Millet (millet) and wheat are cereals used in the food industry. Despite the consonant name, these two cereals belong to different plants. Their detailed description will help to form an opinion about their differences, as well as to find out the difference in application and properties.

Definition of millet and wheat

Millet is called processed millet - cereal agriculture. The product is obtained by processing the fruits of this cereal. The ears of millet are convex on one side and flat on the other. They have an oval shape, pointed on top. The fruits of this culture are free kernels. Wheat is an annual cereal plant, the height of which can vary from 30 to 150 cm. Inflorescences are straight, two-row ears of oblong shape. In length, they can reach 3-15 cm. Wheat bears fruit with grains. The grain length is 5–10 mm; the shape is oval, oblong.

The main differences

Many people confuse millet and wheat, or even consider them one product. However, these cereals are the fruits of different plants.

Important! It is necessary to be able to distinguish between plants, since their use has different goals.

The main differences are in the following characteristics:

• appearance;
• structure;
• properties.

To understand the differences between millet and wheat, it is necessary to study their features in more detail.

Appearance

Externally, the grains of these cereals have cardinal differences. Grains of millet are round, bright yellow. After cooking, the product becomes light and airy. The appearance of millet largely depends on its type.

Varieties of millet:

• polished;
• crushed;
• bumpkin.

The highest quality is polished millet. Outwardly, it is rougher than shingles, and its color is slightly lighter. Grains of millet dranca smooth, rich yellow color. Crushed cereals - a product obtained as a result of processing grains. Grains in this case are fragmented fractions. Color can be both saturated and light. Wheat grains have a golden color and are covered with a harsh film - bran. When grinding, the fruits turn into white flour. After processing, the bran acquires a grayish tint.

Chemical composition

In addition to appearance, cereals differ in their composition, which, in turn, affects the properties of products. Millet is considered beneficial for human health due to its nutritional components.

The composition of millet:

• B vitamins;
• essential amino acids;
• fluorine;
• manganese;
• potassium.

The composition of wheat includes such components as vitamin A, B1, B2, PP, C, carotene. In addition, this cereal is rich in minerals.

Among these, the following are distinguished:

• sodium;
• potassium;
• calcium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• iron.

Difference in properties

Millet and wheat, eaten in different ways, affect the body. The difference lies in the properties of the products. Depending on the composition, they can be both harmful and useful. A detailed description of the properties of these cereals will help determine what effect they have on the body. In particular, you should understand what their benefits are and what contraindications may be.

Useful properties of cereals

Given that millet contains a lot of nutrients, it can be argued that this product is clearly not harmful to health. On the contrary, its use improves brain function due to the content of essential amino acids. Fluoride positively affects the quality of tooth enamel. Manganese normalizes metabolic processes in the body, and potassium stabilizes the cardiovascular system. It is recommended to use the product for diseases such as diabetes mellitus and atherosclerosis.

The most valuable component in terms of health in wheat is bran. They include ballast substances that help cleanse the body of toxins. In addition, they contribute to the normalization of the digestive system. In wheat, beneficial substances are found only in a thin shell that covers the grains. The seeds themselves, from which flour and bakery products are made, when systematically consumed, bring health more harm than good.

Important! If there are any diseases, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the composition and property of all products that are planned to be included in the diet.

Contraindications

A contraindication to the use of millet can be considered increased acidity with gastritis. It should also be borne in mind that this cereal contributes to the fastening of digestible food, so you should not abuse it with constipation, as well as during pregnancy. Men are often advised not to eat millet because it can weaken their potency. With reduced production of iodine (hypothyroidism), the product should not be included in the diet. This limitation is due to the fact that the substances that are present in millet interfere with the production of iodine by the thyroid gland.

People suffering from excess weight or diabetes mellitus are strongly advised not to abuse products made from white wheat flour.

The use of millet and wheat

In addition to all other differences, the difference between millet and wheat is their application. Depending on varietal varieties, cereals are used for the manufacture of various products. Millet and wheat are mainly used in the food industry and the medical industry. Each production has its own specifics and characteristics of the processing of raw materials, as well as the preparation of products.

In medicine

Wheat germ contains a huge amount of bioactive substances, so they are actively used in medicine. In particular, young kernels are used by specialists for the manufacture of wound healing and anti-burn preparations. In medical cosmetology, wheat germ is used to create anti-aging agents. A positive effect in this case is achieved due to the content of components such as selenium and carotenoids.

