Kodo Millet always serves as a great substitute for rice and wheat. In ayurvedha kodo millet is referred as langhana, which means bringing liteness to the body. It is very easy to digest. It contains a high amount of lecithin and is excellent for strengthening the nervoussystem.It is termed as a wholesome food.It is majorly grown as a major crop in many areas like Nepal,Kerala,TamilNadu. It is one of the drought tolerant crops. The growth duration of this crop ranges from 120-180 days.
REGIONAL NAMES
- VARAGU in Tamil
- KODRA/KODEN in Hindi
- ARIKELU/ARIKA in Telugu.
- KOOVARAGU in Malayalam.
BENEFITS
Anti-diabetic
Kodo millet intake is found to reduce fasting blood glucose level and promotes significant increase in serum insulin level. Anti-diabetic compounds in Kodo are quercetin, ferulic acid, p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and syringic acid. Thus regular use is recommended for diabetic patients.
Helps in weight management
Kodo millet consists of low fat content and fiber content is higher and makes to feel fuller after consuming less quantity itself, therefore it avoids over eating and lessens the weight, thereby controls obesity. An obese person should include this cereal in their diet and see the difference on their weight.
Prevents hypertension
Kodo is very beneficial for post-menopausal women suffering from signs of cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure. Hence, regular consumption of Kodo millets is recommended for all. Kodo Millet helps keep your large intestine hydrated, keeps your system in order and helps you avoid constipation.
Fights Chronic Ailments
Kodo millets are an impressive source of powerful antioxidants. The phenolic extracts in this tiny millet reduce LDL or bad cholesterol, keep heart healthy, bring down blood pressure levels and prevent various other chronic conditions. These antioxidants also act against free radicals causing damage to the cells, tissues thus preventing various types of cancers.
Helps Regulate Blood Cholesterol Levels
Kodo millet, is low on calories and fat. 100 grams of kodo millet has just 3.6 grams of fat. Also, research says that eating millets may help reduce the total blood cholesterol levels and promote healthy gut bacteria.
Improves Digestion
Kodo millets are incredibly high in dietary fiber and gluten-free. Hence, they can improve your digestion and prevent constipation. Besides, research reveals that eating high-fiber foods may help relieve the symptoms of piles.
High free radical scavenging activity
Foods such as Kodo millet are a rich source of antioxidants that can help in reducing free radicals. A study had shown Kodo millet exhibited potential free radical quenching activity on DPPH, a chemical compound widely used to evaluate free radical scavenging ability when compared to other millets.
Wound Healing Properties
Studies conducted to know the effect of this millet on wound healing had proven that these grains had accelerated the wound healing process. Wound healing was assessed by applying the Kodo millet flour once daily on an excision wound made on rats for 16 days. The Kodo and Finger millet had shown 88-90% rate of contraction when compared with untreated rats which showed 75%.
Cholesterol reduction
Regular consumption of Kodo millet helps to lower the triglycerides and C-reactive protein, thus it lowers the bad cholesterol and ideal for your heart. Thus heart protective food too.
High Protein Content
Than relying on protein powders which are filled with color and preservatives, it is good to get our protein requirements naturally. If you are a vegetarian, millets are a great way to get your proteins, 100 grams of varagu has around 8.3 grams of protein. Thus meeting the daily protein needs of the body.