Benefits of Little Millets & Its Nutritional Value

Benefits of Little Millets & Its Nutritional Value

Ever feel like your meals are missing that extra something? Are you tired of the same old rice and chapati routine? We've all been there, wanting to add some excitement and maybe a little extra nutrition to our plates. Well, there's a tiny grain out there that can add a surprising boost to your diet!

Millets can be a powerful nutritional staple, offering a big boost of vitamins, minerals, and other vital nutrients often missing in vegetarian diets. What's more, our gluten-free varieties of millets are not only beneficial for adults but also for babies, making them a versatile and family-friendly addition to any meal plan.

Among the millet family, samai or little millet benefits stand out, boasting impressive health properties that cater perfectly to both grown-ups and little ones.

In this blog post, we'll discover why gluten-free little millet has been a popular food for generations and why you should try it too.

 

Table of Contents:

  1. What is Little Millet?
  2. Little Millet Nutritional Value Per 100g
  3. Health Benefits of Little Millets
  4. Little Millets Benefits for Kids
  5. Popular Little Millet Recipes and Their Benefits
  6. Conclusion
  7. FAQs

What is Little Millet?

Little millet, scientifically known as Panicum sumatrense, is a small-grained cereal crop that belongs to the millet family, Poaceae. Historically, it has been cultivated for centuries, dating back to ancient times in India and parts of Africa. Its cultivation traces can be found in various regions of Asia, including India, China, and Southeast Asia. But what exactly is little millet?

Originating in India, little millet or samalu is one of the traditional grains widely consumed in South India, particularly in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.

Little millet is also popular under different regional names, such as Kutki in Hindi, Samai in Tamil, Saame in Kannada, and Sama or Samalu in Telugu. 

Little millet or small millet is revered for its nutritional value and resilience in adverse growing conditions. Its ability to withstand drought and poor soil conditions makes it a sustainable option for farmers.

Little millet nutrients include protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Little millet is gluten-free and low in glycemic index, making it an excellent choice for individuals with gluten intolerance and those managing diabetes. 

In addition to the benefits of little millet, it is incredibly versatile in cooking. Samai can be used to prepare porridge, upma, dosa, idli, and even baked foods like cookies and bread. Samalu has a mild flavour and delicate texture that make it a delightful addition to all recipes.

Samai is a valuable grain in modern diets, offering a sustainable and wholesome alternative to conventional staples. Let’s take a look at little millet or small millet nutritional value per 100g to further understand why it’s a better choice. You can get the best quality millets for diabetes online.

Little Millet Nutritional Value Per 100g

Getting a diverse array of nutrients in your daily diet is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Each nutrient plays a unique role in supporting various bodily functions, from energy metabolism to immune system function. Consuming a variety of foods, including whole grains like samai or gluten-free little millet nutrients, can help you achieve this nutritional balance.

Here's a breakdown of the little millet nutritional value per 100g:

  • Calories: 366 kcal
  • Protein: 9.79 g
  • Carbohydrates: 71.18
  • Fat: 4.78 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.19
  • Fiber: 5.94 g
  • Sodium: 14.03 mg
  • Potassium: 238.18

Little millet benefits make it popular  as a nutrient-dense grain, offering a significant amount of protein, fiber, and essential minerals. Pair it with other nutrient-rich foods like vegetables, fruits, legumes, and lean proteins to create balanced and wholesome meals. To get the best samalu benefits, order it now on our website.

Health Benefits of Little Millets

Despite its small size, benefits of little millet are mighty. This ancient grain has been a staple in many cultures for centuries, and for good reason. The impressive nutrient profile and gluten-free little millet benefits make it a weight-loss superfood deserving of a spot in your pantry and on your plate.

Nutrient-Dense:

Don't let its size fool you; samai or little millet benefits include high protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. A single serving of gluten-free little millet nutrients provides a significant portion of your daily needs, including essential minerals crucial for maintaining energy levels & supporting bone health.

