Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Millet
May 06, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Zhengxin
Introduction
Nutritional Value and Health Benefits of Millet:
Millet helps protect the gastric mucosa, shielding it from damage caused by irritating foods. It contains tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes melatonin secretion, thereby prolonging sleep duration and improving sleep quality. Additionally, millet is rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins, which enhance gastrointestinal motility.
Millet, also known in northern China as “gu zi” (grain), enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Kidney meridians. It boasts exceptionally high nutritional value, containing abundant vitamin B1, vitamin B12, vitamin E, amino acids, dietary fiber, and various minerals—including zinc, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. Millet functions to tonify the Spleen and Stomach, nourish the blood, calm the mind, and promote skin health and beauty. Its specific benefits are summarized below:
First, it tonifies and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach. As millet enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians, it helps protect the gastric mucosa from damage caused by irritating foods. For patients with gastritis or gastric ulcers, cooking millet into a very soft, thoroughly simmered porridge can aid recovery.
Second, it calms the mind and nourishes the Heart. Clinically, millet has been found to contain tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes melatonin secretion. Melatonin plays a key role in regulating sleep—prolonging sleep duration and improving sleep quality—thereby helping to reduce anxiety.
Third, it supports digestion. Millet is rich in both dietary fiber and B-complex vitamins. Dietary fiber absorbs water, stimulates gastric acid secretion, enhances gastrointestinal motility, facilitates digestion, reduces intestinal transit time, and alleviates constipation.
