Tag: Bhagar

According to the Journal of Food Science and Technology, bhagar, also known as barnyard millet, contains the highest dietary fiber content among millets, making the benefits of eating bhagar particularly significant for digestive health. This nutrient-rich, gluten-free grain is gaining popularity for its multifaceted contributions to overall health and wellness.

Bhagar, also known as moraiyo in Gujarati, is a nutrient-rich millet traditionally consumed during religious fasts like Navratri. This gluten-free grain is prized for its high fiber and protein content, making it a filling and healthy alternative to rice. In Gujarati households, bhagar millet is used for preparing a variety of delicious dishes, both sweet and savory.

Archaeological evidence suggests barnyard millet, also known as bhagar, has been cultivated for thousands of years, with mentions appearing in ancient texts like the Yajurveda. This nutrient-dense, gluten-free grain is widely known across India, particularly for its popular use during religious fasting periods.

With the International Year of Millets in 2023 increasing awareness, many are now comparing this ancient grain to popular superfoods. So, how does bhagar millet compare to quinoa? While both are gluten-free, nutritious ancient foods, they have distinct nutritional profiles and culinary uses.

According to a 2011 study cited by the National Institutes of Health, heat-treated barnyard millet (bhagar) has a low glycemic index (GI) of 41.7, making it a valuable addition to a diabetic diet. This finding supports the widespread belief that bhagar is good for diabetes by helping to manage blood sugar levels effectively.

Despite popular belief, quinoa is not a grain but a seed from a plant related to spinach and beets. This fact often leads people to question, 'Is bhagar similar to quinoa?' While both are popular gluten-free options often used in similar culinary roles, they have distinct nutritional profiles and origins.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, barnyard millet, commonly known as bhagar, is a nutritionally superior grain that can have a positive impact on blood glucose and cholesterol levels. This highly digestible food, often mistaken for rice, is a staple during fasting periods in India due to its wholesome nature.

Varai, also known as barnyard millet, is technically a gluten-free seed, not a cereal grain, and is a staple food for many during religious fasting periods in India. It is prized for its high nutrient density and easy digestibility, making it a popular and wholesome dietary choice.

While commonly treated as a grain in the kitchen, bhagar, or barnyard millet, is technically a seed from a small-seeded grass. This botanical distinction explains why this gluten-free 'pseudo-grain' is permitted during Hindu fasts where true grains are forbidden.

Over 2,000 years ago, millets were a dietary staple in Asia and Africa, and one lesser-known but highly nutritious variety is Bhagar. This article answers the question, "Which millet is Bhagar?" and delves into the origins, culinary uses, and health benefits of this important grain.