Originating from Asia, panicle millet is one of the oldest cereals in the world. Especially in Asia and North Africa, the panicle millet is still one of the most important cereals today. Because it contains a high content of minerals and vitamins, the panicle millet is popular in nutrition and also used as a remedy.
Occurrence and cultivation of panicle millet.
The name millet comes from the ancient Germanic word “hirsi”, which means satiety. The panicle millet or also real millet is assigned to the family of the sweet grasses and belongs to the oldest kinds of grain. It was already used about 6000 BC. The name millet comes from the old Germanic word “hirsi”, which means saturation. Today it is mostly grown only in Asia and North America, as it has been displaced in Europe by the cultivation of corn and potatoes. In the Middle Ages, this cereal was considered the “poor man’s bread” and was widely used. To develop the ingredients, millet is heated, boiled or roasted. Millet has no special soil requirements and can be grown even in sandy soils. However, it is highly susceptible to frost and requires warmer temperatures. The plant grows to a height of about 0.5 to 1.5 m and has pendulous panicles on which the ears are attached. The grains are usually white or yellowish in color. The flowering period is from June to September.
Effect and application
Panicle millet can be used in everyday nutrition as well as a medicinal agent. However, a significant amount of the harvested millet is also used as bird feed and incorporated into industrially produced dog and cat food. Millet can be purchased and processed both as meal, as grain, as flakes, as flour, or as husks. Millet contains protein, various amino acids and fatty acids, which are over 50 percent unsaturated. Above all, millet is known for its high content of iron and silicic acid. Silicic acid strengthens bones, connective tissue and skin, provides replenishment of hormones and regulates water balance, which positively supports the whole metabolism. It also rejuvenates and detoxifies the body. Unhulled millet grains contain much more vital substances than hulled millet. Since millet does not contain gluten, it is not possible to make bread or pastries from it alone. However, it can be added to other flour in bread or pastries or prepared as porridge. There it is mostly used as a food supplement or to relieve gastrointestinal complaints. It is also used in heating pads. As a medicinal plant, it is nowadays mostly used against the symptoms of aging and diseases of civilization. Brown millet , which is the red-orange form of panicle millet, is usually sold unhulled and is used as a dietary supplement for various chronic ailments. Especially in osteoarthritis brown millet is usually used very successfully. Brown millet is usually found in the form of flour in stores. In a special grinding process, the marginal layers are so finely ground that they are easily digestible. The ingredients are not destroyed in the process and thus remain contained. Flakes or flakes can be sprinkled over mueslis or fruit salads. Brown millet contains more nutrients overall than golden millet. Because brown millet is ground very finely, it does not need to be cooked or heated and can therefore be eaten raw. Brown millet provides a very important mineral with the silicon it contains, which contributes to the growth of hair and fingernails, but also has a beneficial effect on the joints. 100g of millet contain about 50 mg of silicon. Other cereals such as rye or wheat contain just 9 mg of silicon per 100g. Due to the inhibitory effect on inflammation, the silicon contained can also be used in inflammatory phases within various diseases.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Since millet is gluten-free, it can be used specifically by people who suffer from gluten intolerance. In addition, because millet does not contain gluten, it can be used for dietary nutrition. However, millet shines not only with its good tolerance, but also with its high micronutrient content. Especially the contained silicon, which has a positive effect on joints, skin and hair, is of great importance for the body.To avoid a long-term undersupply of silicon, millet should be incorporated into the daily diet. Regular intake of millet, especially brown millet, can improve various chronic diseases in many people. It can also prevent cellulite and improve dental health. However, brown millet is always said to be harmful, because it also contains secondary plant substances, which are not suitable for consumption. These substances are mainly polyphenols and phytic acid. However, these substances have negative effects only if they are ingested in high doses. However, if they are added to the diet only as a small component, they are harmless. In addition, polyphenols are antioxidant substances and thus help protect humans from free radicals. According to recent findings, phytic acid is also believed to have a cancer-protective effect and regulate blood sugar levels. To support the diet and avoid overdosing, about one to four tablespoons of millet in the form of flour, flakes or flakes per day should be integrated into the meal.
