5 Ways Millets Can Help You To Lose weight

Millets can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Millets are low in calories and rich in complex carbohydrates, fibers, and proteins. They keep you satiated for a long, fulfill your nutritional requirements, and reduce cravings for junk food.

These healthy grains help in improving your digestion, regulating your sugar levels, and lowering your cholesterol levels. All of these contribute to healthy weight loss.

Different types of millet

• Pearl millet or bajra – This is one of the best millets for weight loss. It is extremely low in calories and high in dietary fiber. It keeps you full for longer without increasing your calorie intake.
• Finger millet, or ragi – If you are looking for a diet to complement your gym sessions, then add ragi to your diet. It is a very rich source of calcium. It is also rich in iron, protein, and fiber. 
• Sorghum or Jowar – This millet is perfect for boosting your metabolism. It is rich in vitamin B and helps improve bone and heart health. It is ideal for diabetics and people seeking a weight management diet. 

Millets and weight loss

• Millets are low in calories

Millets are extremely low in calories. They are a suitable replacement for your regular white rice. This can help you reduce your daily calorie intake.

• Millets are rich in fibre

Millets are an excellent source of fiber. The fiber in millets can keep you full for longer.

• Millets have a low GI 

Millets have a low glycemic index. They release glucose slowly into the bloodstream. This helps regulate your blood sugar levels and keeps you full for longer. If you are a diabetic or pre-diabetic patient, then maintaining your blood sugar levels can also aid in weight loss.

• Millets are a great source of protein

Millets are a great source of protein for vegetarians. They contain all the essential amino acids that are essential for our body. Having a protein-rich diet is very important when you are aiming to lose weight, especially if you are engaging in increased physical activity. This helps in preventing muscle loss.

• Helps in Digestion

As I have already mentioned millets are rich in fibre and a diet is very good for digestion. It helps prevent constipation, bloating, and acidity. Good digestion also boosts your metabolism and mood, which too can aid in weight loss.

Caution

Millet is goitrogenic. High consumption of millet might interfere with iodine absorption in the body. So, if you are planning to switch your bowl of rice to millet then make sure to limit it to three times a week. You can have brown rice white rice or wheat on other days. Also, people with Hypothyroidism should limit their consumption of millet.

Conclusion

Millets are a proven dietary addition for weight loss. Several studies have reported the efficacy of millet in weight loss. It not only helps you shed those extra calories, but it also boosts your immunity and reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases. 

Many health enthusiasts have switched their bowls of rice for millet and they have reported positive results without any side effects. The different millet varieties are easy to cook and can be included in different ways in your daily diet.