Kodu Millet / Varagu 500G

Description

Kodo millets or magical millets are the must-have millets in your meals. Kodo millet or Paspalum scrobiculatum belongs to the family Poaceae, and is locally known as rice grass, ditch millet, cow grass in English, araka in Telugu and kodra in Marathi. Kodo millet grains are annual grains ranging from light red to dark grey. The cultivation of kodo millets started in India about 3000 years ago.

Kodo millets show numerous scientifically proven properties; some of these properties are mentioned below:

• It may have antioxidant properties.
• It may lower blood glucose levels.
• It may lower blood pressure.
• It may have anti-allergic properties.
• It may be able to halt the abnormal growth of cells.
• It may have the ability to reduce abnormally high lipid levels.
• It may have antibacterial properties

Potential Uses of Kodo Millets for Overall Health:

Some of the potential benefits of kodo millets are described as follows:

Potential uses of kodo millets on Lipid profile

Hyperlipidemia is the elevation in lipid components like triglycerides, total cholesterol and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein. Narra et al. conducted a study in 2013 to assess the effects of kodo millets on hyperlipidemia in rats. The results of this study showed that kodo millets helped reduce total cholesterol, triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein and caused a significant increase in high-density lipoprotein. This indicates that kodo millets may positively impact lipid profile. However, we need more clinical studies to support these claims in humans.⁴

Potential uses of kodo millets for bacterial infections  

Literature shows that the consumption of kodo millets may have the potential to manage bacterial infections. A review conducted by Sharma et al. in 2016 stated that kodo millets could inhibit the growth of bacteria like S.aureus, Bacillus cereus, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Enterococcus faecalis which cause urinary tract infections, diarrhoea, etc. Thus, kodo millets may help manage bacterial infections. However, we need more studies to support these claims.⁵

Potential uses of kodo millets for type-2 diabetes 

Type-2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterised by an increase in blood glucose due to decreased production or resistance to a hormone called insulin which regulates blood glucose. A review conducted by Han et al. in 2022 stated that kodo millets might have the potential to decrease blood glucose levels. This effect is attributed to polyphenols, which inhibit enzymes that break down carbohydrates into simpler sugars and increase blood glucose. Additionally, kodo millets have a low glycemic index. Therefore, kodo millets may have the potential to manage type-2 diabetes. However, there are not enough studies to support these claims.⁶

Potential uses of kodo millets in cancer 

Literature studies have supported the use of kodo millets and reduced risk of cancers. Chandrasekara et al. in 2010 conducted a review stating that kodo millets may potentially reduce cancer initiation and progression. This anti-cancer effect is attributed to the presence of phenolic acids, phytic acids and tannins in the grain. This indicates that kodo millets may reduce the risk of certain cancers. However, we need more scientific evidence to support these claims.¹

Potential uses of kodo millets in malnutrition

Malnutrition is defined as the deficiency, excess or imbalance in the intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition addresses 3 broad groups of conditions:

1. Undernutrition

2. Micronutrient-related malnutrition

3. Overweight

Kodo millets are highly nutritious due to the presence of carbohydrates, proteins, dietary fibres, vitamins like niacin, riboflavin and minerals like calcium, iron and phosphors. Kodo millets are also rich in antioxidants and phenolic compounds like vanillic acid, gallic acid, tannins, ferulic acid etc. Vinoth et al. in 2017 conducted a review stating that kodo millets may help manage micronutrient-related malnutrition. Thus, the consumption of kodo millets may positively impact malnutrition. Though scientific evidence to support these claims is limited, we need more studies to ascertain these claims with better results.⁷

Other potential uses of kodo millets

• In Ayurveda, kodo millets have been used to provide relief from joint pain.
• Kodo millets may help in irregular menstrual cycles. High potassium content in kodo millets may help reduce abdominal cramps during the menstrual cycle. However, the exact mechanism behind these benefits has yet to be fully understood.^2,3
• Being a rich source of dietary fibers, kodo millets may help in managing constipation by improving bowel movements.³
• Kodo millets also help in weight loss, by increasing satiety due to the presence of fibres and proteins, which reduces overeating.³
• Kodo millets are rich in a protein called collagen, which increases the elasticity of the skin and may help in reducing wrinkles.⁸
• Kodo millets are loaded with prebiotic fibres, which may help improve gut health.³

Though there are studies that show the benefits of kodo millets in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of kodo millets on human health. 

In my knowledge, kodo millets with their abundance of nutrients, have been found to have great benefits. They’re not just for filling your plate; they might actually help with inflammation, haemorrhages (excessive bleeding), and general weakness.

Dr. Smita barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

How to Use Kodo millets?

• Kodo millets are ground into flour and blended with other cereal flour to prepare bakery items like biscuits, cakes, muffins, pasta, etc. Kodo millet flour can also be used to make chapattis.
• Kodo millet flour is used to prepare fermented foods like dosa, idli, etc.
• Kodo millet is also used to prepare porridge, pulao, etc.¹