15 Amazing Health Benefits Of Bajra (Pearl Millet)

Are you allergic to wheat and looking for the best alternative? Try bajra or pearl millet, and get relief from celiac disease and other gluten allergies. So, what is millet and what are the types of millets? Millet or bajra is also known as Pennisetum Glaucum crop. These are the edible seeds of the pearl millet plants, and derive their name from that plant. Some of the popular types of millets or bajra are Foxtail, Kodo millet, Finger Millet, and Fonio.

Let us help you understand all about the benefits of eating millets, millet uses, and which millet is good for weight loss?

Millets Nutritional Value Chart

Before we throw light on millet health benefits, first have a look at the millet nutritional value. Listed below is the nutrient value found in 100 grams of bajra for your reference:

• Calories: 350
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Water: 12 g
• Fat: 5 g
• Minerals: 2 g
• Fibre: 1 g
• Phosphorus: 240 mg
• Calcium: 40 mg
• Iron: 8 mg

15 Incredible Health Benefits of Eating Bajra

So, let us begin by acquainting you with the top 15 amazing millet health benefits:

1. A Rich Source of Protein

Eggs are not the only best source of protein. Vegetarians can rely on the protein content found in bajra. Include bajra in your diet and you can easily fetch an adequate amount of protein for your body. 

2. A Rich Source of Fibre

Looking for a fibre rich food item that can replace wheat? Try bajra for this reason. It is rich in insoluble fibre and is very effective for your gut health. It also helps to keep you fuller for longer.

3. Loaded with Antioxidants

Besides, protein and fibre, bajra is a good source of antioxidants too. Due to this reason, those who make bajra a regular part of their meal can easily combat different types of infections. 

4. A Healthy Gluten-Free Option

If you are allergic to gluten food items like wheat, opt for bajra. Yes, pearl millet or bajra is a healthier and safer option for those looking to replace wheat in their diet. It is completely gluten-free. 

5. Pearl Millet is Good for Weight Watchers

Tired of trying several remedies for weight loss? Try eating pearl millet to lose weight. This low-calorie food alternative to wheat can help you lose weight by reducing calorie intake. It is rich in fibre, which keeps you fuller longer and prevents weight gain. 

6. Helps Reducing Insulin Resistance in Diabetics

Diabetic people can consider bajra as a superfood that can help regulate their blood sugar levels. It is a good that is loaded with magnesium, which helps to reduce insulin resistance in the body. 

7. Eat Bajra to Relieve Constipation

Another surprising benefit of eating bajra is that it helps to relieve constipation. It is an easy-to-digest food containing insoluble fibre. Due to this insoluble fibre, it is good for your digestive system. 

8. Good for Vision and Eye Health

The list of millet benefits doesn’t end here. Millet powder or bajra flour helps to improve your vision. Bajra is rich in zinc content. Zinc is a nutrient that helps to produce Vitamin A, which is a vitamin necessary for healthy eyes.

9. Bajra Powder Helps to Reduce Cholesterol

Loaded with fibre, bajra is a miraculous remedy to regulate your cholesterol. It helps to reduce LDL and increase HDL or good cholesterol. The best option 

10. Millet Powder is Good for Heart

Being rich in magnesium, bajra is a superfood for your heart. Daily consumption of bajra helps in the proper functioning of your heart and regulates your heartbeat. 

11. Regulates Blood Pressure

Eating bajra every day will help regulate your blood pressure. This happens due to the presence of potassium in bajra or pearl millet. People with hypertension or high blood pressure must include bajra in their daily diet. 

12. Bajra Flour Prevents Anaemia

Bajra flour is also very effective in preventing anemia due to its rich iron content. Eating a roti made of bajra, besan, and jowar flour is an effective measure to keep anemia at bay. 

13. Boosts Body’s Endurance

If you care to enhance your athletics performance, then you must gorge upon bajra rotis. Bajra or the pearl millet is rich in protein, fibre, and other nutrients that help to increase endurance and overall energy. 

14. Makes Your Bones Stronger

Another remarkable benefit of eating bajra is that it strengthens your bones. It is rich in phosphorus, a vital nutrient for your bone health. Eat a bajra roti with some ghee and keep your bones healthy and strong. 

15. Millet Powder is Good for Skin

Eating millet powder is also good for your skin. It is loaded with zinc content that helps to repair the damaged skin cells and prevents aging. Moreover, with less fat content, bajra helps to prevent acne. 

Millets Side Effects

Now, that you have read about the surprising benefits of eating bajra, check out some of its side effects too.

• It may cause kidney stones
• Bajra consumption may lead to malabsorption syndrome
• It may worsen thyroid dysfunction
• Eating bajra in excess may lead to digestive disorders

The Bottom Line

Reading so much about the health benefits of bajra, we assume you will replace wheat with bajra in your daily meals. This gluten-free edible seeds of pearl millet plant will provide you with instant energy and help in digestion as well. You can easily buy them from any grocery store or order online too.