Health Benefits

Health benefits of Japanese millet

Japanese millet, or Echinochloa esculenta, is a type of grass in the family Poaceae Barnhart. It is actually a cereal grain crop that is mostly grown in Asia. It is a tamed species that comes from wild millet barnyard grass (E. crus-galli). It is thought to have come from Southeast Asia, which includes parts of India, China, Japan, and Korea. It has been cultivated and spread naturally in many places of the world, though, because it is useful as a food source and forage crop. Japanese millet is grown in its home country as well as in the US, Africa, and some parts of Europe, where the weather is good for growing plants. It has been grown in many places outside of its original range because it can survive in a variety of climates and soils. People often call these plants Chinese barnyard millet, Japanese barnyard millet, Shama millet, Jap millet, Japanese millet, Duck rice, Sanwa millet, Chinese millet, Japanese panic grass, Brown top millet, Sanwa-kari, Indian barnyard millet, Wild proso millet, Billion-dollar grass, White millet, and Swamp rice.

“Echinochloa” comes from the Greek words “echinos,” which means “hedgehog” or “spiky,” and “chloe,” which means “grass” or “plant.” We think this name comes from the spikey look of the flower heads or seed heads of plants in this group. The name of the species, “esculenta,” comes from Latin and means “edible” or “fit for eating.” This name comes from the fact that Japanese millet is grown for its seeds, which are edible and important in many cultures. In Japan, Japanese millet was once grown as a main food crop in places where rice couldn’t be grown or as a backup crop when rice harvests failed. The grain has twice as much protein as regular white rice that has been ground.

