Banao Bajra Flour Pearl Millet Flour 500 Gm

Bajra flour is made from the small round grains of black millet, also called bajra. … The grains are dried and then processed into flour. When ground, the flour is greyish in colour and has a slightly nutty flavour. Since it is a heat-producing ingredient, it is commonly used in winters..

Bajra flour is made from the small round grains of black millet, also called bajra. … The grains are dried and then processed into flour. When ground, the flour is
greyish in colour and has a slightly nutty flavour. Since it is a heat-producing ingredient, it is commonly used in winters.
Not so long ago, when rice was still reigning the power as a superhero among foods – there were another bunch of food items that made a quite comeback into our kitchens. Millets, as they are collectively known were in fact, nothing new for us Indians but these tiny grains which went missing for over 4 decades from our kitchen shelves, not only made a grand entrance, but also reclaimed and cemented a spot – all thanks to mindful eaters and nutritionists with a conservative approach towards food.
Known as Bajra in Hindi and Bengali, Sajjalu in Telugu, Kambu in Tamil and Malayalam, Sajje in Kannada, Bajri in Gujarati – Pearl Millet goes with the scientific name Cenchrus americanus and is a world’s widely grown millet in India and West Africa. It is also popularly known as African Millet or Spiked Millet in various parts of the world. According to archaeobotanical researchers, the cultivation of Bajra dates back to 2000 BC and was first cultivated in Hallur district of Karnataka.

Today, Rajasthan is the top producer of Bajra, as this unique crop usually cultivated during summers can withstand harsh climate, drought, low soil fertility and can yield good harvest even in the lands with low salinity and higher pH. Though Bajra has been a culinary staple for thousands of years, it became greatly popular in the recent years, owing to its high nutritional value.
Nutritional Facts
Bajra Nutrition Facts Amount: 1 cupWeight: 200 g

Nutrients Amount ( gram)
Proteins 22 g

Water 17.3 g

Total Calories 756 kcal

Total Carbohydrates 146

Dietary Fiber 17 g

Fat & Fatty Acids

Total Fat 8.4 g

Saturated Fat 1.4 g

Monounsaturated Fat 1.5 g

Polyunsaturated Fat 4.3 g

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 236 mg

Omega-6 Fatty Acids 4 g

Vitamins

Vitamin E 100 mcg

Vitamin K 1.8 mcg

Thiamine 842 mcg

Riboflavin 580 mcg

Niacin 9.4 mg

Vitamin B6 768 mcg

Foliate 170 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1.7 mg

Minerals

Calcium 16 mg

Iron 6 mg

Magnesium 228 mg

Phosphorus 570 mg

Potassium 390 mg

Sodium 10 mg

Zinc 3.4 mg

Copper 1.5 mg

Manganese 3.3 mg

Selenium 5.4 mcg

Pearl Millet has about 378 calories per 100 gm of weight

Health Benefits Of Bajra
Prevents Type 2 Diabetes:
Diabetes is a chronic condition that is affecting millions around the world. Sudden spike of sugar levels is a cause of concern and dietary habits play a pivotal role in controlling blood glucose. Bajra being an amazing combination of good carbs along with ample amounts of dietary fibre makes an ideal diet for those suffering from diabetes. If you are a pre-diabetic or if this chronic condition runs in the family, putting you at higher risk, consume Bajra at least thrice a week for providing your body with the benefit of slowly digestible starch which can regulate glucose and to also lower the risk of this lifestyle disorder.

Make it a practice to eat Bajra roti mixed with methi or fenugreek powder or leaves at least twice a week, to witness better results.

Aids In Weight Loss:
Being overweight comes with various health problems and if you are looking forward to shedding those extra fat, Pearl Millet should top your food choices. Rich in protein, Bajra helps in building, strengthening the muscles and repairs tissue. It is an ideal food choice for the vegetarians who want to cut down on carb intake.
Heart Healthy:
Heart is a vital organ and a regulated diet helps it to function at the optimum level. Bajra is a powerhouse of magnesium and potassium which plays a crucial role in dilating blood vessels facilitating better blood circulation. Regular intake of Pearl Millet aids in reducing bad or LDL cholesterol thus preventing blocks in the arteries, as this wonder millet is a rich source of Omega – 3 fatty acids, plant lignans.

Eases Digestion:
Healthy gut is an indication of overall health and Bajra aids in achieving good digestion and in preventing constipation. Being a gluten-free cereal, it is ideal for those suffering from celiac disease. If you are battling constipation, consume bajra regularly as the insoluble fibre in it adds bulk to the stool and regulates bowel movements.

Natural Detoxifier:
Pearl Millet is a mix of amazing components and antioxidants including phenols, tannins and phytic acid which can prevent stroke, cardiovascular problems and various types of cancer. The catechins, quercetin in Bajra cleanse liver, kidney and detoxify the body from within besides promoting beautiful skin.

Boosts Lung Power:
Bajra is an ideal winter food, especially for those suffering from asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD. The anti-inflammatory properties in Pearl Millet and the presence of Omega-3 oils reduce swelling, clear mucous and aid in proper breathing.

Combats Acidity:
Bajra falls into the category of alkaline foods, which means it is an ideal choice of food for fighting acidity. Building up of gases can lead to various other complications like severe discomfort in the chest, burning sensation in the stomach and oesophagus. Acidity can be dealt by following strict diet rules like consuming bland foods, eating on time. Bajra mixed with vegetables reduces acidity considerably.

Pregnancy Food:
If you are pregnant, Pearl Millet is your must-have cereal, thanks to its rich presence of Vitamin B9 also known as folic acid. Folate is a crucial for forming DNA and RNA and is key for producing red blood cells, a major factor that can define the growth rate of the foetus in the pregnancy.

Strengthens Bones:
If you are above 30 and already experiencing joint pains, get Bajra on to your diet list. This phosphorous rich millet along with calcium strengthens bones, prevents joint pains and also averts the risk of chronic conditions like osteoporosis.

Improves Eyesight:
Night blindness is a chronic condition and could be hereditary in few cases. Poor eyesight in children and adults can cause serious complications and Bajra, loaded with vitamin A and zinc prevents night blindness, provides better eyesight and reduces other vision related problems like macular degeneration or presbyopia.

Beats Fatigue:
Do you suddenly feel tired and wondering what could be wrong? Sudden fatigue is often a symbol of poor metabolism and the body needs to be fuelled in the form of food for that instant energy. Bajra being rich in Vitamin B1 helps in better absorption of the nutrients in to the body by converting it into Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP.

Skin and Hair Health:
Pearl Millet is a powerhouse of various nutrients that can contribute highly towards ravishing skin and healthy hair growth. All thanks to the presence of protein, fibre, iron, zinc, folate and niacin, this super food strengthens hair follicles, makes the skin glow from within.

Also Read: Lockdown Essentials: 5 Flour Varieties To Stock In Kitchen To Meet Your Daily Requirements

How To Cook Bajra/Pearl Millet:
Bajra is a hard to touch millet and needs a lot of soaking before cooking. It is a general belief that it is very tough to cook but with these simple tips, you can cut down on cooking time without compromising on the nutrients. Furthermore, soaking reduces ‘phytic-acid’, an anti-nutrient on the outer surface of the grain for better absorption of the nutrients into the body.

Steps To Cook Bajra:
If you are using it as a whole grain, soak it overnight or up to 8 hours

Always use a pressure cooker to save on the cooking time. Add enough water and cook for 4 to 5 whistles to get sticky rice consistency