Fonio is cereal which is not known for many people. Fonio grains are taking part of the millet family. It has the tiniest seeds in millet species. This name comes from Wolof name fono. The cultivation of fonio has a long history of cultivation in Africa. It is gathered within six to eight weeks since cultivation which is making it world’s fasted maturing cereal. During summer months when it is hard to find other grains, you will have fonio which can help you to eliminate hunger.
This is a reason why fonio is called “hungry rice”. It belongs to Poaceae/Gramineae (Grass family) family. This cereal is regarded as the oldest cereal in West Africa. There are two types of fonion – white and black. It is converted to porridge and couscous. It is utilized for making pasta, spaghetti, desserts or breads. You can find fonio in health food stores. Here are some health benefits of fonio:
Fonio good for hair and skin
Contents
It has methionine which is sulphur that has amino acids and they are essential for formation of cartilage. This component can strengthen your nails and hair. Also, it can help to avoid hair loss. Also, methionine has anti – aging effects on the skin and it can help to decrease the aging process. Amino acid cystine is the building block for the hair and skin. It can help in the detoxification and it will keep your skin healthy. Cystine can help in the healing of burns or wounds.
Benefits for women
It is full of important amino acids, iron and folic acid. This is playing an important role in the iron metabolism. It can help you to avoid anemia. This is very suitable food for pregnant as well as lactating mothers.
Fonio good for weight loss
It is used in the west as weight loss food. This food is energy food which is rich in fiber and it will give you a feeling of filled stomach. It has low glycemic index which can help your body to decrease food cravings but at the same time it will provide you the required energy. This can help in the weight management.
Good for diabetes
It is known that fonio can be used by people who suffer from diabetes. It has lower glycemic index. Fonio is absorbed by the body gradually so the effect on the blood sugar is gradual. Also, it is thought that fonio has insulin secreting qualities and it can help with managing blood glucose levels in the body. It has minerals – sulphur and chromium that have amino acids and with the help of these minerals this cereal can decrease inflammation.
Aids cardiovascular function
This cereal has modest seeds. There are some studies in which are shown that consuming whole grain fonio can decrease chances of cardio vascular problems that include stroke and heart disease. The germ and barn of fonio are full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients which can help to keep our heart healthy.
Aids digestion
This cereal is simpler to digest and it is very suitable for older people and children. It has sufficient amount of fiber which are needed to keep our digestive system smooth. It can help in bowel motions and also it can prevent constipation. It can encourage appetite, as well as secretion of digestive juices. In some parts of Africa, fonio as a food to people who suffer from stomach problems.
Gluten free
It is known that many people in the United States of America have problems with Celiac disease. This is intolerance of the body to gluten. There is one way to deal with Celiac disease and that is to prevent eating gluten foods. Many foods we consume, such as corn, wheat, etc. are possessing gluten. It is gluten free so people who suffer from Celiac disease can consume it.
Energy food
It is known that fonio is utilized as a staple food to meet the daily requirements of energy. It has 3.6 calories per gram of grain which is similar to other cereals. It is simple to digest and it does not dramatically boost the blood glucose levels. It is becoming a very popular food for breakfast in Europe because it can make you feel full and it simpler to cook.
