Kodo Millet: A superfood for health, digestion, and wellness | Fusion - WeRIndia

Kodo millet is gaining popularity as a nutritional powerhouse.

Packed with essential nutrients and health benefits, it’s a smart addition to any balanced diet.

Here are the benefits, nutrition facts, and delicious ways to cook with Kodo millet:

• Kodo millet is full of magnesium, iron, calcium, and B vitamins. Its high fibre content supports digestion and gut health.
• With fewer calories and high satiety, kodo millet helps keep you full for longer, supporting healthy weight loss.
• Ideal for people with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, Kodo millet can replace wheat in many recipes.
• Its low glycaemic index helps manage blood sugar levels. It’s great for diabetics or those at risk of diabetes.
• Millet is rich in antioxidants and heart-healthy fats that help reduce cholesterol and improve heart function.
• High in calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, Kodo millet supports bone density and may help prevent osteoporosis.
• With anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it boosts the immune system and protects against common illnesses.
• Its high fibre eases constipation and promotes regular, healthy bowel movements.

How to add kodo millet to your diet:

• Use it in place of rice in dishes like Pongal, pulao, or biryani.
• Make chapatis, cakes, muffins, or traditional sweets like kheer and halwa.
• Add it to idli or dosa batter for a fibre and protein boost.
• Cook it with water or milk for a soothing porridge or kanji with nuts and fruits.
• Known for its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, it’s traditionally used to manage diabetes, inflammation, wounds, and even postmenopausal health issues.

When soaked, Kodo millet may turn the water red or muddy due to water-soluble minerals. Many rinse this away, losing valuable nutrients.

Here’s how to do it right:

• Rinse once to remove dust or grit.
• Soak in clean, drinkable water for 6-8 hours.
• Do not throw away the water; use it in cooking to retain minerals and antioxidants.

With its impressive nutrient profile and easy adaptability, Kodo millet is more than a grain; it’s a wellness staple.

Whether you’re trying to lose weight, manage blood sugar, or simply eat cleaner, Kodo millet can be your go-to grain.

Image Credit: Eastern Himalayas, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Image Reference: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kodo_ko_roti.jpg