Food is medicine, food is medicine
Millet
Traditional food of Varagu Tamil Nadu is not only ancient but also very healthy. If the diet changes the motto ‘food is medicine, medicine is food’, we have forgotten these foods.
Cereals are one of those foods that we have forgotten. These not only give health to our body but also protect us from many diseases.
Let’s continue to know about our body’s shield of small grains and their nutrients.
What is Millets?
Millet refers to grains that are small in shape such as Sorghum, Pearl Millet, Foxtail Millet, Finger Millet, Proso Millet, Barnyard Millet, Little Millet, Browntop Millet etc.
They have high nutritional value and are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and fibers.
Kodo millet
Kodo millet, a small grain crop. It is covered with tough, wrinkled tough husks.
Its color varies from pale red to dark gray. It is a perennial grass that can grow up to 150 cm tall.
Germinates in 5-7 days after sowing. It is mainly grown in India.
It is also grown in Indonesia, West Africa, Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam.
Kodo millet is a popular dish in some parts of India. It is used as a staple food especially in South India.
Millet is better than rice. Gluten free and full of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
Kodo millet can be used in flour form in foods. Kodo millet can be mixed with other cereal and pulse flours to increase nutritional value, function and taste.
Dishes made using Kodo millet (Varagu) – varaku idli, varaku dosa, varaku chapatti, varaku opulama, varaku pongal, varaku puttu, varaku idiyappam, varaku kollukkatai,
Varaku Vada, Varaku Sweet Poli, Varaku Biscuits, Varaku Soup, Varaku Ada, Varaku Payasam, Varaku Pongal, Varaku Idiyappam, Roti, Varaku Cookie and Varaku Lattu etc.
Then it can be used to make murukku, athirasam, vadagam, pakoda etc.
Nutritional value
Rich in protein, iron and calcium. Calcium is essential for our bone health.
Rich in B vitamins which are essential for the nervous system.
100 gms contains 353 kcal, fiber 5.2 gm, protein 9.8 gm, carbohydrates 66.6 gm, fat 3.6 gm, iron 1.7 mg, vitamin B-6 0.15 mg, calcium 35 mg, vitamin B2 0.09 mg , rich in vitamin B3 2 mg.
Nutritional benefits
Low Glycemic Index – Glucose releases energy slowly, over a long period of time. This helps in sugar control.
Gluten Free – Great for people with celiac disease.
Easy to digest
Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols
Rich in fiber.
Includes vitamin B6, niacin, folic acid and minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc.
Heals external wounds. Mix a spoonful of the flour with water and apply it on the affected area of the skin to relieve pain and heal the wound.
Varacin is beneficial for postmenopausal women suffering from cardiovascular symptoms such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Keeps the colon hydrated and smooth.
Protects against constipation.
Helps control blood sugar and cholesterol.
Contains high amounts of lecithin and is great for strengthening the nervous system.
It is rich in phytate, which helps reduce the risk of cancer.
Helps to reduce body weight
Health benefits
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties:
Comes with polyphenols and antioxidant properties.
Polyphenols have antimicrobial activity.
They fight against certain bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Lugonostag mesenteroids, Bacillus cereus, and Enterococcus faecalis).
Controls Diabetes:
Helps prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar and increases insulin levels.
It also significantly lowers the level of glycated hemoglobin, stimulating the production of liver glycogen. Instant energy boost for diabetics.
Helps in weight loss: People who want to lose weight must include all types of small grains in their diet.
Baru is a great alternative to rice and wheat. Fights against metabolic syndrome.
Especially in adolescent boys and girls it helps to shed excess fat around waist, stomach and hips.
Heart Health: Cardiovascular problems are the leading cause of death worldwide.
Regular intake of Varacin not only keeps the vital organ heart healthy but also reduces bad cholesterol levels.
Controls blood pressure and fights anxiety.
Food is medicine, food is medicine
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