Low Glycemic Index:

Gluten-free little millet or small millet has a low glycemic index, which means samai causes a slower and steadier rise in blood sugar levels compared to high-glycemic foods. Little millet nutrition makes it an excellent choice for diabetics, giving you stable energy and preventing spikes.

Heart Health:

Improving heart health is one of the samai arisi benefits. The fiber-rich content is one of the small millet or little millet benefits that can help lower cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, and decrease the risk of heart disease.

Weight Management:

With its high fiber content and low-calorie density, little millet nutrition is perfect for weight loss while reducing overall calorie intake. So you feel satisfied while having a millet diet for weight loss.

Digestive Health:

Fiber is essential for digestive health, and little millet or samai is a fantastic source of this important nutrient. Consuming fiber-rich foods like little millet can prevent constipation and improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

Antioxidant Properties:

Little millet nutrition contains antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, which help protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

Order our 100% organic gluten-free millets today and enjoy the numerous little millet benefits for your heart health, managing weight loss, or simply enjoying a nutrient-rich diet.

Samai or little millet nutritional value per 100g is proof that it’s a smart and satisfying choice. So, why not give this gluten-free little millet a try and reap the rewards?

Little Millets Benefits for Kids

Wondering what to feed your little ones? When it comes to feeding the kids, every day is a new challenge for parents, as most kids are picky eaters and it's difficult to keep up with your nutrient needs.

If you are in a similar struggle, then samai or little millet benefits are what you need. Packed with essential nutrients and a mild flavour, little millet is perfect for introducing kids to nutritious whole grains.

Whether served as porridge, made into a bowl of khichdi, upma, or stir-fried with veggies, the unique health benefits of samai millet make it a wholesome option for their lunch box.

Is Little Millet Good for Kids?

Absolutely! Samalu or little millet benefits make it an excellent choice for kids, providing essential nutrients like protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals necessary for healthy growth and development. Its soft texture makes it appealing to kids, while its nutrient density helps give them the nourishment they need.

Can Kids Eat Millet Every Day?

Yes, kids can enjoy gluten-free little millet as part of their daily diet. The small millet or little millet benefits and easy digestibility make it a suitable grain for weight loss. However, as with any food, variety is key to ensuring a well-rounded diet.

Encourage kids to enjoy a diverse range of grains, fruits, vegetables, and proteins to meet their nutritional needs and foster healthy eating habits.

Is Little Millet Hot or Cold?

There are plenty of health benefits of samai millet. It is considered "cooling" or "neutral" in nature according to traditional Ayurvedic principles. This means that it doesn't have a heating effect on the body like some other grains might.

Little millet benefits and nutrition can be enjoyed in both warm dishes like khichdi or cold preparations like puddings.

    Popular Little Millet Recipes and Their Benefits

    Little millet or samalu is not only a grain with nutrition but also very versatile in the kitchen, lending itself to a variety of recipes. From comforting khichdi to healthy salads, there's a little millet or samai dish to suit every palate. Let's explore some popular gluten-free recipes and the little millet benefits:

    Little Millet Porridge:

      • Ingredients:
        1. 1/2 cup gluten-free little millet
        2. 2 cups water or milk
        3. Sweeteners of your choice (honey, maple syrup, cinnamon, fruits)
      • Instructions:
        1. Rinse the little millet in cold water. In a saucepan, combine the millet with water or milk.
        2. Let it simmer for about 15-20 mins until the little millet is tender, stirring occasionally.
        3. Once cooked, sweeten the porridge and add your toppings.
      • Benefits: This porridge is a quick and nutritious breakfast option to get little millet health benefits. It's rich in fiber, protein, and essential minerals like iron and calcium, making it an excellent choice for getting your nutrition. The slow-release carbohydrates in millet provide sustained energy, keeping you feeling full and satisfied throughout the morning.

