Proso Millet

Proso millet is a unique Indian Millet that was domesticated as a crop somewhere around thousands of years ago, in China. However, now proso millet is cultivated in India too! Apart from proso, this millet is also known as broomcorn millet, common millet, and hog millet. As per Ayurveda, proso millet is also known by the name of Chinaka. It is considered a variety of kangu and possesses similar qualities.

Proso millet is popularly a healthy food because it is gluten-free and can be easily incorporated into the diets of people who are wheat intolerant. Proso millet is also rich in minerals, dietary fiber, polyphenols, vitamins, and proteins. It is a rich source of magnesium and phosphorus, which acts as a cofactor in several enzymatic reactions that are advantageous for the body. Similarly, protein content in Proso millet is comparable with that of wheat, but the share of essential amino acids is substantially higher in Proso Millet.

Proso Millet Health Benefits

• Proso millet is rich in antioxidants which help in removing free radicals from the body.
• Being high in magnesium content, eating proso millet will help regulate the blood sugar levels in the body as well as supports a healthy heart.
• Proso millet contains Phytic acid which helps increase the good cholesterol (HDL) and lowers the Bad cholesterol (LDL).
• It is also a rich source of niacin and thus helps to maintain healthy skin.
• Proso millet also contains a good amount of protein that helps you stay fit and repairs tissues in your body.

Proso Millet Uses

• You can make various breakfast recipes using proso millet such as upma, dosa, idli, and more.
• Can be cooked as khichdi or porridge
• You can also try sweet dishes using proso millet such as Pongal and Halwa.