Cereals & Grains

Barley

Health benefits of barley:

Can help with weight loss;

Helps control blood sugar levels and improve insulin response, reducing risk of type 2 diabetes;

Helps reduce blood pressure;

Improves lipid profile and reduces cholesterol, which reduces risk of cardiovascular disease;

Helps reduce inflammation due to levels of antioxidants and phytochemicals;

Contains moderate protein content (10 percent) and contains a protein complex which forms gluten (although a smaller amount than wheat);

High in soluble fibre, specifically beta-glucan, which is beneficial for gut health;

Has a low glycaemic index (GI) to assist blood glucose control;

High in potassium and low in sodium and fat.

Kambu/Bajra/Pearl Millet

Bajra is rich in magnesium, which helps keep the heart healthy. It has potassium, which dilates blood vessels, allowing blood to flow more easily. This helps reduce overall blood pressure. Bajra also has fibre that helps reduce LDL, or bad, cholestrol.

Cholam/Jowar Sorghum

Sorghum is a powerhouse in terms of nutrients and helps prevent cancer, control diabetes, improve digestive health, build strong bones ... While the name may sound odd, sorghum has many health benefits

Kollu Horsegram 

Kollu is rich in anti-oxidants and aids in weight loss as it is low in fat and high in protein. It has the ability to reduce cholesterol. Kollu also cures kidney or gall bladder stones.

Kuthiraivali/Jhangora 500 

Increases the strength of muscles due to its higher protein content.

Regulates the glucose levels in blood due to its high glycemic index.

Helps to fight against anemia as it has high iron content.

Helps in controlling bowl movement due to its higher fiber content.

Improves the strength of bones due to its higher calcium content.

Is very low in fat and calories than regular rice and thus helps to in weight loss.

Provides a nice does of phosphorus to the body that helps in building strong bones.

Ragi is also a rich source of fiber and helps lower cholesterol level. - Ragi is best food for weight control, diabetes and a cooling the body. - Some ragi recipes you can try include — dosa, vermicili, kanji, malt, ragi balls, roti. With its cost-effectiveness, ragi is definitely a health food.

Health Benefits of Samai: 

1. Among cereals, Samai has been found to have the highest amount of fiber. Its crude fiber content is nearly twice that of other cereals. 

2. Samai is rich in phenolic compounds that show antioxidant activity.

3. This millet is an excellent source of Iron. One serving (30 g) can provide 16% of the daily iron needs for an adult man.

4. Like other millets, Samai is also gluten free. It makes up for the lack of wholegrain fiber in Celiac (gluten free) diets.5. Samai has a low to medium glycaemic index thus is diabetic friendly.

6. It is a rich source of the essential amino acids Histidine, Methionine and Phenylalanine.

Samai Recipes

Tinai - Kangini - Foxtail Millet 

Foxtail millet is rich in dietary fibre, protein, healthy micros (vitamin and minerals) and low in fat. Studies show that people who consume foxtail millet in their diet have a lower probability of suffering from diabetes.

Health Benefits of Kodo millet

Anti-diabetic. Kodo millet intake is found to reduce fasting blood glucose level and promotes significant increase in serum insulin level. ...

Antioxidant and anti-microbial activity. ...

Anti-obesity. ...

Anti-cholesterol and anti-hypertension. ...

Helps in weight management. ...

Cholesterol reduction.