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🌾 Pearl Millet (Bajra / Kambu): The Nutritious Ancient Grain

 


🌾 Pearl Millet (Bajra / Kambu): The Nutritious Ancient Grain

🔬 Scientific Name: Pennisetum glaucum

🌍 Pearl Millet – Common Names Worldwide

🇮🇳 Indian Languages:

  • Hindi: बाजरा (Bajra)

  • Tamil: கம்பு (Kambu)

  • Telugu: సజ్జలు (Sajjalu)

  • Kannada: ಸಜ್ಜೆ (Sajje)

  • Malayalam: കമ്പു (Kambu)

  • Marathi: बाजरी (Bajri)

  • Gujarati: બાજરી (Bajri)

  • Bengali: বাজরা (Bajra)

  • Punjabi: ਬਾਜਰਾ (Bajra)

  • Odia: ବାଜ୍ରା (Bajra)

  • Urdu: باجرہ (Bajra)

🌏 Other Asian & African Languages:

  • Mandarin (China): 珍珠粟 (Zhēnzhū sù)

  • Japanese: パールミレット (Pāru miretto)

  • Korean: 진주수수 (Jinju susu)

  • Arabic: الدخن اللؤلؤي (Al-dukhn al-lu’lu’i)

  • Swahili: Mtama

  • French: Millet perlé

  • Spanish: Mijo perla

  • Portuguese: Milhete pérola

  • German: Perlhirse

🌎 Other Global Names:

  • Nigeria (Hausa): Gero

  • West Africa: Souna (Senegal), Hegni (Mali)

  • Nepali: बाजरा (Bajra)

  • Sri Lanka (Sinhala): Kurakkan


🌱 Key Features of Pearl Millet

Drought-resistant – Grows well in dry regions.
Gluten-free – Ideal for people with gluten intolerance.
Rich in nutrients – High in iron, protein, fiber, and magnesium.
Low glycemic index – Helps regulate blood sugar.


💪 Health Benefits

🩸 Boosts Iron & Fights Anemia

Pearl millet is packed with iron, making it great for preventing anemia.

💪 High Protein for Muscle Growth

Contains more protein than rice or wheat, supporting muscle repair.

🌾 Rich in Fiber for Digestion

Helps with digestion, prevents constipation, and promotes gut health.

🩺 Good for Diabetics

Its low glycemic index helps control blood sugar spikes.

❤️ Supports Heart Health

Contains magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure.

🔥 Energy-Boosting Grain

Provides slow-release energy, keeping you full for longer.


🍽️ How to Use Pearl Millet?

  • Roti / Bhakri (Flatbread)

  • Porridge (Sweet or savory)

  • Dosa / Idli (Fermented dishes)

  • Upma / Khichdi (Savory dishes)

  • Bajra Ladoo (Healthy sweet snack)


🌍 Why Should You Eat Pearl Millet?

Eco-friendly crop – Needs less water than wheat or rice.
Great for weight loss – High fiber keeps you full.
Affordable & nutritious – A superfood for all ages.


🌟 Conclusion

Pearl millet (Bajra / Kambu) is a powerhouse of nutrition and a climate-smart crop. Adding it to your diet can improve energy, digestion, and overall health while supporting sustainable farming.

Will you try Bajra today? 😊🌾

Guide to Millets: Nature’s Nutritional Powerhouses

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