Barnyard Millet  - A Staple Food for All Age Groups:

Since its inception, Millets have been considered as ‘inferior grains’ used as food grains by poorer sections of society.Until almost 50 years ago, millets were the major food grain cultured in India. Just like many other components, milletswere defamed by modern urban consumers and were treated as “coarse grains”. People have adapted ‘refined’ diet practices which undoubtedly lack nutrients that are basically important for good health. The other names of Barnyard Millet are
Barnyard millet in hindi- Sanwa
Barnyard millet in tamil- Kuthiraivolly
Barnyard millet in telugu- Udalu

The regular practice of consuming rice and rice concomitant products and their influence on dietary habits is undeniable. The researchers connote that the regular intake of polished rice and wheat leads to hyperglycemia (Diabetes) and enormous weight gain. Hence they opined that there is a great need to include millets in our regular diet as a supplement to rice and/or wheat.

In the Indian context, without prioritising the millets the history of food will be left incomplete. Because in due course of time the millets have gained popularity across the world due to their gluten-free and protein richness, high fibre content, antioxidant and other medicinal characteristics.

Barnyard Millet (Echinochloa species):

Barnyard millet is an ancient and one of the most fascinating millets. It is the predominantly cultured minor crop in the majority of Asian countries (India, China, Japan and Korea) for human consumption and fodder for livestock maintenance. The agronomic advantages of Barnyard millet grain are unsurpassed with any other minor crop. It is a rich source of carbohydrates, protein and fibres.  Most conspicuously Barnyard millet grain is rich with different types of micronutrients than other major cereals like rice, wheat and maize.

Barnyard Millet Nutrition : 

Barnyard millet (Japanese farm millet / OODA/ Oadalu / Sawan / Sanwa, and swank) is commonly called a nutritional powerhouse. Because it is with high levels of protein, calcium, iron, minerals and B it is a potent grain against gluten allergies, type II diabetes (Mellitus) and cardiovascular diseases. complex vitamins. Besides that the best qualities like low carbohydrates and 0% gluten, making

Impressive Benefits of Barnyard Millet for Good Health:

Anti-Diabetic: The dehulled and heat rewarded barnyard millet is suggestible to lower type-II diabetes. Special diets formulated with barnyard millet lower sugar levels, cholesterol, and triglyceride

Rich in Fiber:The highest quantities of both soluble and insoluble fractions of dietary fiber improve all gastrointestinal activities. It is the best choice to reduce constipation.

Rich Anti-Oxidants:Phytochemicals like polyphenols as a chief component in barnyard millets work against toxicants as detoxifying agents and protect from different ailments like coronary heart diseases, diabetes, and all types of cancers.

Immune Booster: Barnyard millet is a rich source of nutrients such as calcium Iron, thiamine, magnesium, and Zinc. These nutrients play a crucial role in stimulating immune responses and the formation of different antibodies against pathogens.

Gluten-Free Food: gluten present in the bloodstream stimulates an immune response that damages the inner lining of the small intestine (Celiac disease). It leads to difficulty in the absorption of nutrients into the blood, infertility, neural damage, and bone related problems

Excellent Source of minerals: Barnyard millet grains are a rich source of diversified minerals nutrients iron, zinc, calcium, protein, magnesium, fat, vitamins, and some of the essential amino acids.

Low in Calories: Barnyard millets are the wellspring of highly digestible and profoundly edible proteins with the least caloric dense in comparison with all other cereal varieties. On consumption of these millet-based foods, one will feel light, vivacious, and energetic. 25 grams of crude barnyard millets gives 75 – 80 calories of energy and 1-1.5 grams of protein. It is highly preferable as a component in the regular diet of people who are thriving to lose body weight and good metabolic rate.

Low Glycaemic Index: Actually the glycaemic index indicates how fast a consumed food increases the blood sugar levels. The barnyard millets have a low glycaemic index which is quite impressive quality for diabetic patients and people with cardiovascular problems.

Ways to Use Barnyard Millet / Barnyard Millet Recipes:

Barnyard Millet can be served extensively in different forms. It is highly amicable in the preparation of porridge or Kheer to six for babies (6-8 months old) and as cheela/Dosa, dosa, and idlis for kids (more than 1 year). Whole barnyard millets are basically used to prepare upma, Salad,  khichdi and pulao, Cutlet, Pudina Rice, Pizza, Rabdi,  Cakes, and other dishes.