(WIMBI AFYA)

Looking for guilt-free indulgence in desserts? How about healthy desserts? The millet revolution is gaining momentum in the Kenyan culinary world, introducing nutrient-rich grains that are transforming the way we eat. With an increasing focus on health consciousness and demand for food diversity, these tiny grains have skyrocketed in popularity. Finger millet, once solely used for porridge, has now made its way back into modern kitchens, replacing wheat and all-purpose flour.

Millet flour is not only more nutritious but also packed with health benefits compared to refined wheat flour. It serves as an excellent source of fiber, providing satiety and helping to control calorie intake, resulting in weight reduction and a lower body mass index. Opting for millet-based breakfast cereals is a healthy choice that regulates blood sugar levels due to its lower glycemic index. The dietary fiber in millet improves the digestive system while combating constipation, flatulence, bloating, and cramping. Additionally, the presence of phytochemicals in millets lowers the risk of cancer.

The versatility of millet allows for various incorporations and forms, making it highly prized among those following a gluten-free diet. It serves as an excellent substitute for other grains like quinoa or brown rice. In Ethiopia, it is used to make injera, a spongy flatbread, while in Kenya, it finds its way into brownies. In India, millet is utilized to balance savory flavors as well.

Baking with millet can sometimes pose a challenge due to its gluten-free nature. Gluten provides a binding action that shapes rounded cakes, cookies, and other baked goods. To overcome this, millet flour requires a supplementary ingredient that mimics the binding properties of gluten. Adding protein sources like eggs aids in binding. For those who don’t consume eggs, alternative options like xanthan gum, known for its excellent binding capabilities in gluten-free flours, can be used. Other ingredients such as chia, flax, and psyllium husk also contribute to the binding process.

Millets offer more essential amino acids than most other cereals, serving as the building blocks of protein. Finger millet, in particular, boasts the highest calcium content among all cereal grains, providing 13% of the Daily Value. Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health, blood vessel and muscular contractions, and proper nerve function. Millets are starchy, protein-rich grains, also abundant in phosphorus and magnesium, with finger millet standing out as the cereal with the highest calcium content.

The Benefits of Millets:

• May help lower blood sugar levels: Rich in fiber and non-starchy polysaccharides, millet aids in controlling blood sugar levels. With a low glycemic index, it is considered an ideal grain for people with diabetes.

• Rich in antioxidants: Millet contains antioxidants that protect your body from harmful oxidative stress. Darker-colored millet varieties offer even higher antioxidant content than their white counterparts.

• Fits a gluten-free diet: Being gluten-free, millet is an excellent choice for individuals with celiac disease or those following a gluten-free diet. It is rich in antioxidants, soluble fiber, and protein.

• May help lower cholesterol: Millet contains soluble fiber that assists in reducing harmful cholesterol levels in the blood. This soluble fiber becomes a gel in your stomach, absorbing cholesterol and safely carrying it out of your system.

Embracing this ancient grain has been one of the best choices the world has made. Try out healthy millet recipes using Wimbi Afya flour, such as tea cakes, brownies, pancakes, millet-stuffed chicken, and millet shakes from our website https://winniespurehealth.co.ke/recipes/. Indulge in the goodness