Finger Millet	Proso Millet	Sorghum	Little Millet	Foxtail Millet	Kodo Millet	Pearl Millet
Sanskrit	Nandimukhi, Madhuli	Chińa	–	–	Kanguni	Kodara	–
Hindi	Mandua	Barre	Jowar	Kutki	Kangni, Kakum	Kodon	Bajra
Kannada	Ragi	Baragu	Jola	Same	Navane	Harka	Sajjai
Telugu	Ragulu	VariguluVargalu	Jonna	Samalu	Korra, Korralu	Arikelu, Arika	Sajjalu
Tamil	Kelvaragu	Panivaragu	Cholam	Samai	Tenai	Varagu	Kamboo
Malayalam	Moothari	Panivaragu	Cholam	Chama	Thina	Varagu	Kamboo
Gujarati	Nagli, Bavto	Cheno	Juar	Gajro, Kuri	Kang	Kodra	Bajri
Marathi	Nachni	Vari	Jcwari	Sava	Kang, Rala	Kodra	Bajri
Punjabi	Mandhuka, Mandhal	Cheena	–	Swank	Kangni	Kodra	Bajra
Bengali	Mandua	Cheena	Juar	Kangani	Kaon	Kodo	Bajra

Sorghum Health Benefits

• Sorghum is naturally gluten free which means it’s a safe grain for those who experienced celiac disease.
• Its high fiber content helps in obesity prevention. 
• Sorghum has a low glycemic index and this helps in lower blood sugar. 
• Sorghum regular consumption will lower the risk of Cardiovascular Diseases.
• Certain compounds like anti-carcinogenic compounds can lower the risk of oesophageal cancer. 
• Antioxidants in sorghum combat oxidative stress. 

Pearl Millet Benefits 

• Pearl Millet has alkaline properties that soothe acidity and helps to heal stomach ulcers.
• It’s recommended for Heart health due to high magnesium content.
• High levels of phosphorus present in pearl millet can help in bone growth and repair. 
• Helps in weight loss.
• Effective for people having Diabetes.
• It’s gluten free which means it’s a safe grain for those who experienced celiac disease.
• Helps in lowering Cholesterol levels.
• Pearl Millets includes Amino acids. 

Finger Millet Health Benefits 

• Helps in controlling Diabetes.
• Good to lower Blood Cholesterol.
• Consumption of Finger Millet in Anaemia is recommended as it has iron. 
• Best used for migraines, insomnia, depression or anxiety.
• Consume it for protein and amino acids.

Small Millets Health Benefits 

• Lowers Blood sugar
• Lower cholesterol
• Good for those who have Gastric problems.
• Lowers risk of Heart Attack 
• Helps in Body Tissue Development 
• Helps in Energy Metabolism. 
• High Antioxidants

Millets Nutritional Value 

Nutrient	Pearl Millet	Foxtail Millet	Barnyard Millet	Proso Millet	Kodo Millet	Finger Millet	Brown Top	Little Millet
Protein (g)	11.6	12.3	6.2	12.5	8.3	7.3	8.89	7.7
Fiber (g)	1.3	8	10.1	2.5	9.3	3.6	7.3	7.6
Calcium (mg)	42	31	20	14	27	344	28	17
Iron (mg)	2.8	1.1	15	3.8	0.6	3.9	7.72	9.3
Zinc (mg)	1.7	1.1	0.4	1.7	1.2	2.8	2.5	1.2
Phosphorous (mg)	285	258	293	277	189	283	276	189
Thiamine (mg)	0.27	0.59	0.33	0.41	0.15	0.42	–	0.15
Niacin (mg)	0.89	3.2	4.2	4.6	2.1	1.1	–	2.1
Riboflavin (mg)	0.15	0.11	0.11	0.28	0.09	0.19	–	0.09
Fiber (g/100g)	8	8	6	3	9	15	9	7

FAQ Related To Types of Millets

• Are millets Gluten free?
• Yes, Sorghum and Pearl millets are gluten free.
• Are millets healthy?
• Yes, Millets are healthy as they are rich in fiber, proteins, antioxidants, iron and more.
• Do Millets help in weight loss?
• Yes, Millets help to lose weight.
• How much time does Millets take to grow?
• Millets usually take between 65 to 80 days.