What Is Bajra/ Pearl Millet? 10 Amazing Bajra benefits

Bajra is the most frequently spoken Hindi name for the Pennisetum glaucum crop ( Pearl Millet in English).

Traditionally spoken names of Bajra in India-

Bajra in English is called Pearl Millet,
Bajra in Telugu is called Gantilu,
Bajra in Tamil is called Kambu,
Bajra in Kannada is called Sajje.

Bajra refers to a group of small-seeded grasses collectively pointed to as ‘millets.’ They are edible seeds of pearl millet plants.

Millets are seeded grasses and are the wholesome substitute for rice and wheat in most of the dishes. They have high resistance against harsh climate so they can be produced easily. These grains are originally grown in Africa and India.

However, it’s also grown and eaten in many other places around the globe. Interestingly, India is the number one producer of bajra, and Rajasthan produces the largest bajra.

These seeds are typically cooked and consumed as a cereal grain or sometimes finely ground and used as flour. They are grown in numerous shades of gray, brown, white, yellow, and bluish-purple.

PEARL MILLET/ BAJRA NUTRITION VALUE PER 100G

Let’s Learn about the bajra nutrition with the help of below listed table-

BENEFITS OF BAJRA/ PEARL MILLET

1. MAY HELP PEOPLE WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES

Fiber intake in our daily diet affects both diabetes control and prevention. Mostly, all the millets are rich in dietary fiber, which is considered an excellent choice for people with diabetes. Pearl Millet, a rich source of dietary fiber, also has a low Glycemic index and Glycemic load. The Glycemic index of pearl millet is 54, and the Glycemic load of pearl millet is 6.06, which is suitable for diabetes. Additionally, the presence of magnesium in bajra benefits by contributing to improved insulin response and lowers insulin resistance.

2. MAY HELP IN WEIGHT LOSS

Bajra is a low-calorie food with a calorie density of 1.2. The calorie density is the calorie content in the food relative to its weight (g) or volume (ml). Thus Pearl millet being a low-calorie food, helps to make you feel full but with fewer calories. Also, due to the presence of complex carbs, bajra benefits by absorbing slowly from the digestive tract. Thus helping you feel full while ensuring a continuous flow of energy.

3. MAY HELP IN STRENGTHENING BONES

Bajra benefits in strengthening bones. It is rich in phosphorous, which along with calcium, is very beneficial for bone development and growth. Phosphorous present in the bajra and calcium helps strengthen bones, prevents joint pain, and prevents the risk of osteoporosis.

4. BAJRA IS GLUTEN FREE

Pearl millet, being a gluten-free food, is the best option for celiac disease patients. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder in which the body interprets gluten as an outside invader. The immune system combats the gluten, as well as the wall of the gut. This destroys the gut wall and may create nutrient deficiencies. Thus, eating gluten-free foods like bajra is highly recommended for people sensitive to gluten.

5. MAY HELP IN MAINTAINING HEALTHY HEART

Pearl Milllet is a powerhouse of magnesium and potassium, which plays a vital role in dilating blood vessels and promoting better blood circulation. Magnesium is capable of limiting risk factors of cardiovascular diseases like Blood Pressure and diabetes. Bajra benefits in decreasing bad or LDL cholesterol and prevents blocking in the arteries, as it is a rich source of Omega – 3 fatty acids.

6. HELPS IN IMPROVING SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS HEALTH

Bajra benefits to skin, hair and nails, as it is the powerhouse of numerous nutrients that can highly offer beautiful skin and healthy hair and nails growth. This superfood contains plenty of nutrients like protein, zinc, niacin, iron, fibre and folate, which can help strengthen hair follicles and nails and make the skin glow naturally.

7. GOOD PREGNANCY FOOD DURING WINTERS

Pearl Millet is your must-have grain if you are pregnant, acknowledging its abundant presence of Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid. Folate is essential for forming DNA and RNA and is vital for producing red blood cells, a crucial factor that can determine the growth rate of the fetus in the pregnancy. Also, it is a rich source of iron, magnesium, protein, and fiber, which are essential nutrients required during pregnancy.

However, it is advised to avoid bajra during summers as it is hot in potency. Otherwise, in winters, there are abundant benefits of pearl millet when incorporated into a regular diet.

8. MAY HELP IN COMBATING ACIDITY

Bajra is an alkaline food, thus helps in combating the acidity problem. Acidity happens because of excess secretion of acids in the gastric glands of the stomach. Hence it results in various complications like severe discomfort in the chest, burning sensation on the stomach and digestive tract. Thus eating alkaline foods like bajra and eating food at regular intervals reduces acidity considerably.

9. GOOD FOR GUT HEALTH

A healthy gut is an indication determining the overall health of a person. Pearl Millet benefits our gut health by providing good digestion and preventing constipation due to high fiber content. Pearl Millet also helps in curing stomach ulcers. Being alkaline in nature, bajra benefits by making the stomach alkaline, thus preventing ulcers. Thus adding this amazing grain to your diet regularly will help you achieve a healthy gut.

10. IT IS A GOOD DETOXIFING AGENT

Pearl Millet is a mix of excellent components and antioxidants, including phenols, tannins, and phytic acid, preventing stroke, cardiovascular problems, and various types of cancer. The catechins, quercetin in Bajra cleanse the liver and kidney and detoxify the body from within, promoting beautiful skin.