Japanese millet Facts 

Japanese millet Quick Facts
Name: Japanese millet
Scientific Name: Echinochloa esculenta
Origin Southeast Asia, including regions of India, China, Japan and Korea
Colors Brown or yellowish (Seed)
Shapes Small, hard, and encapsulated within the lemma and palea (Seed)
Taste Mild and slightly nutty with a hint of sweetness
Major nutrients • Carbohydrate
• Dietary Fiber
• Protein
• Vitamins
• Minerals
• Antioxidants
• Fats
• Amino Acids
• Phytosterols
• B vitamins
Health benefits Weight Management, Heart Health, control Blood Sugar, reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases, Enhanced Immune Function, Healthy Skin and Hair, Menstrual Health, Better Mental Health, Bone Strength, Supports Healthy Blood, Balanced Blood Cholesterol, Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis
Name Japanese millet
Scientific Name Echinochloa esculenta
Native Echinochloa esculenta
Common Names Japanese barnyard millet, Japanese millet, Billion-dollar grass, Sanwa millet , Chinese millet, Indian barnyard millet, Brown top millet, Jap millet, Sanwa-kari,  Japbristle panicum, Wild proso millet, Japanese panic grass, Shama millet, Duck rice, White millet, Swamp rice, Chinese barnyard millet, Billion-dollar forage grass, Shama grass, Wild millet, Billion-dollar grass millet, Indian wild millet, Billion-dollar grain, Japanese wild millet, White-seeded barnyard grass, Swamp grass
Name in Other Languages Arabic: Dukhn yabani (دخن ياباني)
Assamese: Japanese millet
Bengali: Japani Bajra (জাপানি বাজরা), Syaba (স্যাবা)
Bhojpuri: Japanese millet
Bodo: Japanese millet
Bhili: Japanese millet
Bulgarian: Yaponsko proso (Японско просо)
Chhattisgarhi: Japanese millet
Chinese: Rìběn bài (日本稗), zi sui bai (紫穗稗)
Croatian: Japanski prosoCzech: Japonská proso
Czech: Ježatka japonská
Danish: Japansk hirse, Korn-hanespore, Japanhirse
Dogri: Japanese millet
Dutch: Japans gierst
English: Japanese millet, Japanese Barnyard Millet, White Millet, Japanese Water Grass, shirohie millet
Filipino: Hapon millet
Finnish: Japaninkananhirssi
French: Millet japonais, Millet du Japon
Garhwali: Japanese millet
Garo: Japanese millet
German: Japanisches Hirse, Japan-Hühnerhirse, Speise-Hühnerhirse, Japanische Hirse, Japanische Hühnerhirse, eßbare Hühnerhirse, japanische Hirsche
Gondi: Japanese millet
Greek: Laponiko katarrakti (Ιαπωνικό καταρράκτη), Iaponikó krithári (Ιαπωνικό κριθάρι)
Gujarati: Japanese bajri (જાપાનીઝ બાજરી), Bari (બારી)
Haryanvi: Japanese millet
Hebrew: Shevavim yapaniyim (שבבים יפניים)
Hindi: Jaapani Bajra (जापानी बाजरा), Bari (बारी), Jhangora, madhira
Hungarian: Japán árpa, japán köles
Italian: Miglio giapponese, Giavone miglio giapponese
Japanese: Hie (ヒエ)
Kachari: Japanese millet
Kannada: Japanese millet (ಜಾಪನೀಸ್ ಮಿಲ್ಲೆಟ್), Bari (ಬಾರಿ), Japani Raagi (ಜಾಪನೀಸ್ ರಾಗಿ)
Karbi: Japanese millet
Kashmiri: Japanese millet
Khasi: Japanese millet
Kokborok: Japanese millet
Konkani: Japanese millet
Korean: Ilbon bye (일본벼), Pi (피)
Kumaoni: Japanese millet
Lepcha: Japanese millet
Magahi: Japanese millet
Maithili: Japanese millet
Malay/Indonesian: Jawi millet
Malayalam: Japanese pani (ജപ്പാനീസ് പനി), Bari (ബാരി), Japani Raagi (ജപ്പാനീസ് റാഗി)
Manipuri: Japanese millet
Marathi: Japanese kanda (जपानी कांदा), Bari (बारी), Japani Bajri (जपानी बजरी)
Mizo: Japanese millet
Nepali: Japani Bajra (जापानी बज्रा), Japanese millet
Odia: Japani bajara (ଜାପାନି ବାଜର), Japanese millet
Persian: Zart mile’i zhapni (ذرت میله‌ای ژاپنی)
Polish: Jęczmień japoński, chwastnica jadalna
Portuguese: Milheto japonês, capim-arroz, milho-do-Japão
Punjabi: Japani Bajra (ਜਪਾਨੀ ਬਾਜਰਾ), Bari (ਬਰੀ)
Rajsthani: Japanese millet
Romanian: Hir de Japonia
Russian: Yaponskaya proso (Японская просо), Ežovnik kul’tiviruemyj (Ежовник культивируемый), Japonskoe proso (Японское просо)
Santali: Japanese millet
Sanskrit: Japanese millet
Serbian: Japansko proso (Јапанско просо)
Sindhi: Japanese millet
Sinhala: Japan bunu (ජපන් බුමු)
Slovak: Japonská prosa
Slovenian: Japonska proso
Spanish: Mijo japonés
Swahili: Mtama wa Kijapani
Swedish: Japansk hönshirs
Tamil: Japanese pani (ஜப்பானீஸ் பனி), Paruthi (பருத்தி), Japaniya Kuthiraivali (ஜப்பானிய குதிரைவாலி)
Telugu: Japanese panijeelu (జాపనీస్ పనిజీలు), Bari (బారి), Japani Raghi (జపానీస్ రాగి)
Thai: Khao fang yipun (ข้าวฟ่างญี่ปุ่น), Khao Hang Kung (ข้าวฮางกุ้ง)
Tulu: Japanese millet
Turkish: Japon darısı
Ukrainian: Yaponska proso (Японська просо)
Urdu: Japani Bajra (جاپانی باجرا)
Vietnamese: Lúa mạch Nhật Bản, Lúa tay
Welsh: Cibogwellt Japan
Plant Growth Habit Erect, light green, fast-growing, annual, warm-season grass
Growing Climates Erect, light green, fast-growing, annual, warm-season grass
Soil It does not grow well on sandy soils
Plant Size 2–4 ft (60–120 cm) tall
Root Fibrous root system that can reach to 1½ ft (46 cm) deep
Stem Culm is usually slender, upright, and hollow, although it may be slightly pithy in the center
Bark Doesn’t have a typical bark structure
Leaf Long, flattened, green,  lance-shaped blades. Edges may have a smooth (entire) or slightly toothed (serrated) margin
Flowering season Between May and July
Flower Within each spikelet, there are one or more fertile florets. These are the true flowers that contain reproductive structures. The stamens are the male reproductive organs of the flower, and they produce pollen. The pistil is the female reproductive organ of the flower and consists of the stigma, style, and ovary
Fruit Shape & Size Caryopsis is the mature fruit of Japanese millet. It is a one-seeded fruit that develops from the fertilized ovule within the pistil
Fruit Color Brown or yellowish
Seeds Small, hard, and encapsulated within the lemma and palea, making it protected and well-suited for dispersal
Varieties
  • Shirohie
  • Midland
  • Hokkai T11
  • Golden German
  • Hunan 103
  • Kalinga III
  • AWMI 401
  • Dahuria Japanese Millet
  • Panama Japanese Millet
Flavor/Aroma Mildly sweet and nutty fragrance with subtle earthy undertones
Taste Mild and slightly nutty with a hint of sweetness
Plant Parts Used Seed, leaves, stem
Propagation By seed, stem cuttings, Transplanting
Lifespan Approximately 60 to 90 days
Season Between May and August
Major Nutrition
  • Carbohydrate
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Protein
  • Vitamins
  • Minerals
  • Antioxidants
  • Fats
  • Amino Acids
  • Phytosterols
  • B vitamins
Available Forms
  • Decoction
  • Powder
  • Infusion
  • Tincture
  • Poultices or creams
  • Capsules or tablets
  • Oil infusion
  • Herbal formulations
Health benefits
  • Rich in Nutrients
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Weight Management
  • Heart Health
  • Blood Sugar Control
  • Antioxidants
  • Energy Booster
  • Improved Digestive Health
  • Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases
  • Enhanced Immune Function
  • Healthy Skin and Hair
  • Menstrual Health
  • Better Mood and Mental Health
  • Bone Strength
  • Supports Healthy Blood
  • Satiety and Weight Maintenance
  • Balanced Blood Cholesterol
  • Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis

