What is millet? Is millet gluten free? Is it healthy? Interesting and important questions, especially for those on a gluten free diet. Although millet is underestimated grain, it is nutritios and delicious. Many millet products like flour, bread, muffins, cookies, can be used in tasty and yummy recipes.
Is millet gluten free? Is it healthy? What is millet?
Known as a food for birds, millet is valuable food for human body too.
What is millet?
Millet is among gluten free grains and may be added to various foods. Millet looks like small circular beads, which may be white, gray, red or yellow. The most widespread form is its pearl hulled variety. Since ancient times millet was very popular in Asia, and India. In the Middle Ages it became known in Europe, especially in its eastern part.
Is millet gluten free?
Yes, millet is a gluten free grain and is one of the greatest gluten free alternatives to wheat. Millet is very nutritious and do not contain gluten. It is one of the most digestible grains. Excellent source of copper, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium. Millet also contains B vitamins, tryptophan, and fiber. It also is alkaline.
Some of the millet health benefits are:
- Have heart-protective functions, because it is a good source of magnesium.
- It helps the development and recovery of body tissues. Phosphorus provided by millet, plays an important role in the structure of each human cell.
- Reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes, due to its manganese content.
- Can help reduce the affects of migraines and heart attacks, thanks to its content of manganese.
- Contains a good amount of fiber, which are important for the whole digestive tract.
Are millet flour, bread and other products gluten free?
As we mention above the answer of the question “Is millet gluten free?” is simple – YES. But you have to be careful with millet products if you have coeliac disease, gluten intolerance or wheat allergy. Millet flour, bread, muffins and other products of this grain can be produce in a same facility with other gluten contain grains (like wheat or rye). To avoid risk of cross-contamination, try find certified gluten free millet products.
Questions like “Is buckwheat flour gluten free?“, “Is spelt flour gluten free?” and “What can I eat?“are really important for people with gluten related diseases such as coeliac disease and non coeliac associated gluten sensitivity. You have to know which are the safe grains and how to choose gluten free products to avoid the cross-contamination.
