Kodo Millet- Magical Millet for Your Better Health:

Millets: 

Millets are cosmopolitan, small-seeded grass crops grown as grains or cereal crops for human food and fodder of the cattle. Millets have gained their popularity due to their high productivity within a short span of growing season and also their ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions and less fertile habitats. These millets are considered hardy crops because they are highly resistant to pests and drought situations.

Kodo Millet:

Kodo millet or Koda millet is scientifically called Paspalum scrobiculate and it is commonly called Varagu/Arikelu/Arka/Kodon in various regions of India. It is an annual crop/grain that is grown primarily as a minor crop in most of the countries in the world (Nepal and also in India, Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and in West Africa) whereas it is cultured as a major crop in the Deccan Plateau in India. Kodo millet is rich in nutrients and considered the best supplement for rice or wheat. The grains are enclosed in the hard, corneous, persistent husk and are light red to dark grey in colour. These are nutritionally equal to all other leading cereals and serve as rich and potent sources of proteins and all other micronutrients.

Organic Kodo Millet:

Organic farming has brought a revolution in 20th century agriculture practices. In this farming practice, farmers will culture the agricultural products with minimal or no use of synthetically produced chemical fertilizers, pesticides, livestock food additives, growth regulators GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms).

The entire process of culture involves the use of organic origin materials like green manures, compost manure, biopesticides and insecticides and fungicides.  The products from organic farming ensure and promote self-sufficiency and food security. Agricultural products like Cereals, Sugar cane, Oils seeds, Aromatic & Medicinal Plants, Fruits, Dry fruits, spices, vegetables, pulses, cotton and Millets have been successfully cultured in this process.

The Best Qualities of Organic Kodo Millet:

• Kodo millet is wholesome food. It has medicinal, therapeutic and culinary values.

• Kodo millets are gluten-free grains (Gluten stimulates an immune response which damages the lining of the small intestine- celiac disease).
• The low glycaemic index (slow energy release – Glucose/energy)
• Rich with protein and soluble fibres as nutrients.
• These are highly enriched with bioactive compounds like polyphenols which are with health-promoting properties. 
• Due to dietary proteins, it is very easy to digest.
  
• Millets are a potent source of B-complex vitamins (vitamin B6, Niacin, folic acid) and minerals (calcium, iron and magnesium)

Anti-Hyperglycaemic: 

Diabetics can switch over their regular diet to millets. Because it controls the blood sugar levels and elevates the insulin secretions from the pancreas. It is very much efficient in reducing glaciated haemoglobin and triggers glycogenesis (production of glycogen) in the liver.

Anti oxidant anti-carcinogenic: 

The chemical constituents present in millets are potent against free radicals which damage the healthy cells and tissues thus they prevent carcinogenic (cancer-causing) actions.

Cholesterol lowering agents: 

The phenolic extracts from these millets check the formation and accumulation of LDL (Low-Density Lipoproteins) or bad cholesterol in the tissues and blood. As a result, the normal blood pressure will be maintained for a long time.

Helps in Body Weight Loss: 

Millets are the best supplement food for rice and wheat which serves the purpose to check metabolic syndrome. Millets trigger metabolic activities and help in shedding the stubborn unwanted fat from the waist, abdomen and hip regions.

Helps to maintain a healthy heart:

Being these are rich in proteins, dietary fibres and antioxidants, they help to maintain the heart healthy for a long time. Regular consumption of this Kodo millet brings down cholesterol levels and regulates blood pressure.

Helps in healing of wounds: 

The paste consists of the fine powder of Kodo millet and water, when applied to the wounds it accelerates the wound healing mechanism.

Helps in soothing: 

The rich fibre quality of Kodo millet soothes the stomach and prevents constipation, bloating, gas troubles and cramps.

Ayurvedic Importance of Kodo Millet:

Ayurveda- The ancient Indian medicine has been using Kodo millet as langhana, (bringing lightness to the body) under the category of Trina Dhanya. (Grains produced by grass family plants). Kodo millet has many bioactive compounds and is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compositions. The powerful antioxidants present in Kodo millets protect the body from cancer, premature ageing and oxidative stress. 

Nutritional Value of Kodo Millet: