– High nutritional value: Millets are a rich source of nutrients, including protein, fibre, and micronutrients like magnesium, potassium, and zinc.

It also has a low glycemic index. This makes it an ideal food for people with diabetes or anyone looking to main­tain stable blood sugar levels.

– Gluten free: Mil­let is naturally glu­ten-free, making it an excellent choice for those with celiac dis­ease or gluten intolerance. It’s also a great alter­native to wheat for people look­ing to reduce their gluten intake.

-Promotes digestive health – The high fibre content in millet makes it an excellent food for promoting digestive health. It can help to pre­vent constipation and reduce the risk of colon cancer.

-Aids weight loss – Millets have a low calorie count, and they are an excellent food product for weight loss. They help to maintain energy levels throughout the day, preventing the need for constant snacking and overeating. Millets also keep you satiated for longer than other carbohydrates, as they take time to get digested and absorbed into your body.

-Keeps blood sugar levels low – Millets have a low gly­caemic index, which makes them an excellent food for regulating blood sugar levels. Consuming millets regularly can lower your risk of devel­oping diabetes.

-Boosts Immunity – Millets provide a great source of protein and can help develop and strengthen your immuni­ty. A stronger immune system means fewer chances of you catching diseases.

-Reduces cardiovascular risks – The essential fats found in millets provide our bodies with good fats which prevent excess fat storage, effectively lowering the risk of high cholesterol, strokes, and other heart complaints. The potassium content in millets regulates your blood pressure and optimises your circulatory system.

-Prevents asthma – The magnesium content in millets can reduce the frequency and severity of migraines and asthma complaints. Unlike wheat, they do not contain the allergens that lead to asthma and wheezing.

-Helps your digestion – Millets are a rich fibre source that benefits digestion by alleviating bloating, gas, cramping, and constipation. Good digestion keeps issues like gastric/colon cancer and kidney/liver complaints away.

-Acts as an antioxidant – Millets help the 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.

Source: wafflemill.com

 Millet porridge, is commonly consumed as a breakfast meal. It can also be taken late in the afternoon as snack. It is called Hausa koko in areas where it was introduced by Hausa-speaking people.

Ingredients

– 100 grams of millet flour

-Water

-5 cloves

-Ginger

 Preparation

• Mix millet flour with enough water to form a dough

• Leave dough to ferment (preferably overnight)

• Mix dough with enough water and sieve for cooking

• Allow mixture to boil for some time.

• Add sieved mixture to boiled water and stir vigor­ously to avoid formation of lumps

• Allow it to boil until it is cooked and served hot.