Did you know that millets have far more nutritional value than rice or wheat? In fact for people who are trying to avoid gluten or are gluten sensitive millets such as bajra are the healthiest alternatives. As some of you may know gluten is a special protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Gluten is not just bad for people who are sensitive to it but rather to people in general as it causes all kinds of health issues such as gut inflammation, trigger heart disease and is even potentially cancer causing and definitely cancer promoting. Thus the best way of eliminating gluten from your diet is by substituting rice, barley and wheat with millets such as bajra
Ironically bajra cultivation and consumption is not a new fad. It is one of the oldest millets used by our ancestors. It used to be a part of the regular diet in the olden days especially in places like Rajasthan and Gujarat. But they got replaced with polished rice and wheat in the name of agricultural advancement or development. Bajra or pearl millet is an important coarse grain crop and was dubbed to be the poor man’s staple nourishment. It is wise not to get carried away with this description as there is nothing poor about this millet’s nutritional value.
Historically bajra or pearl millet has been grown most extensively Africa and Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have originated in Africa and then slowly introduced to India. Archaeological evidence points to the fact that millet was cultivated here since the 2000BC. Its origin can be traced back to North Africa, to be accurate Ethiopia. Its cultivation slowly spread to east and southern Africa and south Asia. It was a staple in Africa where it was used to make injera which was their traditional flatbread. In India the millets were ground to make our flatbread which is roti.
Currently India is the leading commercial producer of bajra closely followed by China and Nigeria. It is cultivated mainly in Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Bajra is highly tolerant to drought, bad soil nutrition and extreme temperature. It requires a rainfall of about 50 – 100 cms. It grows extremely well in temperatures between 25°C - 30°C and is grown primarily on red soil, sandy loams and black soil. It is generally grown as a mixed crop along with cotton, jowar or ragi. As it is a drought tolerant crop it is viable for growth in dry farming situations. High salinity and low pH of soil gives good growth of the crop.
Benefits of Bajra
More information please visit once: http://www.earthendelight.com .
Ironically bajra cultivation and consumption is not a new fad. It is one of the oldest millets used by our ancestors. It used to be a part of the regular diet in the olden days especially in places like Rajasthan and Gujarat. But they got replaced with polished rice and wheat in the name of agricultural advancement or development. Bajra or pearl millet is an important coarse grain crop and was dubbed to be the poor man’s staple nourishment. It is wise not to get carried away with this description as there is nothing poor about this millet’s nutritional value.
Historically bajra or pearl millet has been grown most extensively Africa and Indian subcontinent. It is believed to have originated in Africa and then slowly introduced to India. Archaeological evidence points to the fact that millet was cultivated here since the 2000BC. Its origin can be traced back to North Africa, to be accurate Ethiopia. Its cultivation slowly spread to east and southern Africa and south Asia. It was a staple in Africa where it was used to make injera which was their traditional flatbread. In India the millets were ground to make our flatbread which is roti.
Currently India is the leading commercial producer of bajra closely followed by China and Nigeria. It is cultivated mainly in Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. Bajra is highly tolerant to drought, bad soil nutrition and extreme temperature. It requires a rainfall of about 50 – 100 cms. It grows extremely well in temperatures between 25°C - 30°C and is grown primarily on red soil, sandy loams and black soil. It is generally grown as a mixed crop along with cotton, jowar or ragi. As it is a drought tolerant crop it is viable for growth in dry farming situations. High salinity and low pH of soil gives good growth of the crop.
Benefits of Bajra
- It is an excellent source of protein and fiber.
- High in starch content which makes it an energy rich food.
- The amino acids found in millet are easily digestible as compared to those found in wheat
- It consists of essential nutrients such as the amino acid methionine, B complex vitamins, folic acid, lecithin and salts such as magnesium and manganese and zinc.
- The niacin content reduces cholesterol and magnesium helps maintain overall health of the heart as it helps lower blood pressure reducing the risk of heart attacks.
- It is a rich source of phosphorus which is an important component of ATP the energy currency of the cell.
- It offers protection against breast cancer in pre-menopausal women.
- Helps minimize risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Helps move the GI system efficiently thereby elimination GI issues such as constipation, excess gas, bloating and cramping.
More information please visit once: http://www.earthendelight.com .