Plant Description

Japanese millet is an annual, warm-season grass that grows straight up and is light green. It grows quickly and usually gets between 2 and 4 feet (60 to 120 centimetres) tall when it’s fully grown. In some cases, though, they may get a little taller if the circumstances are right. Every plant has a width that is less than its height. Cover crop that keeps weeds down. It can grow up to 4 feet in 45 days. The plant grows in barren, stony land, on the sides of roads, in wet marshes, along rivers and ponds, and in rice fields. The plant does best in soils that drain well and hold water well. Different types of dirt, like sandy, loamy, and clayey soils, can support its growth. It can grow in a lot of different pH levels of earth, but most people think that a pH near 6.0 to 7.0 is best.

People grow it in places where the weather is too cold or the land isn’t good for growing rice. But when cold-tolerant rice types came out, Japanese millet farming went down sharply, and rice took over as the main crop. The first written account of a tamed form is from 2000 BC, during Japan’s Jomon period. Echinochloa crus-galli was used to domesticate Japanese wheat. Most of the time, fattening takes place while cereal is being grown. It took 1000 to 2000 years for that part of the process to happen in Japan.

Appropriate growing environment of Japanese millet

Japanese millet is a versatile cereal grain crop that can adapt to a range of growing conditions. However, there are certain environmental factors and conditions that are more appropriate for its successful cultivation. Here’s an overview of the suitable growing environment for Japanese millet:

Roots

The roots of Japanese millet are fibrous, which means they are made up of a network of fine, thread-like roots that grow out from the stem’s base into the dirt. The plant stays stable because of these flexible roots that hold it down in the ground. It usually has a taproot system, which means that only one main root goes deeper into the ground. It is less noticeable and doesn’t last as long as the fibrous roots, but this main root helps the plant get to water and nutrients in the deeper layers of soil.

The flexible roots, which are the main root, send out lateral roots, which are also called secondary roots. These things move across the soil horizontally and take in water and nutrients from the earth around them. A lot of the time, these lateral roots connects to form a thick network that helps the plant get food. Root hairs grow from the surface of the lateral roots and look like tiny hairs. These tiny structures make the root’s surface area much bigger, which makes it easier for the plant to take in water and nutrients from the earth. Root hairs are very important for a plant’s growth and development because they help it take in nutrients. Japanese rice of some types may also grow rhizomes. Underground stems called rhizomes are flat and can grow new plants and roots. By letting the plant grow vegetatively, they make it possible for the same parent plant to make more plants.

Stem

The culm is the name for the main stem of Japanese rice. The culm is usually thin, straight, and flat, but it may have a little pith in the middle. The culm’s hollow structure makes the plant lighter while keeping its structural power. There are nodes all the way along the culm. There are nodes on a plant where leaves, branches, or flowers grow from. At each node, the stem has a small bump or joint. Internodes are the parts of the culm that are between two nodes. Internodes come in different lengths, and they help determine how tall the plant is over all. Aside from that, they make it easier for water and nutrients to move around the plant.

Bark

Japanese millet is a grass, and like most grasses, it doesn’t have the usual bark structure that you see on trees and other woody plants. The epidermis is the top layer of stems and leaves. One layer of cells makes it up, and it acts as a barrier against things in the world like pests, diseases, and too much water loss. Trichomes are small structures that look like hairs and may be found in the skin. A thin layer of thick skin covers the epidermis. This layer is called the cuticle. It keeps the plant from losing water and saves it from UV light and pathogens. There are vascular bundles below the epidermis. These bundles have special cells that move water, nutrients, and sugars around the plant. In grasses, the vascular bundles are spread out along the stem instead of being grouped in a circle like in woody plants.

