Millets are becoming increasingly popular. It was unthinkable fifteen years ago for restaurant owners to add millets to their menus. Still, today there are at least three restaurants in any location to serve nutritious millet-based dishes. People have grown more aware of its benefits, which have increased its appeal more and more.

When pesticide residues were discovered in fruits and vegetables, there was a surge in demand for organic foods. On the other hand, organic foods are increasingly popular in millets, food grains, pulses, tea, spices, and even oilseeds. So, the organic food industry is developing at a rate of 20-22 percent each year, thanks to the country's strong legacy in organic farming, and figures reveal that over 1.5 million hectares of land are certified as organic.

So, millets are the overlooked ancient grain cereals that are being reintroduced as 21st-century innovative foods to build a healthy global society." As the saying goes these days, "LET'S EAT SMART, GROW SMART, AND STAY SMART!"

And if you are interested to know why millets are gaining popularity these days? Keep on reading.

WHY MILLETS THE FUTURE OF THE NEW WORLD?

Millets are a smart food because they are excellent for your health, good for the environment since they use less water, have a low carbon footprint, and are suitable for farmers because they are more robust and climate-smart. So, what are the other advantages it confers, giving it to be the most popular in today's world:

• ‌Nutri-meal:
  

  Millets are packed with proteins, fibers, iron, B vitamins, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and magnesium. It includes around 15% protein and is high in fiber. It's high in Vitamin E, B complex, niacin, thiamin, and riboflavin. Furthermore, millet includes essential amino acids such as methionine and lecithin.

• Easily digestible:

  They are very alkaline, making them readily digested and tummy calming.

• Phyto-rich food:

  They are also high in phytochemicals, such as phytic acid, which is thought to decrease cholesterol, and phytate, which is linked to lower cancer risk.

• Easily cultivable:

  Millets are a category of highly varied small-seeded grasses commonly farmed as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human nourishment worldwide. Millets are significant crops in Asia and Africa's semi arid tropics, accounting for 97 percent of millet output. These crops are preferred due to their excellent production and short growing season in dry, hot environments.

• Disease resistant:

  Consuming residue-free organic millet meal on a daily basis would give a nutritional balance to help fight ailments such as cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, cardiac diseases, renal disorders, gastrointestinal difficulties, and thyroid concerns—liver dysfunctionality, neurological diseases, and so forth.

 Check out: Some organic Millet for your good health

Millet food must be widely promoted worldwide to develop a healthy human civilization by avoiding chronic illnesses like Diabetes, Gangrene, Hypertension, Triglycerides, Convulsions, Asthma, Rheumatism, Tumors, Cancers, Gymea issues, Bone development, and mental diseases. So, it is preferable to include millets in our regular diet because of the numerous health benefits.

• Calorie-deficit ingredient:

  Millet provides a rich supply of readily digested protein while being the least calorie-dense of all grains. After eating it, it's a grain that helps you feel light and energized. A 25g portion of raw millet provides 75 calories and 1.5g of protein.

• Glycemic index is low:

  Millet has a low carbohydrate content that is slowly digested, making it a low glycemic index meal. Millet carbohydrates have a high degree of amylase retrogradation, allowing for the generation of more resistant starch. As a result, it may be prescribed for individuals with cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. This millet is one of the best foods for diabetes in today's world.

• Gluten-Free ingredient:

  Millets are generally gluten-free. It is a good meal for individuals who are gluten intolerant (those with celiac disease) or who want to pursue a gluten-free diet that excludes wheat, barley, and rye-based foods. Because millet is readily available, easy to prepare, and tasty, it is an excellent healthful alternative to rice, wheat, and other less readily available millets.

• Iron-rich source:

  According to a study on millet nutrient content, some types of barnyard millet have large quantities of iron (18.6 mg per 100g of raw millet), making it the richest among all millets and cereal grains. Vegetarians may find this millet to be a valuable source of iron too.

• Keeps your heart safe and healthy:

  Millet's soluble fiber can help lower the "bad" cholesterol in one's blood by further decreasing the risk factor for atherosclerosis. In the stomach, soluble fiber forms a gel that absorbs cholesterol, allowing it to be safely transported out of the organ system. According to some research, millet can also enhance "good" cholesterol levels and reduce triglycerides. Because cholesterol is a significant risk factor for heart disease, eating millet daily may help keep your heart healthy.

Finally!

Millets are abundant in carbohydrates, protein, fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, dietary fiber, and polyphenols. Pearl millet (Bajra) has the most excellent level of macro and micronutrients such as iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus. Ragi (finger millet) is a fantastic source of calcium. Millets are high in magnesium, which relaxes blood vessels and is a crucial element for lowering blood pressure and lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Millets strengthen the gastrointestinal system due to their high fiber content and alleviate constipation, excess gas, bloating, and cramps by regulating the digestive process and lowering the risk of severe disorders such as peptic or colon cancer. Millets have a lower Glycemic index (GI) than most other cereals and are therefore advantageous to diabetes people.

Further, they may be taken as a source of plant-based protein if you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. They are also suited for gluten-free diets. This versatile grain can be used in place of rice or wheat.

When gluten intolerance and celiac disease are becoming frequent issues, gluten-free millets offer protection to those with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and wheat allergies. You may incorporate them into your diet in various ways, from breakfast to dinner. For the best, include this superfood into your everyday diet and introduce a healthy shift to your diet today itself.