Siri dhanyalu or Millets:

Siridhanyalu in english Millets is nature’s gift to mankind. They are small in size and packed with loads of nutrients. siridhanyalu list 

Korralu(foxtail millet), 

Udhalu(barnyard millet),  

Arikelu(kodo millet), 

Samalu(little millet), and 

Korralu(browntop millet ) are together called siridhanya.

They are drought resistant crops grown in dry land, and are known to be cultivated 10 thousand years ago in Asia. Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal grains.

Benefits of Siridhanyalu or Millets:

In comparison with the grains like rice, wheat and jowar, the millet grains are nutritionally superior to many cereals, and have medicinal value because of their high fibre content, higher amount of protein, including all the essential amino acids, good cholesterol, and the same amount of calcium and iron. 

The fibre in millets is in two forms soluble and insoluble fractions. The soluble fibre fraction delays gastric emptying and helps in slow digestion and slower release of glucose. The insoluble fraction is an inert component metabolically, absorbs water and helps bowel movement, preventing constipation.

These grains are ideal for combating obesity, diabetes, cancer and cardio vascular disorders. Its beneficial in detoxifying body, prevents breast cancer, lowers bad cholesterol, effective in reducing blood pressure, helps to protect against heart diseases, helps to optimize kidney, liver and immune system health. 

It reduces risk of gastrointestinal conditions like gastric ulcers or colon cancer. Eliminates problems like constipation, excess gas, bloating and cramping

Though there are many types of millet, these are more commonly used are Korralu (foxtail millet), arikelu (kodo millet), udhalu (baryard millet), samalu (little millet), and korralu (browntop millet). They are grown and used commonly in India since prehistoric times. The different types of these whole grains known in Indian languages.

Foxtail millet is adapted to well-drained soils. The seeds are convex oval or elliptical and light yellow to brown, rusty or black in color.

Little millet contains magnesium helps to improve heart disease health and control sugar levels.

Barnyard millet is also known as bhagar, samo rice, this millet grain is used for making upvas recipes. The barnyard millet is a wholesome grain over and above common cereal grains like rice, wheat, semolina (rawa) and by no means should be restricted to just the fasting days. 

Brown top millet is a fast growing seeded millet that produces a large quantity of seeds.

Kodo Millet is a small white grain when husked. It is known for its anti- diabetic and anti-rheumatoid arthritis properties.