Originally from central-eastern Asia, millet has been imported and cultivated in the Mediterranean region since the Neolithic period. It was most widespread in antiquity and the Middle Ages.
After the introduction of the cultivation of wheat and corn following the discovery of America, millet cultivation areas were gradually abandoned, only to be rediscovered in recent times.
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The resurgence of millet farming coincides with the growing awareness of organic production and the rediscovery of the benefits of ancient grains. Although the term "Miglio" often refers to many types of grain from the family of sweet grasses (Poaceae), the main genera include:
These genera provide many varieties of millet, including the most widespread:
There are also different varieties of Panicum Millaceum, which can be attributed to the properties of the seeds:
Aesthetically, the plant resembles the tail of a fox, an appearance given to it by the tuft-like growth of its culms. This association is still present today in some Italian dialects and refers to millet as 'vulpicoca'.*
The heart of the plant is undoubtedly its seeds, which are very small and light. They were separated from the plant by shaking and then crushed in mortars. The size of the plant can vary depending on the species and genus and ranges from 50-120 centimeters high for Panicum miliaceum to over two meters high (candle millet).
The nutritional values of millet have many benefits and are the main reason for their recent rediscovery in Western markets. Millet is considered the only alkaline grain with an excellent acid-base ratio for our body, while on the vitamin side it is rich in B vitamins, vitamins A and E.
For example, the amount of vitamin E in millet is up to five times higher than the amount found in wheat (0.3 mg in millet versus 0.06 mg in wheat per 100 g of product).*
The fat, fiber and protein content is also good, while the starch content is between 65% and 75% depending on the variety. The starch contained in millet is also easier to digest than that in other grains, especially corn starch.
Compared to wheat and other grains, millet contains a higher concentration of minerals, although these values may vary depending on the soil. The minerals in millet include:
It is important to emphasize that in the field of nutrition, millet does not contain gluten, which is another plus point for this grain on the market and meets the increasing demand of people with celiac disease.
The beneficial properties of millet affect many other aspects of the digestive system, as its fiber 'cleanses' the digestive tract of toxins. In addition, it improves the viscosity and fluidity of the blood and stabilizes the plasma concentration* and has a restorative effect on the hair due to its richness in vitamins and minerals.
The beneficial properties of millet for hair have been known since folk medicine. The vitamin package of this grain as well as the presence of minerals, especially magnesium, cysteine and methionine, form an effective mixture to supply the hair cells with the necessary substances and to complement a healthy and balanced diet.
Millet is also a powerful hair builder, thanks to its significant protein content: the sulfur-containing amino acids in the grain stimulate the formation processes of keratin, the main component of hair, eyelashes and hair.
The silica contained in millet also helps to give our hair the elasticity and resistance that are essential for its health.
The use of millet has already been recommended in folk medicine during seasonal changes, when the cell activity of the hair is particularly intense and requires an increased supply of nutrients.
Thinning and thinning of hair and increased brittleness are the first signs of hair weakening. This is where the nutrients in millet intervene to restore the correct nutritional balance.
Nowadays we also know that stress has a negative effect on hair. Therefore, it is important to boost vitamin and mineral intake to allow cells not to slow down or even stop the hair growth process.
By strengthening all components of the hair, from the cells in the hair root to the keratinous hair structure, millet can be considered an excellent ally against hair weakening, helping to prevent hair loss.
As we have seen, millet is a real miracle product for our hair due to its properties. However, alone it can do little or nothing to care for our hair.
This is supported by the experts of the Humanitas Group, who therefore recommend combining it with a diet rich in proteins, iron, vitamins and minerals, as well as a healthy lifestyle.
That is why hair supplements tend to combine the beneficial effects of several elements to form the right mixture capable of improving every detail of our hair, be it aesthetic or biological.
The dietary supplement, which contains horsetail, moringa and millet, offers the perfect blend to restore the shine, elasticity and resilience of a beautiful and healthy head of hair to our hair. These are three elements* that act in synergy on biochemical processes in the cells, balancing all the nutritional parameters that our hair needs.
Last but not least, they combat the effects of hair weakening, which in turn helps prevent and slow down early physiological processes that can lead to hair loss or thinning.
References:
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