Generally, millets are small-grained, annual, warm-weather cereals belonging to the grass family. They are highly tolerant of drought and other extreme weather conditions and have a similar nutrient content to other major cereals. Little millet goes by several names, including Moraiyo, Kutki, Shavan, and Sama. It is loaded with B-vitamins and minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, and potassium. It is used in several traditional dishes of South India and is often substituted for rice.
REGIONAL NAMES:
•Tamil-samai
•Telugu-samma
•Hindi- kutki
•Kannada-save
•Malayalam-chama
BENEFITS:
Help treat Diabetes
Little millet is known to be a low glycemic index food and also high in dietary fibre.It takes longer time for glucose to enter the bloodstream and hence blood sugar levels remain stable. This effect proves beneficial for diabetics who have to control rapid rise and decline of blood glucose.
Helps lower cholesterol
Little millet is rich in Magnesium which helps improve heart health. It is also rich in Niacin which helps lower cholesterol.
Weight loss
Little millet contains phosphorus which is great for weight loss, tissue repair and energy production after strenuous workout.It also helps detoxify the body.
Respiratory conditions
Little millet is known to treat respiratory condition like Asthma.
Gluten free
Samai is gluten free. It is an excellent alternative for those opting for gluten free diet or those with celiac disease/gluten sensitive enteropathy.Little millets thus, make a perfect addition to the diet of people who do yoga, workouts, cardio, etc. Moreover, its high nutritional value makes it a must-eat in a balanced diet.
Rich in Potent Antioxidants
Little Millet is also rich in tannins, flavonoids which helps against diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cataract, cancer, inflammation, Gastrointestinal problems and delay ageing too.
Battles Cancer Cells
Little millet benefits in nourishing our body and boosting our immunity. These are also rich in phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, and polyphenols, which helps in keeping human bodies safe from ailments like cardiovascular diseases, cataracts, and fight against cancers etc.
Acts as an Antioxidant
Millets help your body detox because of their antioxidant properties; Quercetin, curcumin, ellagic acid, and other valuable catechins flush out toxins from your body and neutralise the enzymatic actions of your organs.
Acts as a Nutraceutical
Little millet has received very little attention from plant breeders as a crop source. The millet is a promising food ingredient suitable for large scale utilization as processed products