There is a scene in the great Kalidasa’s epic creation, “Abhijnana Shakuntalam” where the sage Kanva is shown pouring Foxtail millets to Shakuntala in Dushyant’s court, emphasising how auspicious millets were back then. Remember this dates back to somewhere between the 4th to 5th AD… close to 1625 years ago. Priyangava, Aanava, Shyaamaka.. Know these ones? These words find mention in the Yajur Vedas and mean Foxtail Millet (कंगनी), Barnyard Millet (सांवा) and Black Finger Millet (रागी) respectively. And the Yajur Vedas were written 3200, yes 3200 years ago! This makes it pretty clear that millets are as ancient as we are, if not older! Excavations at the sites of The Indus Valley Civilisation and Harappan Civilisation have found remnants of millets and this further solidifies the fact that millets have been an integral part of our diet and culture since time immemorial. But then,
WHAT ARE MILLETS?
Millets are essentially plants with lots of seeds. It is also known as a cultivated grass that acts as food for humans and animals alike. Millets are characterised by their properties:
- Millets are rich in essential minerals, fiber, protein and vitamins. Antioxidants? They have it as well!
- Millets grow well in semi arid and arid regions as well, thus requiring little water.
- Millets are very resistant to pests and diseases therefore requiring little care.
- Millets are gluten free.
- Millets are also known as Nutri-cereals since they have everything that is needed to nourish your body!
- Thinking about weight loss? Well, these help, a lot!
The year 2023 was declared as the “International Year of Millets” by the United Nations. India, which is an 80% producer of millets in Asia and 20% worldwide, also celebrated 2023 as the year that would promote the benefits of both millet consumption and cultivation.
But a question that arises is why millets, a humble but ancient grain, are making such a strong comeback? Post COVID, the world saw an emphatic shift towards living and eating healthy and we at Healthy2Bfit, the best Dietitian in Chandigarh too started advocating millets strongly, owing to their benefits!
Millets have a lot of benefits including but not limited to:
- Weight Management: Looking to shed that unhealthy fat? Look no further. Millets are really fulfilling in nature and help in hunger management and nutrition, resulting in weight loss.
- Cardiac Health: Millets are amazing at managing your cholesterol levels and consequently reduce the risks of cardiac diseases.
- Blood Sugar Management: Managing those sugar levels becomes a lot easier by consuming millets as these are rich in Fiber.
- Digestive System Health: The same fiber that manages your sugar, plays an important role here as well as it improves digestion and prevents constipation.. If still not being able to poop properly, stop watching reels while you do it. 😂
- Bone Health is also benefited by the consumption of calcium rich millets such as ragi.
So you see, the benefits of millets are so immense that they actually justify them being called Nutri-cereals! Include some millets in your daily diet and we promise, your body will thank you, and you can thank us, the best dietitian in chandigarh, later! Make dosas, rotis/parathas, khichdi, pulao, salads, upma, even sweets using these God’s gifts to mankind!
“Sehatmand Raho, Sukhi Raho!” (Stay Healthy, Stay Happy)
