If you have been avoiding snacks due to their low nutritional value, here’s good news! Snacks no longer need to be unhealthy or filled with high sugar content - let’s welcome the nutrition-rich millet puffs. These are a kind of puffed snacks made from millet grains, and these have been a boon for individuals on their weight loss journeys. Let’s understand the health benefits of millet puffs and why you can snack on them any time without guilt.
7 Reasons Millet Puffs Are Great for Your Health
Millet puffs are made of popped millet grains, which are a group of small-seeded ancient grasses having an exceptionally high nutritional profile and are grown as cereal crops worldwide. Millet puffs are usually made by roasting or baking millets, rendering a light and crispy texture. Furthermore, millet puffs (or any other millet snacks for that matter) are an excellent source of protein, fibre, and multiple micronutrients.
Let’s have a detailed overview of the numerous health benefits of millet puffs.
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Low-Fat Content
Millet puffs are relatively low in fat content and saturated fats, especially when they are roasted or baked, rather than fried, unlike other snacks. The primary ingredients of these millet puffs are usually ragi (finger millet) or jowar (sorghum), which naturally have a low-fat content. While purchasing millet puffs, check labels like “guilt-free” or “low fat”, which highlight that they are low in saturated fats and are safe for people with gluten sensitivities, celiac disease, or wheat allergies.
Besides, some millet types, such as bajra or pearl millet, contain omega-3 fatty acids. These are healthy fats that help promote heart health, reduce blood pressure levels, and improve overall cardiovascular health. Foxtail millet is another type of millet that contains oleic acids, which contribute to a low glycaemic index. You will get more information about the millet type on the packaging of the millet puff you are purchasing.
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A Low-Calorie, Nutrient-Rich Snack
Millet puffs are considered a healthy snack option suitable for people on a weight management or weight loss regimen. These are an excellent source of multiple nutrients, such as fibre, magnesium, iron, and phosphorus. Millet puffs are low in calories compared to fried foods or chips.
Therefore, dieticians often recommend this low-calorie snack for managing a healthy body weight. Millet snacks become lightweight when puffed, thereby increasing their volume to ensure satiety. As a result, they reduce frequent hunger pangs and keep the per-serving calorie intake relatively low.
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High in Fibre
Fibre is a type of carbohydrate that plays a vital role in boosting digestive function while controlling one’s blood sugar levels. Besides improving gut health, fibre is also known for reducing the risks of coronary heart disease and stroke, aiding in weight management, and preventing certain cancers, especially colon rectal cancer. Increasing fibre intake in your daily diet is also associated with lower risks of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and other conditions.
Therefore, replacing regular snacks with millet puffs can help regulate bowel movements, improve digestion, prevent diarrhoea and constipation, and control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. What’s more, fibre helps maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which helps to boost your optimal health and well-being. That’s because fibre functions as an excellent prebiotic that helps nourish the healthy bacteria in our gut. That answers why fibre is so effective in improving digestion, immune power, and even brain function.
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Gluten-Free
Millets puffs are gluten-free snacks, so these are ideal choices for individuals suffering from celiac disease, wheat allergies, or gluten sensitivities. Since millets are naturally gluten-free, many brands label their millet snacks as “gluten-free”. That’s because millets belong to a type of cereal grain family of grass, unlike wheat, rye, or barley, which are generally not suitable for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
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Rich in Antioxidants
Millet puffs are rich in antioxidants, including flavonoids and phenolic acids. These compounds are beneficial in protecting the cells from free radical damage or environmental stressors, thus minimising oxidative stress. The antioxidant properties of millets are retained even after they are processed into puffs.
Therefore, these healthy snacks can contribute to your daily antioxidant intake to maintain your overall well-being. Health professionals recommend the consumption of more antioxidant-rich foods, as they help reduce the risks of chronic diseases, protect against free radical cellular damage, and promote healthy aging.
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Controls Blood Sugar
Millets have a low glycaemic index, which maintains a slow and gradual release of glucose into the bloodstream. As a result, it prevents sudden spikes in blood sugar, thus regulating one’s blood sugar levels and preventing or controlling diabetes. Therefore, diabetics can consume millet puffs without guilt, and they can experience positive changes in their blood sugar levels.
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Improves Bone Health
Millets are an excellent source of phosphorus, an essential nutrient that helps strengthen teeth and bones. Puffed millets retain these nutrients and, therefore, they play a crucial role in boosting bone health. Moreover, phosphorus aids in cell repair, producing energy, strengthening the body’s tissues, maintaining healthy DNA and RNA structures, and promoting healthy muscle and nerve function.
Try Out Sabala’s Healthy and Yummy Millet Puffs
The healthy and tasty millet puffs from Sabala are versatile snacking options as one can incorporate them into any meal, such as breakfast cereals, salad or yogurt toppings, or trail mixes. Due to their lightweight nature and crunchiness, our millet puffs can be enjoyed with a wide variety of meals, apart from being a complete, healthy snack on their own.
You can find multiple flavours and varieties of millet puffs on our portal, including ones with added herbs, spices, and other delectable seasonings. Here are some flavourful millet puff snack options from Sabala.
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Pani Puri Puffs: Pani Puri lovers will be delighted with this desi snack that comes with a twist of crunchy and zesty Indian chat flavours.
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Peri Peri Puffs: Enjoy fiery and bold flavours with a blend of chili and garlic, and enjoy a guilt-free snacking time.
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Pizza Puffs: When it’s pizza night, opt for this snack as it combines the goodness of tangy tomatoes, cheesy pizzas, and aromatic Indian spices and herbs.
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Tangy Tomato Puffs: It contains a mix of Mexican salsa flavours clubbed with spices, green chilies, and juicy tomatoes.
The Takeaway
To conclude, millet puffs are naturally gluten-free, making them a healthier alternative to regular puffed snacks. Due to the presence of these essential nutrients, millet puffs aid in improving digestive function, gut health, heart function, blood sugar levels, and body weight. Enjoy a guilt-free snacking time and ditch the fatty and sugary foods for optimal well-being.
