Health Benefits of Bajra (Pearl Millets)

Bajra is a nutritious grain packed with essential dietary fibres, vitamins and minerals. Some of the popular bajra grain and bajra ka atta benefits are listed below:

Bajra Boosts Brain Function

One of the significant nutritional benefits of bajra is that it helps boost brain function. Pearl millets are loaded with thiamine, niacin and folate, which are essential elements for better brain health.

These nutrients help enhance mood and improve memory and thinking skills. Furthermore, they keep the brain in check and reduce the chance of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.

Bajra Improve Metabolism

Another known bajra atta benefit is that it helps improve metabolism. It is loaded with nutrients like niacin, thiamine and riboflavin, which help convert food into energy.

Furthermore, protein is also part of bajra pearl millet nutrition, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, bajra also contains phytic acid, which helps regulate cholesterol metabolism.

Bajra Regulates Blood Glucose Level

Bajra is a known healthy food option for individuals who want to keep their blood glucose levels in check. It has a low glycemic index, which means that it does not cause a sudden blood glucose spike after consumption.

Furthermore, it is also high in fibre content, which assists in stabilising the sugar level in the body, thus improving insulin sensitivity.

Bajra Improves Bone Strength

Pearl millet or bajra is packed with calcium, which is an essential nutrient for bone modelling and structure. It is also high in magnesium content which helps in building bone density and strength.

Furthermore, bajra also contains phosphorus, which is an essential mineral that helps form calcium in the body and strengthens bones. Additionally, it has anti-inflammatory properties that help in easing the pain caused by arthritis.

Bajra Supports Heart Health

Another significant bajra ka atta benefit is that it helps support heart health. It is loaded with potassium and magnesium, which help regulate blood pressure and improve overall heart health.

Furthermore, the fibre content present in bajra helps lower cholesterol, which lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, bajra also possesses antioxidant properties, which help lower inflammation in the body, thus promoting better heart health.

Bajra Supports Glowing Skin

Bajra helps in getting glowing skin because of the presence of zinc elements. The zinc content in bajra helps repair dead skin cells and rejuvenate them. Furthermore, it is also known for its anti-acne properties, which reduce the chance of acne.

Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of bajra help in lowering the redness and swelling caused by pimples. Due to its promising results, various bajra face masks and homemade masks are becoming popular.

With its high nutritional value, Bajra is a versatile ingredient in Indian cuisine. From hearty Bajra Millet Pulao to wholesome Bajra Roti, there's a wide variety of dishes you can explore. Let us delve into some popular uses of Bajra:**

Bajra Carrot and Onion Uttapam

Ingredients

• ¼ cup of whole bajra, soaked overnight and drained

• 1 ¼ cup of bajra flour

• ½ cup of grated carrot

• ½ cup of chopped onions

• 1 teaspoon of chopped green chillies

• 1 teaspoon of garlic paste

• ¼ cup of chopped coriander leaves

• 1 ½ tablespoons of lemon juice

• ¼ teaspoon of turmeric powder

• 1 teaspoon of chilli powder

• 1 ½ teaspoon of oil for cooking and greasing

• Salt (as per requirement)

**How to Prepare **

Step 1: Add water, whole bajra and salt in a pressure cooker and cook for at least 5 whistles.

Step 2: Once it is cooked, switch off the flame to allow steam to escape, and then open the lid of the pressure cooker.

Step 3: Drain the water and strain out the cooked bajra in a bowl and keep it aside.

Step 4: Next, add bajra flour, garlic paste, coriander leaves, lemon juice, carrot, onion, green chillies and water to another bowl.

Step 5: Mix all the ingredients well to make a smooth batter. Add the whole bajra and dry ingredients and mix it again well.

Step 6: Heat a non-stick tawa and grease it lightly with oil.

Step 7: Pour ¼ cup of batter and spread it gently on the tawa. Cook it on a medium flame for 2 to 3 minutes until it turns golden brown.

Step 8: Once it is ready, serve the bajra uttapam with green chutney.

Bajra Raab or Millet Soup

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of bajra flour

• ½ cup of yoghourt

• ¼ teaspoon of mustard seeds

• ¼ teaspoon of cumin seeds

• ⅛ teaspoon of turmeric powder

• ½ teaspoon of chopped ginger

• 8 curry leaves

• 1 tablespoon of chopped cilantro leaves

• 1 teaspoon of green chillies thinly sliced

• ⅛ teaspoon of black pepper

• ¾ teaspoon of salt

• 2 ½ cup of water

• Oil (as per requirement)

How to Prepare

Step 1: In a pan, add oil and millet flour and roast it for about 2 minutes until the flour starts giving aroma.

Step 2: Put a roasted bajra in a bowl, and then in another bowl, mix yoghurt and water to make a lump-free mixture.

Step 3: In a saucepan, heat oil and add mustard and cumin seeds until they start cracking.

Step 4: Add curry leaves, cilantro, ginger and chillies and saute them.

Step 5: Then add the yoghurt mixture and let it cook until it starts to boil.

Step 6: Add the bajra flour slowly and stir the mixture continuously so that no lumps are formed.

Step 7: Add salt and black pepper and cook it for about 2 to 3 minutes, and then switch off the flame.

Step 8: Pour a prepared bajra soup into a serving bowl and serve it hot.

Bajra is generally safe to consume if it is eaten in moderation quantity, which is 90 to 100 grams in a day. However, if it is consumed in excessive quantities, it may cause various health problems. Some of the common side effects of bajra are listed below:

Bajra May Cause Stomach Discomfort

One of the common side effects of eating too much bajra is it may cause stomach issues like bloating, gas and more. This is due to its high fibre content, which can be hard for some people to digest.

Bajra May Cause Allergic Reactions

Some individuals who are allergic to grains like bajra may have allergic reactions after eating them. The symptoms may include swelling, itching, hives, etc.

If you are aware of grain allergy or experience any allergic symptoms after consuming bajra, it is important to discontinue use and seek medical advice.

Bajra May Cause Thyroid Problems

Bajra contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function by inhibiting iodine uptake, potentially leading to thyroid issues such as goitre. This is especially a concern for individuals with pre-existing thyroid disorders or iodine deficiency.

Bajra, or pearl millet, is one of the oldest and most popular grains in India. Due to its high nutritional value, it is used in various traditional dishes such as bajra khichdi, bajra roti and more.

Not only does it have a rich nutritional profile, but it also has a nutty and sweet taste, which makes the dish delicious.

However, it should be consumed in moderation since excessive consumption of bajra may cause allergic reactions, gastrointestinal discomfort and more.

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What is bajra's nutritional value?

Bajra is a grain packed with nutrients like protein, fibre, vitamins and minerals. A 100 gram serving contains around 378 kcal.

Are there any vitamins in bajra millet?

Yes, bajra is loaded with various vitamins, such as vitamin B6, vitamin B2 and vitamin B1.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide on the Health Benefits of Bajra (Pearl Millets). It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice and should not be relied on as health or personal advice. It is advisable to consult a qualified health professional for treatment in severe cases.