Panicum sumatrense, also known as little millet is a type of minor millet, which is grown extensively in the Indian states of Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu etc. It is also known as ‘Poor man’s food’ because of its acclimatization to grow in both the conditions of drought as well as water-logging. But like the other millets, it is also rich in proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, fat, vitamins, and minerals as compared to the cereals. It is also known as Kutki, Samai, Same, Samulu, Kuttu etc.
Little Millet Nutritional Value Per 100g
Here’s the nutritional value for Thoda Baajara converted into a table format:
| Nutritional Value | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 kcal |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Carbohydrates | 6.8 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.8 g |
| Iron | 5.3 mg |
6 Health Benefits of Little Millet
- Anti-diabetic – Every 100 g of little millet has 9.7 g of crude fiber which absorbs extra simple carbohydrates from the digestive tract and thus prevents their uptake into the bloodstream. The bioactive compounds found in the cotyledon of little millet also possess anti-diabetic benefits.
- Anti-inflammatory – The polyphenols found in the little millet have anti-inflammatory diseases and hence are beneficial in arthritis. Active plant compounds like luteolin, found in little millet possess anti-inflammatory properties.
- Anti-cancerous – The anti-oxidants like – phenolics, carotenoids, flavonoids, etc, present in little millet scavenge the free radicals and thus start apoptosis of the cancerous cells and tumors.
- Phytochemicals Protection – The phytochemicals present in little millet like phenolics, glucosides, flavonoids, etc possess the properties of anti-microbial action, reduction in platelet aggregation, stimulation of the immune system, etc.
- Rich In Nutraceuticals – Little millet is a rich source of neutraceuticals like resistant starch, phytates, sterols, lignans, etc, which can prevent diabetes, cancer, constipation, stomach problems, flushing out extra cholesterol deposited in the body, etc.
- Promotes Eyesight – Some species of little millet are more yellowish in appearance and this is due to the high content of carotenoids present in them. Carotenoids are polyphenols that help in improving eyesight. Each 100 g of little millet provides around 50-102 micrograms of carotenoid.
Little Millet Recipes
Here, we are going to share with you two amazing recipes of little millet that will help you include this amazing millet in your diet.
- Little Millet Tomato Rice
- Little Millet Curd Rice
Confuse About Your Ideal Daily Calorie Intake?
Use Our Calorie Calculator to Calculate Your Optimal Calories & Avoid Overeating!
Conclusion
Little millet is one of the minor millet that is grown extensively in tropical countries like India. The best method to consume it, so that the effect of the anti-nutritional substances present in it is negligible is by soaking them overnight and then dry roasting them in the morning. These can treat a myriad of health problems like obesity, diabetes, cancer, vision etc.
