New Delhi, November 15 (IANS). Millets i.e. coarse grains are no less than ‘superfood’ for our physical health. These grains contain many times more nutrients than normal wheat. This is the reason why the United Nations had declared 2023 as Millets Year.
Millets are called the power house of health. Vitamins, minerals, zinc and all types of nutrients are found in abundance in them. Coarse grains like jowar, bajra, ragi, kangani, cheena, kodo, kutki and kootu etc. are rich in nutrients and fiber. These grains were regularly consumed by the common people until the middle of the 19th century. But now these grains are being neglected.
However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a lot of efforts to promote coarse grains, which has once again increased the awareness about coarse grains. The benefits of coarse grains are so many that their consumption can prove to be extremely beneficial for health. Do you also know the benefits of these grains? Dr. Amit Kumar, who runs Shatayu Ayurveda and Panchakarma Center in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, explained the benefits of coarse grains.
Dr. Amit says, “Millets, which we know as coarse grains, are divided into two main categories. One is fine millets and the other is coarse grained millets. Fine millets include grains like Kodo, Cheena, Kangni, Ragi, Sawa, Kutki. Coarse grained millets include millet and jowar. These grains contain abundant amounts of food fiber, which helps in keeping the digestive system healthy. “They are also rich in iron and calcium, which is especially beneficial for people who have trouble getting calcium from milk.”
He further said that people who have gluten allergy are also advised to consume these grains. A good amount of Vitamin ‘B’ is found in coarse grains, especially Vitamin B-3 (niacin) is found in millet, which helps in reducing the amount of triglycerides. “Triglycerides increase the risk of heart disease and heart attack, so consuming these grains may help keep cholesterol levels under control.”
Apart from this, ragi and jowar are also extremely beneficial for diabetic patients, as they slow down the absorption of carbohydrates in the body and have a low glycemic index. “This gradually increases the amount of sugar in the blood, which is beneficial for type-2 diabetes patients.”
Dr. Amit further says, “These grains can be classified as ‘super foods’ because they not only keep digestion healthy, but also strengthen bones, control weight, reduce the risk of anemia, and strengthen the body. They are also helpful in keeping warm. Apart from this, consumption of whole grains also keeps the heart healthy and prevents calcium deficiency.”
With the increasing demand for millets, various products of these millets are also becoming available in the market, which is motivating people towards a healthy and balanced diet.
–IANS
PSM/AS
