When it comes to snacking, we all tend to reach for the same old unhealthy options – chips, crackers, candy, and all that jazz. But what if I tell you there is a healthier and more creative snack alternative? Welcome to the world of Millet snacks. These snacks are gaining popularity for their delicious flavors, nutritious properties, and unique texture. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of millets and introduce you to 5 tasty and easy-to-make bajra (pearl millet) snacks that are perfect for diabetics and weight loss enthusiasts. So put down those potato chips and let’s get started to try these snacks after you buy millets online with us!
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Millets: What are They and Why Are They Gaining Popularity?
Millet is a group of small-seeded grasses belonging to the Poaceae family that has been cultivated for thousands of years for their nutritional benefits. Recently, millet has gained popularity as a superfood due to its high protein content, source of essential minerals, fiber, and vitamins, and low glycemic index, making it suitable for people with diabetes. Additionally, millet is low in fat, making it an ideal snack option for those who want to lose kilos.
Types of Millets
There are several types of millets, but the most commonly cultivated varieties include:
- Sorghum (Jowar)
- Pearl Millet(Bajra)
- Finger Millet(Ragi)
- Foxtail Millet (kangni millet in Hindi, navane, Kakum, Korralu, and Tenai)
- Proso Millet
Nutritional Value of Millets
Millet’s benefits extend far beyond its exceptional nutritional value. These remarkable grains are packed with essential vitamins and minerals like Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, and Zinc
It has been scientifically proven that millet is also a great source of protein, dietary fiber, and antioxidants, which can help to protect against chronic diseases.
Image credit: Nutritional Value of Pearl millet
Why Millet Snacks Are Healthy
High Protein Content
Millet is a great source of plant-based protein, making it an ideal snack option for vegans and vegetarians. Additionally, the protein in millet is easily digestible, so your body can absorb it more efficiently.
Low Glycemic Index
Millet has a low glycemic index, meaning it won’t cause a spike in blood sugar levels as the carbohydrates to fiber (C/F) ratio in millet is low. This makes it an excellent snack option for diabetics or anyone who is watching their blood sugar levels.
Rich in Essential Minerals
Millet is packed with essential minerals like calcium, iron, and magnesium, which are important for maintaining strong bones, healthy blood, and optimal nerve and muscle function. They’re packed with essential nutrients like protein, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to snack their way to good health.
Lower Risk of Chronic Diseases
Due to its rich nutritional profile, millet has been linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. This means that eating Millet Snacks regularly can help to keep you healthy and disease-free.
Low in Fats
Millet is relatively low in fat, making it a healthier snack option than other fatty snacks like oily chips and crackers. Additionally, the fats found in millet are healthy unsaturated fats, which are essential for good heart health.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Millet is not just good for your health but is good for the health of your environment too. It is a sustainable crop that requires less water and fertilizers than other grains. Additionally, millet is easy to cultivate and can grow in harsh climates, making it eco-friendly.
Now that we know why millets are good for us and for the environment too, let’s take a look at some of the delicious ragi recipes you can try making at home with simple ingredients.
Millet snacks - Try these fun and yummy Bajra and Ragi recipes with easily available ingredients
These mouth-watering snacks could be an ideal accompaniment to your evening cuppa. Start by picking up off-the-shelf millet chips, puffs, or granola from MozaicQ and follow a few easy steps. Voila! Your healthy snack is ready to be munched without guilt.
Kolkata Chaat with Roasted Bajra Puffs
Flavored roasted bajra puffs are perfect for your late-night snacking to curb your cravings. They’re gluten-free, oil-free, low in calories, and high in protein, making them a guilt-free snack option.
Mix it with sprouted moong, boiled & cubed potatoes, coriander, chilly, cumin, panch phoron, grated ginger and chopped onion, cucumber, tomatoes, and roasted peanuts to make a delicious and healthy chaat.
If you want to add a touch of fusion to this healthy chaat, pick up one of the stronger seasonings such as Jamaican Jerk and add to the mix.
Biscuit Chaat With Spicy Millet Puffs
If you like your snacks with a bit of heat, these spicy millet puffs with sweet chili BBQ, lemon chili, and Mac n Cheese are a few perfect choices. Made with a blend of millet flour and spices, these puffs are a great source of protein and fiber. If you prefer milder spices opt for a Puffed Multigrain mixture.
Add these spicy Puffs with some roasted peanuts, chopped onion, and curry leaves to make a most delicious companion to your evening cuppa. Try this with a tangy yogurt chive dip.
Give it a further twist by making Millet Biscuit Sandwich Chaat. Add some Sev ( roasted vermicelli) to the above mixture and some soaked and boiled chana. Add a teaspoon of tamarind or pudina chutney to bind the mixture well. Stuff the mixture between two layers of sugar-free cream crackers and you have your yummy biscuit sandwich.
