IEP Chandigarh
Dr Geeta Joshi, an Ayurveda expert said that Millets are known as “Nutri-cereals” due to their high nutritional content like proteins, fibre, micronutrients and phytochemicals.
Type of Millets:
Pearl Millets (Bajra): widely grown in India. Helps in controlling Type 2 Diabetes.
Finger millet (Ragi): is rich in calcium, protein and iron. It’s famous in the Southern part of India. It has antioxidant properties and helps in Type 2 Diabetes.
Foxtail millet: it is a good source of dietary fibre and minerals like copper and iron. It has a low glycemic index and is rich in antioxidants. It helps in controlling cholesterol.
Kodo Millets: rich in polyphenols and has antioxidant properties.
Sorghum (Jowar): a rich source of calcium and magnesium for improving bone health. It improves blood circulation.
Little Millets: rich in iron and helps in Type 2 Diabetes. It is beneficial for digestive issues.
Barnyard Millets: rich in iron, calcium and phosphorus. It has a low glycemic index and is beneficial in Type 2 Diabetes
Health benefits of Millets:
Millets are easily available and easy to store.
They are gluten-free, ideal for Celiac disease. It aids in weight loss.
It has a low glycemic index, is beneficial for lowering blood sugar levels and therefore controls diabetes, insulin resistance and hyperlipidemia.
It acts as a prebiotic to feed important microflora and help in improving overall gut health and easy to digest.
Army plans millet fest to raise awareness about crop among all ranks
As part of its initiative to raise awareness among all ranks and families about benefits of millets in diet, the Northern Command of the Indian Army is mulling to organize a mega ‘Station Millet Festival’ in Jammu and Kashmir, a defence spokesman.
The festival will be organized in near future as a culmination of an awareness campaign started by the command with the holding of a workshop at the northern command headquarters in Udhampur, the spokesman said.
He said the awareness workshop on ‘Mission Millets’ was conducted in collaboration with the Jammu University and was presided by Chief of Staff, Headquarters Northern Command, Lt Gen Anindya Sengupta.
The Northern Command is also planning various other events as part of ‘Mission Millet’ campaign to include essay, quiz and slogan competition at school level and cooking competition at unit level.
The spokesman said millets are not just a nutritious grain, but also a reminder of the “rich agricultural heritage of India” .
“To harness the untapped potential of millets for food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture, the year 2023 has been declared as ‘International Year of Millets’. The Northern Command has undertaken a noble initiative to raise awareness among all ranks and families highlighting benefits of including millets in diet,” he said.
On the initiative of PM Narendra Modi, the United Nations has declared this year as the ‘Millet Year’ which is being supported by 22 countries of the world. Agencies
Keeps blood glucose level in check – Millets have several key benefits that set them apart from wheat and maize. They are high in nutrients, gluten-free, and have a low glycaemic index. They can help stabilize blood sugar levels for diabetic patients and promote insulin sensitivity. In addition, millets are a good source of dietary fibre, proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
2. Aids in weight loss – Including millets in your regular diet can help with weight loss, according to studies. Millets are a type of whole grain packed with nutrients and fibre, which can help promote fullness and prevent overeating. One study showed that people who swapped rice for millets lost more weight and had better gut health. If you’re trying to lose weight, consider adding millets to your diet.
3. Friend of the heart – Millets are an excellent source of antioxidants, which have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and total cholesterol and keep blood vessels healthy. These antioxidants play a crucial role in lowering the risk of heart disease and stroke.
4. Fights out cancer cells – Millets, such as foxtail and proso varieties, are effective in inhibiting cancer cell growth. The phytochemicals in millets exhibit antiproliferative effects, lower the formation of cancer cells in the colon, breast, and liver, and don’t cause any damage to normal cells.
5. Improves digestion – The dietary fibre in millets helps improve the digestive system’s function. It can help with constipation, flatulence, bloating, cramping, and regularizing bowel function. It also helps improve the overall health of other vital organs like the liver and kidney and boosts the immune system.
6. Keeps you filled for longer – Carbohydrates such as rice and wheat are simple for the body to break down and process, often leaving a person feeling hungry soon after eating. It can lead people to turn to unhealthy eating habits to satisfy their hunger. Millets have a more complex structure and take longer for the body to break down, which can help keep people from unhealthy eating habits.