Leaves

The leaf blade is the green, flattened, and generally long part of the leaf that takes in light for photosynthesis. Japanese millet leaves usually have long blades that look like lances, but the form of the leaves can vary. If you look at different kinds of Japanese millet, the ends of the leaf blade may be completely smooth or have a few teeth on them. There is a network of veins inside the leaf blade that support the structure and carry water and nutrients to the cells. The veins in leaves are parallel venation, which means they run almost parallel to each other. The main vein in a leaf is the midrib, which is the center vein. Other smaller veins branch off of it. It helps keep things in place and moves water and nutrients around.

The stem and leaf join together at the base of the leaf. In plants like Japanese millet, the base of the leaf often wraps around the stem, making a leaf sheath that goes around the stem in part. The tube-like part of the leaf that goes around the stem is called the leaf sheath. To protect the stem and leaf bud at the base of the leaf, it has thick skin. This is where the leaf blade and leaf sheath meet. There is a small, membrane-like structure there called the ligule. It is possible to tell the difference between grass species by their ligules, which are different sizes and shapes. Some types of grass, like some types of Japanese millet, have small structures that look like ears at the base of the leaf blade, where it meets the leaf sheath. These are called auricles. The auricles come in different sizes and shapes, and these are often used to make diagnoses. The tip of the leaf blade is called the leaf apex. Depending on the type, the tip of the leaf can be pointy or round.

Flowers

The flowers are grouped in an inflorescence, which is a group of flowers. Japanese millet usually has a panicle, which is a branched clump of spikelets, as its flower head. The blossom is held up by the stem’s upper part. Each spikelet holds a single flower and is the main unit of the inflorescence. Spikelets are protected on the outside by two structures called glumes. The glumes, which are usually green or straw-colored, cover the flowers inside. There is at least one viable floret inside each spikelet. These are the real flowers that have parts for reproduction. In most spikelets, there are two fertile flowers. The lemma and the palea are two extra structures that grow on top of each viable floret. The lemma is the covering layer on top, and the palea is the layer below it. They cover the fertile parts of the floret as a whole.

The reproductive organs are all in the fertile florets. The stamens make sperm and are the male reproductive parts of the flower. The flower’s female reproductive part is called the pistil. It is made up of the stigma, the style, and the ovary. The anthers make pollen grains. They are part of the stamens. It takes pollen for the ovules in the pistil to become fertilized. The stigma is the area that can accept pollen. It is at the tip of the pistil. During fertilization, it picks up pollen grains. The ovules are inside the ovary, which is the swollen base of the pistil. It is the structure that will bear seeds in the future if fertilization takes place.

Fruits

The fertile unit inside the spikelet is the floret. It has the reproductive functions for both men and women. Pollination and seed formation depend on the stamen, which is the male part and has anthers that make pollen, and the pistil, which is the female part and has the stigma and ovary. The Japanese millet fruit that is fully grown is called the caryopsis. The fertilized ovule inside the pistil grows into a fruit with only one seed. The caryopsis is what most people call the seed. It is usually small, hard, and enclosed in the lemma and palea, which keeps it safe and makes it easy to spread. The seed coat protects the outside of the caryopsis (seed). In most cases, it is tough and protects the baby inside.

Seeds

The seed coat, which is also called the testa, is the top layer of a Japanese millet seed. It is a protective coat that goes around the inside of the seed. The seed coat is usually very thin and bright, mostly brown or yellow. Inside the seed coat is something called the endosperm. The endosperm is a tissue that is full of nutrients and feeds the growing egg during germination. The endosperm of Japanese millet seeds is starchy and stores food for the growing plant. The embryo is in the middle of the seed, inside the endosperm. The tiny plant-to-be is called the embryo.

It has a few important parts: This is the embryo’s middle part. It has the radicle (the future root) and the plumule (the future shoot). Cotyledons are the leaves of seeds. Most of the time, Japanese wheat has two cotyledons. These cotyledons are important because they are the seedling’s first leaves and provide food during sprouting until the plant can make its own food through photosynthesis. The hilum is a small scar on the seed coat. It shows where the seed was connected to the ovary or seed stalk of the plant. It is often used to find out which way the seed is facing while it is sprouting.

