Is Millet Gluten-Free?
Millet grains come from small-seeded grasses which are harvested for their nutritious grains. Added to many dishes around the world such as flatbreads, porridges, drinks and more, or made into alcoholic beverages such as millet beer, millet is extremely versatile.
Millet has long been considered a staple in diets around the world, but it’s only recently that it’s become popular as a gluten-free food. It’s true: millet in its natural form is gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for people avoiding wheat, barley and rye in their diets.
It’s always best to play it safe with grains due to the high risk of cross contamination from wheat, barley and rye. As such, you should always confirm that any millet products you buy are indeed certified gluten-free before consuming them.
Although millet is naturally gluten-free, research indicates that consuming lots of millet may have an adverse effect on thyroid health – so those with this disease should speak with their healthcare professional first before adding this grain to their diet.
What Are Millets?
Millets are a plant-based cereal grain that is gluten-free and packed with nutritional benefits. They are often mistaken for birdseed, but humans can benefit from eating them too! Millet has a mild sweet flavor and it cooks very quickly, making it perfect for busy morning breakfasts.
It also provides incredible versatility because it can be used in savory dishes like stir fries, sweet desserts, and even raw in bread dough to add a crunchy texture.
An interesting fact about millets is that they have a high PH level, meaning they are alkaline rather than acidic which makes them easier to digest compared to other grains. Furthermore, this makes them great at balancing the body’s natural tendency towards acidity.
So next time you’re looking for some healthy alternatives to your typical breakfast fare or want to make an addition to your baked goods recipes be sure to consider millet as one of your options!
Is Millet Flour Gluten-free?
Millet flour is a gluten-free grain, so it is naturally gluten-free. However, with any processed grain, it’s important to take into consideration the facility where it was processed. If the millet flour was ground in a shared facility, there is a chance that cross contamination could have occurred with gluten-containing grains.
To ensure that you get a gluten-free millet flour, look for packages labeled “gluten-free” or “processed in a gluten-free facility” near the ingredients list. Popular brands such as Bob’s Red Mill, Anthony’s and Arrowhead Mills offer millet flour with clear gluten-free labels on their product packaging.
Not everyone can easily digest gluten, and millet flour is an easy and tasty way of incorporating more grains into your diet without having to worry about unwanted side effects. So make sure to check the label when selecting millet flour and enjoy the delicious nutty flavour!
Health Benefits Of Millets
Millet is an ancient grain that has many health benefits. It is a good source of magnesium, antioxidants, tryptophan, niacin, protein, and phosphorus. Studies have found it can help to prevent diabetes and inflammation as well as reducing the risk of constipation, migraines and heart attacks.
Just 100g of millet contains 9 grams of fiber which helps keep your gut happy and healthy due to its high soluble fiber content.
In addition to the health benefits above, millet is also said to improve digestive health by balancing pH levels in the intestines due to its alkaline nature. It can even help regulate blood pressure by promoting sodium excretion from the body.
Lastly, it is low in carbohydrates but still rich in vitamins and minerals which makes it an excellent choice for people looking to manage their weight or maintain blood sugar levels between meals.
Millet is a fantastic alternative to traditional grains like wheat or barley and should be included in any balanced diet plan as it offers a wealth of nutritional value while being free from gluten.
How To Cook Millet?
Millet is a grain that does not contain gluten, which makes it an ideal choice for people who are looking to avoid this allergen. But how do you prepare millet? Here’s what you need to know.
The first step in cooking millet is to rinse it thoroughly in cold water. This will get rid of any dirt or debris, and help the grain cook more evenly. Once the millet is rinsed, add it to a pot along with two cups of liquid – usually broth or water works best.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 20 minutes until all the liquid has been absorbed and the millet is tender.
Once your millet has finished cooking, fluff it up with a fork and let it sit for five minutes before serving. You can also season your millet with fresh herbs and spices for extra zest! If desired, you can even stir in some melted butter or olive oil for added flavor.