     

    Little Millet Upma:

      • Ingredients:
        1. 1/2 cup little millet
        2. 1 onion,1 tomato,1 carrot, chopped
        3. 1/4 cup green peas
        4. 2 green chilies, curry leaves, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, turmeric powder, salt, and oil.
      • Instructions:
        1. To get the samai rice benefits, in a pan, heat oil and add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves.
        2. Add chopped onions, green chilies, and sauté. Add chopped vegetables, spices, and salt. Add some water and cover the lid to let the water boil.
        3. Once the water boils, add in the gluten-free little millet and let it simmer until completely cooked.
      • Benefits: Make this upma to get little millet health benefits, it’s a satisfying dish that's perfect for breakfast or as a light meal. It's full of nutrition from the millet and vegetables, keeping you feeling full longer. This is a low-calorie dish, so you can enjoy it even on a weight-loss diet.

     

    Little Millet Khichdi:

      • Ingredients:
        1. 1/2 cup little millet
        2. 1/4 cup split yellow lentils (moong dal)
        3. 1 onion, 1 tomato, chopped
        4. 1/2 teaspoon ginger-garlic paste
        5. Turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, salt, and oil
      • Instructions:
        1. Rinse the little millet & lentils together.
        2. In a pressure cooker, heat oil and add chopped onions. Add ginger-garlic paste and chopped tomatoes. Add turmeric powder, cumin powder, coriander powder, and salt. Mix well.
        3. Add the rinsed millet and lentils along with 2 cups of water.
        4. Close the pressure cooker and cook for 3-4 whistles or until the khichdi is cooked through. Serve hot with a dollop of ghee or yogurt and enjoy the samai rice benefits.
      • Benefits: Little millet health benefits can be easily experienced with this khichdi. It is a wholesome one-pot meal that's easy to digest and gentle on the stomach. The combination of millet and lentils provides a complete protein source and helps in weight loss.

     

    Little Millet Salad:

      • Ingredients:
        1. 1/2 cup cooked little millet
        2. Assorted vegetables (chopped cucumber, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, carrots, etc.)
        3. Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, mint)
        4. Lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper for dressing
      • Instructions:
        1. In a large bowl, combine cooked little millet, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs.
        2. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Toss everything together until well combined.
        3. Serve as a refreshing and nutritious salad.
      • Benefits: Little millet salad is a light and refreshing dish that's perfect for hot summer days to get the samai rice benefits. Little millet is loaded with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the colorful assortment of vegetables and herbs.

      These popular little millet recipes offer nutrition, making them a favourite among both kids and adults alike. Enjoy little millet as a fulfilling breakfast option, a comforting dinner dish, or a light salad. 

      Bottom Line

      At AsmitA Organic Farms, we believe healthy eating is key to your health and wellness. We are committed to providing an easy way to health by offering high-quality organic produce, including a variety of millets, grown with care and sustainability in mind.

      Our focus on nutrition and wholesome foods is to help you lead a healthier, stress-free lifestyle. Little millet presents a delicious and nutritious alternative for your whole family. So why not try it today?

      FAQs

      Why should I choose little millet over other grains?

       Little millet offers a unique combination of nutritional benefits, including high protein content, fiber-rich composition, and essential vitamins and minerals that make it healthier than other grains.

      Is little millet good for breastfeeding mothers? 

      Little millet can be a healthy choice for breastfeeding mothers, providing a rich source of nutrients to support lactation and postpartum recovery. Its high protein content helps maintain maternal energy levels, ensuring they have the energy and nutrients needed to support both themselves and their babies.

      Is little millet safe during pregnancy? 

      Absolutely! Little millet is loaded with nutrients that can fulfil the nutritional needs of pregnant women. Its high iron content and folate content are very helpful in fetal development and mother's health.

      Can little millet be included in a diabetic diet? 

      Yes! Little millet can be enjoyed by diabetics due to its low glycemic index and high fiber content. Its slow-release carbohydrates help regulate blood sugar levels, preventing spikes and crashes in glucose levels.

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