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With the easy availability of junk food, people have indulged in unhealthy eating habits. And this has led them to unconsciously inherit several ailments over a period of time. Getting back into healthy eating habits may seem like a daunting task. But, it is believed that the recent popularisation of the “healthy food revolution” has given way to the value of traditional millet.
Consuming millet as a part of a daily diet is nothing new. Besides, the population of central and southern India consumed them almost regularly as a staple food until the Green Revolution made rice and wheat more accessible. Millets were sidelined as a staple food owing to the Indian government’s lack of recognition. The government proactively pushed rice and wheat into the subsidised distribution system. The government disincentivizes farmers from cultivating millets.
What are millets?
Millets are cereal crops and small seed grasses that are widely used in African and Asian countries. Over several years, these crops have been used for human consumption and as fodder for animals. Unlike other cereals, millets require a little amount of water and ground fertility. Besides, millets are rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals, and fibre.
What are the health benefits of millet?
The addition of millet to your everyday diet benefits your health in several ways. Millets keep diseases at bay and provide ample nutrition. Take a look at the benefits of millet:
• Millets are good for coronary diseases. These grains help improve heart health and effectively reduce coronary blockage. Its richness in magnesium reduces the risk of blood pressure, stroke, and heart attacks.
• Millets help stimulate the level of insulin, thereby increasing the efficiency of glucose receptors in the body, which further aids in maintaining a proper balance of blood sugar levels in the body.
• Millets help with gastrointestinal problems and can provide relief from other diseases related to the liver and kidneys. It also helps in reducing the risk of colon cancer.
What are the types of millet?
Millets are divided into two broad categories:
• Naked grains: These grains lack the hard, indigestible husk. Ragi, Jowar, and Bajra fall into this category. These millets do not require processing after harvest. They can be used after being cleaned.
• Husked grains: Foxtail millets, Little millets, and Kodo millets fall into this category.These millets consist of an indigestible seed coat. Before human consumption, these husks must be removed and cleaned.
What are the millet-rich dishes?
You can prepare a number of dishes with millet. Cereals can be included in your daily diet to make your meals healthier. Take a look at some popular dishes you can make out of millet:
Spiced Millet Salad: This is one of the easiest recipes you can cook at home. Besides millets being an important ingredient, so is sambal oelek. Sambal oelek is a spicy hot pepper sauce that is usually found in Asian supermarkets. Apart from adults, spiced millet salad is also loved by children. This is usually served cold.
Mixed Millet Bhel Puri: This is a healthy snack that is loved by all. The mixed millet bhel puri aids in the weight loss process. It is low in carbohydrates and rich in antioxidants. This will make it a perfect diet-friendly snack.
Kodo Millet Burger: If you are craving a healthy burger, then nothing can beat Kodo Millet Burger. This burger is low in calories and can be eaten as a snack. Being high in nutrients and proteins, the burger will help you get through a long, tiring day.
Bajra Tartlets With Fruit Custard: These little tartlets come with the goodness of bajra. These can be filled with savoury creamy ingredients like cream cheese.It can also be served with fruits as a teatime snack.
Ragi Wheat Dosa: Like any other dosa, Ragi Wheat Dosa is made of fermented dosa batter. However, this dosa is better in taste and is healthier. This dosa is made with ragi flour, not ragi seeds. Besides, this dosa can be made by soaking and grinding ragi seeds. This can be eaten as a meal for breakfast.
Jowar Medley: This recipe contains a variety of low-calorie vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, baby corn, and others. This dish is tempted by mustard seeds, curry leaves, ginger, and green chillies cooked in rice bran oil, which again helps in regulating the blood sugar level.
Foxtail Millet Porridge: This porridge can be eaten as a healthy breakfast and is made with thinai or foxtail millet in place of rice. It is rich in fibre and protein and low in fat. It is a super delicious recipe and is loved by both kids and adults.
Baked Ragi Chakli: It is a healthy twist to the typical chakli recipe. This recipe is easy to make and includes simple ingredients like ragi flour, besan flour, ginger paste, chilli garlic paste, salt, and oil. One can add these to the weight loss diet. This South Indian delicacy is very healthy, and it can replace all unhealthy snacks eaten by children.