Wholesome Ragi Chips Salad Bowl
If you’re a fan of salads with a crunch, you’ll love this zesty salad bowl sprinkled with healthy ragi chips. Made with whole grain millet flour, Tapioca Starch, Vegetable Edible Oil, Red Chilli, Iodised Salt, and Spices, these chips are packed with protein and fiber, making them a great choice for diabetics and weight loss enthusiasts and goes well with this wholesome salad bowl.
Toss together some fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. Dress it up with a zesty lemon vinaigrette and sprinkle a handful of crushed ragi chips on top of it. Serve it with some salsa on the side by combining diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of salt.
Homemade Multi Millet Granola for Breakfast
Millets for breakfast is a great way to start your day as the fiber results in bowel movement and water retention – thus equipping your body to handle an activity-filled day. Traditionally Oats based Granola is more common, though the Millets variation is an equally healthy alternative and of late finds many takers. Though Millets based Granola has fewer essential minerals per serving, it compensates for that with lesser carbohydrates and lower calorific value. While you can always make Millets Granola on your own, and it’s a great way to use any leftover millet in your kitchen, we have found some great homemade millet granola options for you. This multi-millet granola mix comes with a drizzle of honey and freshly pounded cardamom & ginger. Mix it with some Greek yogurt, add some berries, and sprinkle it with some pumpkin seeds to treat yourself to a super healthy breakfast.
Tips for Flavoring and Seasoning Millet Snacks
While any kind of millet-based chips, mixes, and puffs can serve as a great base for making some mouth-watering snacks, the key to making them stand out lies in selecting the right flavors and seasonings. Here are a few tips:
- Experiment with different spices like cumin, turmeric, and paprika.
- Use natural sweeteners like honey or demerara sugarinstead of refined sugars.
- Add a crunch to your snacks with chopped nuts or seeds, like chia seeds, flax seeds, or pumpkin seeds.
Are Millet Based Snacks A Tasty Refuge For Diabetics?
Quite a few studies have shown that millet-based snacks can indeed be a tasty and healthy option for individuals with diabetes. This is primarily because most varieties of millet have a low glycemic index (GI). This means they have a slower and steadier impact on blood sugar levels compared to refined grains or high-carbohydrate snacks. Let’s get into some level of detail to understand this better.
How Millet Snacks Can Help Control Blood Glucose Levels
Almost all available varieties of millet are high in fiber, preventing the other carbohydrate-rich food and snacks that you are consuming, to break down at a rate slower than usual. This in turn slows down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, preventing sudden spikes in blood sugar levels.
Studies on the Anti-Diabetic Properties of Millet
Several studies have shown that millet can help to improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting blood glucose levels in diabetics. Additionally, millet has been shown to improve lipid profiles in diabetics, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease. Listing a few studies if you want to dig deeper into the statistics and science behind this inference.
Study of millet and non-millet diet on diabetics and associated metabolic syndrome
Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant, and Antidiabetic Potential Exerted by Millet Grain Varieties. Antioxidants
If you’re a diabetic, you can enjoy millet snacks such as millet chips, and multi-millet granola or ragi for diabetes control. However, please do remember – a balanced diet combined with a healthy lifestyle is key to controlling any lifestyle ailments. So while we do encourage you to grab that pack of healthy ragi chips with your cup of coffee, don’t forget to exercise, get enough sleep and reduce unnecessary stress.
Are millets really good for weight loss?
Millets’ fibre Content and Role in Weight Management
Millets as a Low-Calorie Snack Option
Which millet is good for weight loss?
Where to Buy Millet Snacks
Most health food stores carry a variety of millet-based snacks, so check out your local store to see what’s available. Online marketplaces like MozaicQ also carry a wide range of millets online, making it easy to stock up on your favorite brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Store Millet Snacks?
How Many Calories Do Millet Snacks Contain?
Are Millet Snacks Gluten-Free?
Can Millet Snacks be Eaten as a Meal Replacement?
Are Millet Snacks Good for Children?
Which millet is good for weight loss?
Name some millet recipes for breakfast.
Here are a few millet recipes that can be enjoyed for breakfast:
- Millet Porridge: Cook millets with milk or water, sweeten it with honey, and top it with fruits.
- Millet Pancakes: Make fluffy pancakes using millet flour and serve them with toppings like yogurt, berries.
Are You Going To Have These Ragi, Jowar & Bajra Snacks with your next cup of tea?
Millet snacks are a delicious, nutritious, and eco-friendly snack option that can help with diabetes control and weight loss. By incorporating these tasty snacks into your diet, you’ll be doing your body a favour while satisfying your cravings for something crunchy and satisfying. So go ahead – give millet snacks a try! You won’t be disappointed.
The post 5 millet based snacks(ragi, jowar & bajra) you must try for weight loss & diabetes control appeared first on MozaicQ.
