Foxtail Millet - தினை

Foxtail Millet -- தினை

• Foxtail Millet is an annual grass grown for human food. It is the second-most widely planted species of millet, and the most grown millet species in Asia. The oldest evidence of foxtail millet cultivation was found along the ancient course of the yellow river in China, Carbon dated to be from 8700 BC. Foxtail millet has also been grown in India since antiquity.
• In India, foxtail millet is still an important crop in its arid and semi-arid regions. In South India, it has been a staple diet among people for a long time from the sangam period. It is referred to often in old Tamil texts and is commonly associated with Lord Muruga and his consort Valli.
• Health Benefits:-
  Foxtail Millet is rich in Vitamin B12 which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, smooth functioning of the nervous system, and in general good for skin and hair growth.
• A diet including Foxtail Millet may improve glycemic control and reduce insulin, cholesterol and fasting glucose in Type-2 diabetes patients.
• Compared to white rice or wheat, millets are high on fibre and control blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Idli, dosa or chapatti are easily digested and,there will be excessive insulin secretion leading to weight gain. With millets, you eat slow and consume less because of the fibre content