Varieties of Japanese millet

Japanese millet is a cereal grain crop that comes in several different varieties or cultivars. These varieties may vary in characteristics such as growth habit, maturity, and grain size. The choice of variety depends on factors like climate, soil conditions, and intended use (e.g., forage, grain, or cover crop). Here are some common varieties of Japanese millet:

Health benefits of Japanese millet

Japanese millet is a nutritious grain that offers several health benefits when incorporated into the diet. Here are some detailed health benefits of Japanese millet:

1. Rich in Nutrients

Niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2), and thiamine (B1) are just a few of the vitamins and minerals that Japanese millet is full of. It is also high in phosphorus, magnesium, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are very important for many bodily processes.

2. Dietary Fiber

Both soluble and insoluble fiber can be found in large amounts in this food. Fiber helps your body digest food, keeps your bowel movements normal, and can keep you from getting constipated.

3. Weight Management

The high fiber content makes you feel full, which helps you eat fewer calories altogether. This can help you control your weight and stop you from eating too much

4. Heart Health

The magnesium and potassium in it can help keep blood pressure in check, which lowers the risk of high blood pressure and improves heart health in general. Having a steady heartbeat is also helped by magnesium.

5. Blood Sugar Control

The glycemic rating of Japanese millet is not very high, so it doesn’t make blood sugar levels raise quickly. This makes it a good choice for people with diabetes or who want to keep their blood sugar levels in check.

6. Antioxidants

Japanese millet, like other whole grains, has antioxidants that help keep cells safe from toxic stress and lower the risk of getting chronic diseases.

7. Energy Booster

Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, and Japanese rice has a lot of them. By eating it, you can get a steady flow of energy all day long.

8. Improved Digestive Health

The fiber in Japanese millet not only helps you go to the bathroom regularly, but it also supports a good gut micro biome. As a prebiotic, it helps good bacteria grow in the gut, which can lead to better digestion and better gut health generally.

9. Reduced Risk of Chronic Diseases

By fighting free radicals in the body, the antioxidants and phytochemicals in Japanese millet may help lower the chance of chronic diseases like heart disease, some types of cancer, and conditions that get worse with age.

10. Enhanced Immune Function

Japanese millet has important minerals and vitamins, like iron and zinc that your body needs to stay healthy. A healthy diet with enough iron and zinc is important for making red blood cells and getting oxygen to body parts. Zinc also helps immune cells do their job.

11. Healthy Skin and Hair

Niacin, riboflavin, and biotin are some of the nutrients found in Japanese rice that help keep your skin and hair healthy. Niacin, in particular, helps keep skin healthy, and biotin is necessary for hair and nail health.

12. Menstrual Health

One of the important minerals is iron, which can help women of childbearing age avoid iron-deficiency anemia. Having enough iron in the body is important for women’s general health and for keeping their periods regular.

13. Better Mood and Mental Health

B vitamins, especially thiamine (B1) and niacin (B3), help the brain work and keep your mood stable. Making sure you get enough of these vitamins can help your<extra_id_-3> mental health.

14. Bone Strength

Japanese millet has trace elements like manganese and copper in it, which are good for bone health and also have calcium and phosphorus. Copper is involved in making collagen, which helps bones stay strong, and manganese helps bones grow.

15. Supports Healthy Blood

The iron level helps make hemoglobin and red blood cells, which helps keep you from getting iron-deficiency anemia and makes sure that your blood carries oxygen well.

16. Satiety and Weight Maintenance

The combination of fiber and protein in Japanese millet can help you feel full, which can help you cut back on calories and control your weight.

17. Balanced Blood Cholesterol

As part of a heart-healthy diet, eating Japanese millet on a regular basis may help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol and improve lipid balance, which may lower the risk of heart disease.

18. Reduced Risk of Osteoporosis

Japanese millet has minor minerals like manganese and copper, as well as calcium and phosphorus. These minerals help keep bones healthy and may even lower the risk of osteoporosis.

Culinary uses of Japanese millet

Japanese millet is a versatile grain with various culinary uses. Here are some common culinary applications of Japanese millet:

Different uses of Japanese millet

Japanese millet has a wide range of uses beyond culinary applications. Here are some different uses of Japanese millet:

Side effects of Japanese millet

Japanese millet, when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet, is generally safe for most people and is not associated with significant side effects. However, like any food, there are some considerations and potential side effects to be aware of:

References:

http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-410270

https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=506954#null

http://www.hear.org/pier/species/echinochloa_esculenta.htm

https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=317845

https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.113987

https://gd.eppo.int/taxon/ECHUT

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echinochloa_esculenta

https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=ECES

https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/pg_eces.pdf

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