Millet is a delicious grain that doesn’t contain gluten – follow these steps to easily whip up a tasty meal!
How To Use Millet?
Millet is an incredibly versatile ingredient that is full of health benefits and can make many dishes gluten-free. When you’re looking to expand your gluten-free cooking repertoire, millet is a great choice.
Here are a few tips on how to use millet to make the most out of this ingredient in your cooking:
1. As a side dish – You can either cook it on its own or with some herbs and vegetables for added flavor.
2. Add it to salads – Millet adds extra texture and crunch to salads, and it makes them more interesting than just leafy greens alone.
3. Use in Veggie or Black Bean Burgers – Use cooked millet as a binder for veggie burgers, adding extra flavor and nutrition to your go-to veggie patties!
4. Use as Gluten-free Breadcrumbs – Put cooked millet into a food processor and add seasonings you like. Then blend up until they look like breadcrumbs, perfect for meatloaf or other recipes in place of traditional wheat breadcrumbs.
What Are Some Gluten-Free Grains?
Those who are looking for gluten-free options can find plenty of nutritious and healthy alternatives. Gluten-free grains include quinoa, amaranth, millet, buckwheat, sorghum, teff, and wild rice.
All of these grains are naturally gluten-free and provide a wide range of valuable nutrients to benefit your health.
1. Sorghum
Sorghum is an ancient grain native to Africa and Asia that offers a wealth of health benefits. Unlike wheat, rice, and other grains, sorghum does not contain gluten and is therefore suitable for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
Sorghum contains several beneficial compounds such as antioxidants which act to reduce oxidative stress in the body and lower your risk for chronic diseases.
Additionally, it is a great source of dietary source of fiber which will help slow down the absorption of sugars from food, helping to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
2. Buckwheat
Buckwheat is a grain-like seed unrelated to wheat that is gluten-free. It is packed with antioxidants, including rutin and quercetin, which can help improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease and lower inflammation and oxidative stress.
3. Amaranth
Amaranth is another gluten-free grain-like seed that packs a powerful punch of antioxidants and nutrients. It is high in fiber, which may help to reduce cholesterol levels and support weight loss.
It also has proteins containing all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete source of plant-based protein. Furthermore, amaranth boasts an excellent nutritional profile including B vitamins, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
4. Teff
Teff is a tiny yet powerful grain that is one of the smallest grains in the world. Despite being only 1/100th of the size of a kernel of wheat, it has plenty to offer in terms of nutrition.
It contains high levels of protein, which can help people feel satiated and reduce cravings, as well as boost metabolism.
Teff also provides a good portion of the daily recommended fiber intake. Fiber has been associated with weight loss, reduced appetite, and improved digestive regularity.
5. Oats
Oats are a fantastic source of nutrition and health benefits, but you may be wondering if they contain gluten. The answer is no—oats are naturally gluten-free. However, oats can become contaminated with gluten during the processing stage. So, always look for labels that indicate that the oats were processed in a certified gluten-free facility.
6. Corn
Corn is one of the most popular gluten-free grains consumed around the world. It is a great choice for people with celiac disease or any other type of gluten intolerance. Corn is high in fiber, which means it can help promote healthy digestion.
It also contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which are carotenoids that possess antioxidant properties. Studies show that these compounds may reduce the risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration, two conditions that often occur in the aging population.
7. Brown rice
Brown rice is one of the healthiest gluten-free grains available, and it’s a great source of many micronutrients. Unlike white rice, which is refined to remove the bran and germ from the grain, brown rice is unrefined and retains its nutritional value.
Brown rice also has more fiber than white rice, making it an excellent choice for those following a gluten-free diet.
Hey'all I'm Amy, a born foodie and diagnosed with celiac disease 7 years ago. I refused to cave into tasteless, boring gulten free food and create my own!
On my blog you'll find info & cool facts along with recipes, all on gluten free foods!