Nutritional Value of Millet Based Snacks
Millet is a highly nutritious cereal crop that is a rich source of various vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. It contains no gluten, making it a suitable grain for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. On average, 100 grams of millet provides around 327 calories of energy. It is an excellent source of manganese, phosphorus, magnesium and copper. Millet also contains a good amount of B vitamins like niacin, thiamine and vitamin B6. The high amount of dietary fiber in millet helps promote healthy digestion and regulates bowel movements.
Varieties of Millet Based Snacks
Millet seeds can be popped or puffed to make tasty Millet Based Snacks that mimic popular popcorn flavors. Foxtail millet and finger millet are commonly used varieties for preparing snacks. Here are some popular homemade millet snack ideas:
Millet Popcorn
Millet seeds are heated in oil or butter in a covered pan until they pop open into light, fluffy kernels. Sea salt, herbs or spices can be added for flavoring. Millet popcorn has a delightfully crunchy texture similar to regular popcorn but with added nutrition.
Spiced Millet Brittle
Toasted millet is cooked along with jaggery or sugar until it transforms into crispy, golden strands of brittle. Cumin, peppercorns, cardamom and cinnamon are commonly used spices. Small pieces of the brittle make for an appealing desk-side nibble.
Millet Puffed Balls
Finely ground popped millet blended with coconut, peanuts and jaggery is rolled into balls. These tasty balls have a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture and make a wholesome snack option.
Millet Butter Cookies
Millet flour adds nutrition to basic butter cookies. The cookies are crisp on the outside with a soft interior when freshly made. Flavors like cinnamon-raisin or chocolate chips take the cookies to another level.
Sweet Millet Halwa
Boiled and smashed millet grains cooked in milk and sugar create a fudgy halwa dessert. Dry fruits like raisins, cashews and almonds enhance flavor and texture. Halwa is often enjoyed as an afternoon snack in India.
Millet Granola Bars
Rolled oats, seeds, dried fruits and nuts bonded together with jaggery or honey taste best when made with millet flour. Granola bars provide sustained energy and take care of hunger pangs between meals.
Health Benefits of Eating Millet Snacks
Apart from being highly nutritious, eating millet snacks regularly conveys several health advantages:
– The antioxidant compounds in millet help scavenge free radicals and protect cells from oxidative damage. This lowers risk of chronic diseases.
– The dietary fiber bulk provided by millet promotes intestinal health and prevents constipation. It also aids weight control by keeping you feeling full for long periods.
– The magnesium content in millet regulates blood pressure levels and nerve functions in the body. It helps in reducing hypertension risks.
– Millet is gluten-free, making it a safe food option for people intolerant to gluten content in wheat and other grains. This prevents inflammation in the gut.
– Being rich in B vitamins, millet strengthens the nervous system, provides energy and boosts mood and memory.
– Phosphorus present in millet builds strong bones and teeth by facilitating calcium absorption. It reduces osteoporosis risks in older people.
millet based snacks are wholesome, nutritious and delicious options that offer numerous health advantages when consumed regularly. They make for perfect desk-side nibbles or travel snacks and help fulfill a body’s daily vitamin, mineral and fiber requirements in a planned way.
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*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public Source, Desk Research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author - Ravina Pandya
Ravina Pandya,a content writer, has a strong foothold in the market research industry. She specializes in writing well-researched articles from different industries, including food and beverages, information and technology, healthcare, chemicals and materials, etc. With an MBA in E-commerce, she has expertise in SEO-optimized content that resonates with industry professionals. LinkedIn Profile