“Winter superfood” Today’s food in the series is millet.
In his famous ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program in winter last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had appealed to people to spread awareness about millets. During the party’s parliamentary meeting, he also called on MPs to grow and eat more of it.
Our elders changed their cereals as well as their vegetables according to the season. In winter, they usually ate only millet and jowar. Its nature is warm and it is also full of nutrients.
Millet is still grown today mainly in Africa and India. However, its demand is now increasing all over the world. Its peculiarity is that it contains complex carbohydrates, so the body continues to obtain energy gradually for a long time.
Eating marketa keeps blood sugar levels under control, bones become strong and cholesterol levels decrease. Eating it also reduces the risk of asthma and cancer.
This is why today we will talk about millet in the “Winter Superfoods” series. You will also learn that-
What is its nutritional value? Eating millet reduces the risk of which diseases?
Grandma was making millet pudding
Dadi used to make bajra pudding during cold days. The special thing was that it used all the superfoods it contained. It also contained jaggery and sesame seeds. Previously, there were very few resources and woolen clothing. Back then, our ancestors stayed healthy just by eating these winter superfoods.
Millet is one of those winter superfoods that is very beneficial for our health.
Millet is rich in important nutrients
Millet contains many essential nutrients for the body. It is a cereal that also contains an adequate amount of protein. It also contains carbohydrates and fibers essential to the body. See the graph:
Millet contains a lot of vitamins and minerals
Millet contains vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. Apart from this, it also contains essential minerals like iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. See in the graph how many essential minerals the body gets by eating one cup of millet per day:
Millet is very beneficial in winter
The biggest benefit of eating millet is that it helps in weight management. Weight gain is a big problem in a busy lifestyle. This problem becomes even worse due to the reduction in physical activity in winter. In such a situation, millet can be very beneficial. Eating millet helps control blood sugar levels. This lowers cholesterol levels and reduces the risk of heart disease. It contains a sufficient amount of calcium and phosphorus, which strengthen teeth and bones. The risk of asthma and respiratory diseases often increases in winter. Eating millet can reduce their risk.
Apart from this, what are the other great advantages, see in the graph:
Some common questions related to millet and their answers
Question: How much millet should you eat daily?
Answer: Eating 1-2 servings of millet per day is considered safe. About 30 to 50 grams of millet can be consumed in each serving. Millet should be consumed in limited quantities.
Question: Can consuming millet have side effects?
Answer: In general, there is no harm in eating millet. Some people may be allergic to certain grains. If it causes rashes, itching on the body or a burning sensation in the stomach, it should not be consumed and a doctor should be consulted. Eating too much millet can cause gas, bloating and digestive problems.
Question: Who should not eat millet?
Answer: These people should not eat millet:
Those who have thyroid problems. Those who are allergic to millet. Those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or any digestive problem.
Question: Is millet safe for people with gluten intolerance?
Answer: Yes, celiac disease patients have allergic reactions to gluten-containing grains. While millet is a gluten-free cereal. Therefore, they do not face any problem while eating millet.
Question: Can consuming millet cause kidney stones?
Answer: Yes, millet is rich in oxalate. This, combined with calcium, can cause stones. If a person has kidney stones or has ever had such a problem, definitely consult a doctor before eating millet.
Question: How safe is it to eat millet for those with thyroid problems?
Answer: Millet contains goitrogens, which affect thyroid function and can lead to thyroid problems like goiter. If a person already has a thyroid disorder or iodine deficiency, their symptoms can be serious.
Question: Can we eat millet in summer?
Answer: Yes, any millet can be consumed even in summer. Although its nature is hot. Therefore, if you eat in summer, other cereals should also be mixed with it.
Question: Is millet digested quickly?
Answer: No, millet takes a little longer to digest. The complex carbohydrates and high fiber content it contains take longer to digest.
Its advantage is that the stomach remains satisfied for a long time. Our body continues to obtain energy gradually. If millet is consumed in the morning, the body remains energetic throughout the day. Due to this, there is no desire to eat unhealthy snacks during the day.
Question: Can we eat millet in the evening?
Answer: Yes, you can definitely eat it. However, it should be consumed in limited quantities because market nutrients are not properly absorbed at night. Apart from this, there may also be a digestion problem at night.
………………………….. from Winter Superfoods Series 1. Winter Superfoods – one piece per day, Jaggery will prevent anemia: make periods regular, beneficial during pregnancy
Eating jaggery increases the energy level. Besides many essential vitamins, it also contains important minerals like iron, magnesium and calcium. It prevents the risk of anemia and is extremely beneficial against joint pain. … 2. Winter Superfood – Eat 1 carrot a day, get 110% Vitamin A: Improves eyesight, reduces risk of cancer.
Carrots are rich in vitamins A, C and K. It contains essential minerals like iron, calcium, zinc, potassium and copper. Eating it daily improves eyesight and reduces the risk of cancer. …