Benefits of Millets for Child’s Growth
What Are Millets?
Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses grown as cereal crops/ grains. Each millet is nutritionally superior to rice and wheat in terms of proteins, minerals, and vitamins.
Some Common Millets Used in India for Children
- Pearl millet – Bajara
- Finger millet – Nachani
- Foxtail millet – Kangni
- Koda millet – koden
- Little millet – bhagar
- Branyard millet – Jhangora
- Shorgum – Jowar
Millets are rich in Vitamin B complex, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc, also gluten-free, and have low GI (Glycemic index) thus millets are suitable for kids allergic/ intolerant to wheat.
Even though various varieties of millet have slightly distinct appearances, they all have the same health benefits. Lets take a look at various health benefits of millets.
Benefits of Millets in Children
1. Millets are high in protein
The protein is not lost due to cooking, which happens in quinoa. Hence millets are helpful for muscle growth and development.
2. Millet has smart carbohydrates with lots of fibre and low simple sugars
Because of this it has a relatively low glycaemic index and has been shown to produce lower blood sugar levels than wheat or rice. This prevents the risk of obesity in children.
3. Rich in Fibre
Millets are rich in fibre and hydrates the colon, which prevents constipation in children.
4. Millets has prebiotics
Millet is rich in prebiotics which helps to keeps the gut healthy.
5. Millets are rich in Magnesium
Millets are also rich in magnesium which is necessary for proper neuromuscular function. It also helps in normal contraction of muscles. It is required for the formation of bones and teeth.
6. Millets has Niacin
Niacin (vitamin B3) in millet helps to lower cholesterol which would reduce the risk of heart diseases in future and is co-enzyme for oxidative reaction.
7. High antioxidants
All millet varieties show high antioxidant activity.
8. Millets are gluten free
Millet is gluten-free and non-allergenic, hence can be used in celiac disease/ gluten insensitivity.
9. Millets are alkaline in nature
Millets are alkaline and easily digestible for infants and toddlers.
