Millet porridge: health benefits and harms

Once upon a time, millet porridge was a frequent guest on the tables of our ancestors, but today it is not an obligatory dish in the human diet. However, experts unanimously argue about the benefits of millet porridge. We offer a closer look at this dish, its history, composition and value for human health.

History of millet porridge

Millet is the peeled fruit of a cereal called millet. Growing and eating millet began in the XNUMXth century BC. in Mongolia and China. The ancient Chinese prepared from it not only porridge, but also sweet dishes, kvass, flour and soups.

Gradually, the plant spread throughout the world, and millet became the basis of nutrition in Asia, Southern Europe and North Africa, and from the XNUMXrd century BC. millet began to be grown in the territories of modern Our Country. Before the appearance of potatoes, the most popular dish in all families, regardless of the level of income, was millet porridge.

Porridge made from “gold grains” was considered an obligatory dish during important events in the life of the family – it was served on the table both on joyful and sad occasions. Be sure to eat millet porridge during important fasts, filling the body with vitamins and performing an important ritual role.

When concluding a peace treaty, the princes necessarily cooked millet porridge together and ate it in front of the squads and the people, thereby confirming peace and friendship. Without this rite, the contract was not considered valid.

Composition and calorie content

Now millet groats are not as popular as they used to be. But, if you look at its chemical composition, you will involuntarily think about introducing this product into the diet.

The composition of millet groats is diverse: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber, starch, pectin. Micro and macro elements are presented in large quantities: magnesium, iron, fluorine, calcium. Vitamins A, PP, E and group B are present.

The benefits of millet porridge

– Millet porridge is an extremely useful product for people of any age, – says gastroenterologist-hepatologist Olga Arisheva. – Millet porridge is a source of “slow” carbohydrates and is rich in fiber. Millet also has a lipotropic effect – it prevents the deposition of fats and absorbs toxins in the body.

The vitamins and minerals that make up millet normalize blood pressure, strengthen blood vessels, reduce the risk of stroke, normalize the liver and digestive system, improve skin tone and smooth wrinkles.

The beneficial properties of phosphorus in millet help strengthen bones and reduce their fragility, which is especially important for children and the elderly.

The high content of silicon and fluorine is indispensable for the health of nails, hair and teeth, making them stronger. And B vitamins strengthen the nervous system and increase the body’s resistance to stress and depression.

Harm of millet porridge

– With a large number of useful properties of millet porridge, you should not lean heavily on it either – this can lead to constipation. That is why it is recommended to be excluded from the menu for people suffering from digestive problems. In rare cases, there is an allergic reaction to millet porridge, notes Olga Arisheva.

Also, the use of millet porridge should be limited to people with thyroid diseases, since millet contains a small amount of compounds that prevent iodine metabolism.

The use of millet porridge in medicine

According to Olga Arisheva, millet dishes are useful for diabetes, atherosclerosis, diseases of the liver, pancreas, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Experts recommend using millet porridge during antibiotic therapy, as it helps to cleanse the body of chemicals.

Application in cooking

Millet porridge with pumpkin in a pot

A simple recipe for a bright, hearty and healthy dish. Porridge cooked in a pot in the oven is tender, light and fragrant

Remove the skin and seeds from the pumpkin, cut it into cubes. Rinse the millet in cold water and pour over with boiling water to get rid of its inherent bitterness. Pour milk into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Add pumpkin to boiling milk and cook for about 5 minutes.

Then add salt and millet. Cook covered over low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add sugar or honey.

Fill the pots with porridge and add a piece of butter to each. Cover the pots with a lid and bake in an oven preheated to 180 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Millet porridge pancakes

Millet porridge pancakes are an affordable and tasty dish. They are quick and easy to make and are fluffy and delicious.

Pour pre-washed millet with milk and put on fire. After boiling, add salt and cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes. Cool the porridge to room temperature. Beat in eggs and sugar, mix. Add flour and baking powder, mix until smooth.

Heat the vegetable oil in a frying pan and put the pancakes with a spoon. Fry over moderate heat for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.

How to choose and store

Millet is advised to buy in factory packaging, not by weight, in order to minimize grain contamination. It should be a rich yellow color. Dullness often indicates improper storage conditions or the expired shelf life of cereals.

Store millet in a glass jar or ceramic dish with an airtight lid, in a dry place, avoiding direct sunlight.

Ready-made millet porridge cooked in water can be stored in the refrigerator for no more than 2 days, the shelf life of porridge cooked in milk is less – a day maximum.

Popular questions and answers

We talked about millet porridge with  gastroenterologist-hepatologist, Ph.D. Olga Arisheva.