For hundreds of years, millets have been an integral part of Indian cooking. They are small-seeded grasses that are naturally gluten-free and high in fibre, protein, and essential nutrients.
Millets prevent illness due to summer-related problems like migraines, sunstroke, and heat exhaustion by preserving the drainage of potassium and electrolytes in the sweltering heat. Millets can be chosen according to the season, depending upon their digestibility.
Water is your body's best friend for temperature regulation. Even indoors, drink enough throughout the day to stay hydrated. This habit helps your body flush toxins and absorb nutrients from your food more efficiently.
Ideally, kodo, barnyard millet, foxtail millet, ragi and jowar are consumed in summer. Below are some various forms of millet that can be consumed in different forms such as:
The beauty of millets lies in their versatility. You can incorporate them into your meals in many forms, including:
Explore these easy recipes featuring millets here:
Millets are consumed in whole form, unlike rice and wheat (which are also available in refined forms like maida, suji, etc.). They have more vitamin B, fibre, minerals, and, most importantly, a low glycaemic index.
This type of snack is an excellent replacement for bakery products and other savoury snacks like flitters, bhujiya, packed potato chips, nachos, etc.
Smoothies are the best way to get a whole meal in one glass. A well-blended smoothie is suitable for all age groups and can be adjusted according to your requirements. You can add seasonal fruits and customise the taste and calories.
Millets are a rich source of protein, fibre, and various other minerals and vitamins. They support heart health, help maintain blood sugar, and aid in weight management. Eating millets daily can help improve overall health and well-being.
Millets require minimal inputs and are more resistant to pests and diseases when compared to other grains. This reduces their dependency on synthetic and chemical fertilisers, thus making them a healthier option for consumption. Growing millets can help countries become self-sufficient in providing food for their people.
Finger millet, also known as Ragi, is considered the healthiest millet due to its high calcium, fibre, and iron content. It also has a low glycaemic index and is rich in amino acids. However, dietary requirements vary from person to person, and what is healthiest for you can vary according to your body’s needs.
You can replace traditional grains with millets in your daily dishes. You can make porridge, upma, kichdi, or pulao with cooked millet. You can use millet flour to make pancakes, rotis, or other baked goods.
