Introduction
It is a known fact that wheat and rice are the staple foods in India, but did you know that millets were the staple food in ancient India? Millet consumption has been very common, pre-dating to the Indian Bronze Age.
Millets are a family of grains that include some very well-known grains traditionally used in India such as:
· Ragi or Finger Millet
· Jowar or Sorghum
· Rajgira or Amaranth
· Kangni or Foxtail millet
All of these grains have one factor in common: they are high in nutrients. They are healthier than other grains, and also a powerhouse of antioxidants, protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. They play an important role in the body’s immune system, providing a way to combat various deficiencies. Also better for the environment because they require less water, less fertile soil, and can naturally resist pests.
If you’re still not convinced that including millets in your diet is a good idea, consider the following five reasons:
Health Benefits of Millets
A comparison of millets to commonly consumed grains such as rice reveals that millets have an advantage on several fronts.
Low GI
A low GI diet is frequently recommended for diabetics to naturally lower blood sugar levels. When compared to other carbohydrate-containing foods, millets have a low glycemic index (ranging from 54 to 69). So, they are digested and absorbed slowly, resulting in no sudden spikes in blood sugar levels. It thus goes without saying that including millets in your diet could help prevent and control diabetes.
Gluten-free
Research has established that millets in its natural form are gluten-free. This makes them a key to addressing gluten grievances and managing celiac disease, or those following a gluten-free diet for any reason. Gluten is a type of protein that occurs naturally in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains except millets. Gluten causes harmful digestive symptoms such as nutrient malabsorption and diarrhoea, so celiac patients must switch to certified gluten-free millets. Regardless of the severity of gluten intolerance, adding it in the diet is a sure shot solution to alleviate the gastrointestinal symptoms caused by gluten intolerance. Because millets can be prepared in a variety of ways, gluten-intolerant people can enjoy their favorite foods without the gluten.
Recommended for weight-management
Millets are a boon for all those who are looking to lose a few kilos. Since they are low in calories and high in complex carbohydrates, their consumption in the regular diet can aid health-conscious people to achieve sustainable weight loss in a healthy way without compromising on taste.
Improves gut health
One of the best things about millets is that they include a high level of dietary fibre, both soluble and insoluble. Fibre acts as a prebiotic in our gut, promoting good digestive health and preventing issues such as cramping, constipation, bloating, flatulence etc.
Maintains the health of your heart
Cardiac disease is one of the leading causes of hospitalization in the world today. All scientists and researchers unanimously agree that millets are bestowed with a wealth of nutrients that augments heart health and controls blood pressure, allowing your heart to function at its best. This superfood contains just the right amount of essential fat that our bodies require, which means that including more millets in your diet will help you avoid the excess fat storage and effectively lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. According to some studies, consuming millets can also significantly raise ‘good’ cholesterol levels and lower triglycerides. Because cholesterol is such a significant risk factor for heart disease, eating them on a regular basis may help keep your heart healthy.
FInal thoughts
Incorporating millets in your diet is one of the best decisions you can make. They are loaded with all of the essential nutrients, minerals, and proteins needed for a healthy mind and body. Given their various potential health benefits, it is the time to give millets a trial on your plate. Every kind of millet is renowned for its own unique taste and health benefits. Try these extremely nutritious, environmentally-friendly hardy crops in your routine diet and look at the difference it will make.
Source link