They have antioxidant properties, so they prevent the spread of free radicals in skin cells. Millet is used in folk medicine. Porridge is prepared from it, which is recommended to be included in the diet after the end of the course of taking antibiotics. The components that make up millet contribute to the elimination of residual elements of antibacterial drugs from the body. In this case, the load on the liver and kidneys is reduced. It is also recommended to use the product for diseases such as pancreatitis.

Did you know? The spread of cultivated wheat varieties around the world began as early as IX millennium BC. e. The northern regions of the Levant are considered to be the birthplace of culture - Jericho, Iraq-edd-Dubb, Tel Asvad.

Recipe for millet for pancreatitis:

1. Cook porridge. To do this, you need 250 g of wheat grains and 2 liters of water.
2. Grate a pumpkin on a medium grater, about 250 g. Add to boiled groats and cook for another 3-5 minutes.
3. Salt and add 1 tsp. vegetable oil.
4. Cover and allow to steam.

It is recommended to eat such porridge for dinner for three weeks. After 10 days, repeat the course of therapeutic dinner again.

In cooking

Most often, cereals are used in cooking. From them you can cook many dishes and products for every taste. Using several recipes, you can significantly diversify your diet, enriching it with nutrients.

Tourist millet soup

Ingredients:

• groats (millet): 40 g;
• cuff leaves (fresh): 100 g;
• swerbig: 100 g;
• salt: to taste;
• butter: 25-30 g.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Grind leaves of swerbig and cuffs.
2. Cook cereal from cereals.
3. Without waiting for the porridge to be completely cooked, in about 10 minutes, add chopped greens (overbelly and cuff).
4. Salt and season with oil.
5. Stir and cook until soup is fully cooked.

This dish is perfect for cooking outdoors. It is desirable to cook it in a pot over a fire. This method will reveal the specific aroma of greens and preserve the valuable nutrients contained in cereals.

Millet porridge with meat

Ingredients:

• millet groats: 200 g;
• chicken broth: 300 ml;
• pork: 600 g;
• vegetable oil: 30 ml;
• onions: 60 g;
• garlic: 10 g;
• carrots: 1 pc.;
• salt, ground black pepper: to taste;
• butter: 30 g;
• parsley: 1 bunch.

Before cooking, grits must be sorted and washed. Peel and wash vegetables. Cook the broth in advance. Rinse the pork well, then dry it.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Boil the broth, pour cereal into it and cook until fully cooked.
2. Cut the meat into cubes and fry in sunflower oil, then simmer under a closed lid.
3. Grind onions and garlic. Carrots also chopped. Add everything to the meat and continue to stew.
4. Salt the meat, pepper and bring to full readiness. Then add to the finished porridge and mix.
5. Season the dish with butter, garnish with parsley and serve.

Wheat products can be prepared for weight loss. For this, wheat bran is used.

Bran bread recipe

Ingredients:

• wheat bran: 6 tbsp. l .;
• oat bran: 6 tbsp. l .;
• cottage cheese: 250 g;
• eggs: 3 pcs.;
• soda: 0.5 tsp .;
• vinegar: 0.5 tbsp. l .;
• salt: 0.5 tsp;
• vegetable oil: 30 ml.

Cottage cheese for the preparation of dietary bread should be fat-free. To add flavor to the product, you can add cumin to the dough.

Did you know? The history of millet cultivation dates back to the 3rd millennium. The first to cultivate this culture were the Chinese, Mongols, and inhabitants of North Africa.

Step-by-step instruction:

1. Beat eggs, add kefir and mix thoroughly.
2. Pour wheat and oat bran. Add salt.
3. Mix everything to get a homogeneous mass.
4. To extinguish soda with vinegar and add to the mass. Then knead the dough.
5. Cover the baking dish with foil and grease it with oil. Sprinkle the bottom with wheat bran.
6. To form bread. So that the dough does not stick to your hands, they can be wetted with water.
7. Put the billet in the mold, then preheat the oven to 180 ° C and bake bread at the same temperature for 40–45 minutes. Readiness can be determined by the resulting golden crust. After cooking, the bread should be left in the oven for another half hour.

Millet and wheat are the fruits of completely different plants. At the same time, they are united by one quality - a useful composition. Dishes prepared from these cereals significantly enrich the daily menu and contribute to improving health.