Millets - Why should we add them in our diet?

Millets are tiny coarse grains that are packed with the goodness of iron, protein, fiber, and many other important nutrients. They are also known as super crops of our ancestors and have been mentioned in some of the oldest Yajurveda texts. Infact, until 50 years ago millets were the major grain grown in India. However post Green Revolution, there were changes in government policies which resulted in increased production of wheat and rice and a sharp decline in production of millets. 

Millets are a complete nutrition powerhouse. Although there are different types of millets but each type has an importance of its own. For eg: Foxtail millet and ragi are rich in protein while pearl millet a.k.a Bajra is rich in nutrients like calcium, iron, and magnesium. They contain good amount of dietary fiber which helps the digestive system, regulates the bowl function, and improves overall immunity of the body. Also Read - Millet Pastas

While adding millets to your daily diet, it’s important not to mix them, instead try and eat only one type in a meal. This is because, each type of millet brings its own share of goodness and nutrition so mixing them together might create imbalances in your body. You can have millet pancakes for breakfast or can even have it in form of rice or upma. Millets are the next generation of smart foods and that’s why many upcoming food brands have introduced good and healthy millets snacks in form of cookies and other munchies. 

However, we don’t advise you to completely switch off from wheat and rice but can have it 3-4 times a week. There is also a misconception about consuming millets during summers. Well, millets are safe to consume all around the year until you are eating it in moderation. The key to healthy diet is to eat right and not become a victim of the food fad.

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