Millet as a good source of nutrients and fiber is a food very popular in the Nigerian diet.
Just like rice, Nigeria has quite a number of its meals built around the grain.
Nigeria is one of the developing countries that produce quite a large quantity. Dishes like fura, millet pap, millet fufu, acha, are made out of millet in Nigeria. When growing, it resembles corn on a cob.
Among the many reasons for its popularity are its high nutritional value and health benefits, such as helping to manage diabetes and support a healthy heart.
Here are some other amazing health benefits of millet.
1. Helps to keep a healthy heart and clear the arteries
Consumption of millet in large amounts helps decrease triglyceride levels in the body. It thins the blood to prevent blood platelet clumping, thereby reducing the risk of sunstroke and coronary artery disorder. It is also a great source of fiber and magnesium which help to regulate cholesterol in the body and stop them from clogging the arteries.
2. Helps in Weight Loss
Millets are high in fiber which gives a feeling of satiety quickly, hence helping to reduce overeating. The food digests at a slower rate and keeps the stomach full for a longer period of time. People who want to lose weight are advised to incorporate millets in at least one of their main meals.
3. Helps to decrease high blood pressure
As earlier said, millet contains magnesium. This helps in relaxing the muscles that line the inside of the arterial wall, which helps to reduce blood pressure.
4. Controls Diabetes
The fiber in millet means that it has a very low glycemic index that slows down the digestion process, hence keeping the blood sugar level at a constant ratio. Millets increase insulin sensitivity for people suffering from diabetes and also helps to control the sugar levels for non-diabetics especially type 2 diabetes.
5. Aids breast milk production
Pregnant and lactating women are advised to consume millet in high amounts to increase the production of breast milk in their bodies. This enables the mother to feed the child for a longer period of time.
