Why Are Millets The Superhero Of Foods

Millets, the small grains that used to beautify Indian meals vanished in the 1980s. One of the numerous reasons why this once-essential grain was erased as a must-eat is due to the increased consumption of wheat, rice, and refined flour. The popularly known millets were pearl millet (bajra) and sorghum (jowar), finger millet (ragi), kodo millet, barnyard millet, small millet, proso millet, and foxtail millet- Although each one of these are popular in different regions of India, they were all being consumed.

Benefits of Millets

Millets are starchy grains, which means that starch makes up the majority of their composition. However, starch offers a steady supply of energy throughout the day, enhances satiety, prevents constipation, lowers cholesterol, and reduces the risk of colon cancer. Because resistant starch digests more slowly than other fibres, it produces less gas.

Why is it the superhero?

Cooked millet has 207 calories, 41 gm of carbohydrates, 2.2 gm of fibre, 6 gm of protein, and 1.7 gm of fat in one cup. Calcium, phosphorus, iron, folate, and magnesium are all abundant in them. More importantly, amino acids are found in pearl millets than in most other cereals. The calcium level in finger millets is the highest.

What's more? Celiac illness and gluten sensitivities prevent people from eating wheat and bread and baked goods. Millet, on the other hand, is a gluten-free grain by nature. It can be used to make gluten-free bread and other bakery products for people who can't eat gluten.

It is also a very sustainable crop. Millets are environmentally friendly, farmer-friendly, and provide low-cost, high-nutrient options for all because of their strong tolerance to harsh weather conditions. They require less water, no pesticides or fertilisers and can withstand drought. What else do you need? It is the ideal candidate for a future with scarce resources.

What to keep in mind?

Each millet has its own significance. Some millets, such as finger millet, are high in calcium, while others, such as jowar, are high in potassium and phosphorus. Foxtail is fibrous, while kodo is high in iron. As a result, it's a good idea to regularly switch up the millets we eat. We should also keep in mind that we should not mix millets and should only eat one grain per meal because each grain has its specific digesting requirements, and mixing them might cause bodily imbalances. You can start your day with a bowl of Bajra Flakes with Honey or if you want a more fuller meal- you can opt for Ragi & Jowar Dosa or Mysore Millet Dosa. Even if you are looking for a great dessert with millets in them- Dessert Mix with Ragi would be ideal for this craving!

Start inculcating millets in your diet by reducing the consumption of refined wheat. You can start small steps from buying products from brands who can provide you with urban meals but with ancient grains. If you have an underlying health condition, consult your doctor before consuming millets.