Organic Millet: Types, Uses, Benefits, and More

Organic Millet: Types, Uses, Benefits, and More

Organic millet hails from the Poaceae family of cereal grains. It is also referred to as the grass family. They’re commonly eaten in developing nations throughout Asia and Africa. Although you might think it’s a seed when you first look at it, its nutritional profile is like other cereal grains.

It has emerged as one of the most popular organic grains thanks to its high fiber, antioxidant, and protein content. Plus, it’s also gluten-free, which makes it an excellent option for people with gluten intolerance like celiac disease.

Moreover, it’s a very low-maintenance grain, and people have been growing it for thousands of years. While in the past it was used to feed animals, it’s quickly becoming a consumer favorite. This blog will serve as a guide to organic millet, highlighting its types, benefits, uses, and more. Keep reading to learn more.

A pack of organic hulled millet available at SF Mart

Organic Millet: Types and Attributes

Organic millet is small and round and is thought of as an ancient grain. It offers many perks compared to other crops, such as drought resistance and pest resistance. Plus, it grows very quickly and matures a lot faster than wheat and rice. It can also endure harsh environments and poor soil. This is due to its genetic composition and physical attributes namely its small size and hard texture.

While all types of millet belong to the same grass family, they might differ depending on their color, species, and appearance. Furthermore, millet is separated into two groups: large and small millet.

Large millet

  • Pearl
  • Foxtail
  • Proso
  • Finger

Small millets

  • Kodo
  • Barnyard
  • Little
  • Guinea
  • Brown top
  • Fonio
  • Adlay

Organic Millet: Nutritional Composition

Just like any other cereal grain, millet is also starchy, which means it’s high in carbohydrates. Remarkably, it’s also packed with several minerals and vitamins. Additionally, one cup or 174 grams of millet has:

  • 207 calories
  • 41 grams of carbs
  • 2 grams of fiber
  • 6 grams of protein
  • 7 grams of fat
  • 25 percent of the Daily Value (DV) of phosphorus
  • 19 percent of the DV of magnesium
  • 8 percent of the DV of folate
  • 6 percent of the DV of iron

Furthermore, organic millet has more essential amino acids than any other cereal grain. What’s more, it also has the largest calcium content among all cereal grains, which ensures bone health, muscular and blood vessel contractions, and appropriate nerve function.

USDA Organic logo

Organic Millet: 5 Benefits

1. Organic Millet is Rich in Antioxidants

Organic millet has several phenolic compounds, particularly catechins and ferulic acid. These serve as antioxidants that defend the body against harmful oxidative stress.

Although all varieties of organic millet possess antioxidants, the ones that are darker in color, like finger, foxtail, and proso millet, have a higher antioxidant content compared to their yellow and white counterparts.

2. Organic Millet May Help Regulate Blood Sugar Levels

Organic millet has a high content of non-starchy polysaccharides and fiber, both of which are indigestible carbs that aid in controlling blood sugar levels. This type of cereal grain also has a low glycemic index (GI), which means it’s not that likely to spike your blood sugar levels. Therefore, it’s fair to say that organic millet is the ideal grain for people with diabetes.

3. Organic Millet May Help Reduce Cholesterol Levels

Organic millet has soluble fiber that produces a substance in your stomach. This substance traps fat and lowers cholesterol levels. Additionally, the protein in millet also plays a significant role in reducing cholesterol levels.

4. Organic Millet is Gluten-Free

As mentioned above, organic millet is gluten-free, which makes it safe for people with gluten intolerance. Gluten is a naturally occurring protein in grains such as barley, wheat, and rye. If you have celiac disease or sensitivity to gluten, you must avoid it at all costs. Otherwise, it may trigger dangerous side effects like nutrient malabsorption and diarrhea.

Moreover, you can’t buy any regular variety of millet from your local grocery store. If you want to make sure the millet you’re buying is gluten-free, you need to ensure it is organic and hasn’t undergone any processing, and is free from any harmful chemicals or artificial additives.

5. Organic Millet Can Help Manage Obesity

A diet rich in fiber and low in calories can help you manage obesity. Millet is one such food that can prove to be a game-changer. If you’re looking for whole grains to add to your diet while losing weight, millet is an excellent option.

It reduces body mass index (BMI), which helps in managing obesity. Plus, it’s an organic grain, which means it’s nutrient-dense and will leave you feeling fuller for longer.

SF Mart season food logo

Buy Organic Millet Online at SF Mart

After you’ve learned all about organic millet, including its benefits, uses, and more, you can buy it online at SF Mart.

It can be tough to find a trusted organic food store online that sells its products online, but we are the go-to choice for most customers. SF Mart is among the leading organic food stores, providing a selection of numerous organic food products to choose from, including organic millet.

We have some varieties of organic millet, such as organic glutinous millet and organic hulled millet. Our virtual organic food store boasts a comprehensive range of organic products that are USDA and CCOF Certified.

We are a one-stop solution for all varieties of organic millet. We are keen to equip you with an extensive assortment of natural and organic mixed grains so you can eat healthy and enjoy its many benefits.

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