Milo serves as food for both humans and livestock. This very versatile crop can be used as a grain, forage, or sweet crop. This grain is produced in large amounts in the United States.
Whether you are using milo for your livestock or consuming it with your family, this gluten-free grain provides a lot of benefits. And you can transform it into different recipes.
If you want to know more about milo seed, you should read this article.
What is milo seed?
Milo seed or sorghum bicolor is a product of the sorghum cereal crop. Although it is less popular than maize, wheat, rice, and barley, it is equally useful.
The United States produces the largest amount of milo. Mexico, China, and India also produce this cereal. Milo is commercially known as sorghum and thrives well with small amounts of water and a warm climate.
In addition, milo comes in two varieties, white and red. The red grain is the more common and inexpensive variety which is a major component of birdseed mixes.
These seeds are hard and coarse. These features help to make them disease resistant. However, it makes the grain indigestible for animals.
What is milo seed used for?
Milo seed serves several purposes. It is used as feed for livestock, food for humans, and ethanol production.
In Oklahoma and many other places in the United States, the seeds are major livestock feed. The grains are cracked, roasted, and ground into powder for human consumption.
The powder is used to make flatbread. Some people also cook the seeds into porridge. Additionally, sorghum flour is gluten-free, thereby making it a great alternative to wheat flour for people with gluten intolerance.
Types of milo seed
There are four types of milo seeds, according to their use. They include:
Grain milo
Humans also consume sorghum seeds. The different varieties produce gluten-free flour which can be used to make different meals.
Moreover, some people eat the seeds whole – roasted or popped, cook them into porridge, or process them into gluten-free beer.
Forage milo
This crop is a major feed for animals. Farmers feed their cattle, pigs, and chickens with the seeds. Poultry farmers add this grain to birdseed mixes.
Game birds, large doves, large Western jays, and ground-feeding birds are types of birds that feed on this grain.
Forage milo must be used in birdseed mixes because of its high starch content. Birders mix it with other grains that are high in protein and fat.
Sweet milo
Sweet milo is used for food but differently from the grain variety. It is produced for the stalk which is used to make sorghum syrup.
Sorghum syrup serves as a sweetener for rum and whiskey. It is also used to produce biofuel.
Biomass milo
Apart from food purposes, the seeds are also used for ethanol production. Biomass milo comes from the tall varieties of the crop and is used to produce bioenergy.
What is the nutritional value of milo seeds?
One cup of this grain contains:
- 632 calories
- 138g carbohydrates
- 20g protein
- 12g fiber
- 7g fat
- 317mg magnesium
- 555mg phosphorus
- 697mg potassium
- 25mg calcium
- And many other vitamins and minerals
What are the nutritional benefits of milo?
Milo seeds have a lot of nutritional benefits for both humans and livestock. They are:
They are chock full of vitamins and minerals
The vitamins and minerals in the seeds are beneficial for both humans and animals. The grain provides the iron, calcium, and B vitamins birds need.
However, birders have to prepare it properly in birdseed mixes to make the grain digestible for the birds.
In humans, the vitamins and minerals in sorghum help to improve skin and hair health, heart health, bone formation, and metabolism.
The grains are rich in fiber
This grain provides up to 45% of the recommended daily fiber intake. This amount is enough to help regulate the functions of the digestive system.
Moreover, it can also help prevent the development of colon cancer and some cardiovascular diseases.
Reduces the risk of chronic diseases
Sorghum grains contain nutrients that reduce the risk of developing diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and obesity. They also contain high amounts of fiber and slowly digestible starch.
This combination creates complexes in the digestive tract that keep you feeling full for longer, thereby preventing you from overeating. The starch complexes also help to lower your glycemic index.
In addition, the antioxidants present in the grain help prevent the development of cancer cells.
These antioxidants plus the fat in the grain aid in the synthesis, absorption, and excretion of cholesterol which is beneficial for enhancing heart health.
The anti-inflammatory properties
The anti-inflammatory activity in sorghum grains helps prevent inflammation and disease development.
It is gluten-free
Sorghum flour is gluten-free and a great alternative for those who have celiac disease or Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (NCGS).
Are there side effects of consuming milo seeds?
Yes, there are. The side effects of consuming this grain set in when you consume it in large amounts. You may also experience side effects if you are allergic to sorghum.
Sorghum allergy symptoms manifest as itching around the mouth, swelling on the inner and outer parts of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal swelling. In severe cases, it could be life-threatening.
Asides from the symptoms above, excess consumption of this grain load the body with more carbs and fiber than is necessary.
Additionally, eating immature grains can be poisonous because they are high in hydrogen cyanide.
FAQs
Is milo a type of corn?
No, it is not. Milo or sorghum is not a type of corn. It is guinea corn and highly nutritious.
What state grows the most milo?
Kansas grows the most milo in the United States.
What is Kansas milo used for?
In Kansas, milo seeds are primarily used to feed livestock and grow ethanol plants.
Conclusion
You can eat milo seeds with your family and also feed them to your livestock. If you know how well to use the grain, you’ll be doing yourself and your family a lot of good with new meals.
In addition, if you’re keeping a big bag of this grain at home, store it away from bugs, moisture, and mice. Preferably, buy a bag of sorghum for your consumption and a separate bag for your livestock.
Thanks for reading.
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