Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman recently declared 2022-2023 as the ‘International Year of Millet’. He launched this scheme while presenting the Union Budget 2022 on Tuesday. “The year 2023 has been declared as the International Year of Millet. Assistance will be provided for post-harvest value addition, increasing domestic consumption and branding of millet products nationally and internationally,” he said. This comes after the United Nations General Assembly in 2021 proposed to make the year 2023 the ‘International Year of Millet’. The resolution aims to promote the nutritional as well as ecological benefits of millet.
Let’s start with what is millet. Millet It is believed to be an ancient grain that has been growing in the Indian subcontinent for over 5,000 years. A popular food choice in Africa and Southeast Asia, millet has garnered global interest in recent times—courtesy of its rich nutrient-profile. Millet Loaded with almost every essential nutrient and considered an ancient superfood. According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), seven types of millets are grown in India. They:
- millet (millet)
- Finger Millet (Ragi)
- Amaranth (Ramdana)
- Buckwheat millet (buckwheat)
- Barnard Millet (Sanwa)
- Foxtail Millet (cornice)
- Kodo millet (codon)
Each of the millets above are affordable, easily accessible and versatile to the core. You can use these millets to prepare roti, pancake, cheela, laddu, idli, dosa and much more. But before talking about the various bajra based recipes, let us find out why bajra is considered a superfood.
Read also: Millets for Strong Bones: Here are 5 ways you can include grains in your diet
Millet is a storehouse of nutrients
Health Benefits of Millet: 5 Reasons Why Millet is Considered a Superfood:
1. Promote Weight Loss:
Millet provides the body with many minerals like calcium, iron, manganese and more. Not only that, they are also full of antioxidants, fiber and protein. All of these factors can help prevent obesity and promote weight loss.
2. Boost Iron:
As mentioned above, millet is a storehouse of iron which helps in maintaining the iron content of the body. This can further help prevent iron deficiency and related problems like anemia.
3. Promoting Bone Health:
The high amounts of calcium, manganese, magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper and other such minerals make millet a good choice for strengthening bone health.
4. Manage Diabetes:
Millet is a cereal that can help control blood sugar levels due to the presence of high-quality carbohydrates, fiber and high levels of protein.
5. Promote Heart Health:
Several studies have also shown that certain types of millet may also promote heart health and help prevent heart disease such as atherosclerosis.
Now that you know how healthy millets are, we suggest including them in your daily diet for overall healthy functioning of the body. And we also bring you some millet-based recipes that will help you add grains to your diet in the most delicious way possible. click here For our seven favorite millet-based recipes.
Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your doctor for more details. NDTV does not take responsibility for this information.
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