2023, The Year Of The Millets

The year 2023 has been declared ‘The International Year of Millets’ by the United Nations. As the global agri-food systems face challenges to feed an ever-growing global population and climate change, resilient cereals like millet are a saving grace. These are affordable and healthy breakfast options that should be part of your intake.

Unlike rice or wheat, millets are referred to as coarse cereals, an obvious reference to the external texture which is not smooth. All cereals are a rich source of carbohydrates but millets also come with a higher protein, dietary fibre, iron and calcium content than rice or wheat. This makes it a superfood with enhanced benefits. Millets have a low glycaemic index, which means such foods have a lesser impact on blood glucose levels than other foods. In fact, to help the adoption of millet the Indian government has changed the nomenclature from coarse grains to Nutri cereals.

Millet is a highly adaptable grain that is a great source of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. The potential health benefits of millet include protecting cardiovascular health, preventing the onset of diabetes, helping people achieve and maintain a healthy weight, control blood sugar levels, and managing inflammation in the gut.

Reasons why Millets should be part of the diet

Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses that have been cultivated and consumed for thousands of years. They are a gluten-free, nutrient-dense food source that is high in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Millets are also known for their ability to grow in arid and semi-arid environments, making them a sustainable food crop.

Millets are a great source of nutrition and offer a variety of health benefits. Here are some of the top benefits that will make you adopt millets in your daily diet :

1. Millets are rich in phenolic compounds, especially ferulic acid and catechins. These molecules act as antioxidants to protect your body from harmful oxidative stress. This is especially helpful in skin health. Ferulic acid is primarily used to fight off free radicals, which play a role in age-related skin issues, including age spots and wrinkles.
2. Millets are a great alternative to gluten-rich grains. Millets are a gluten-free grain, making them a viable choice for people with celiac disease or those following a gluten-free diet.
3. Millets are said to contain soluble fibre, which produces a viscous substance in your gut. In turn, this traps fats and helps reduce cholesterol levels. This helps in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease.
4. Regular consumption of millet is beneficial for postmenopausal women suffering from signs of heart ailments, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They help women to combat the occurrence of gallstones because they are rich in fibre.
5. Millets are considered an ideal grain for people with diabetes. Since they are rich in fibre and non-starchy polysaccharides, two types of undigestible carbs that help control blood sugar levels, millets are said to have long-term benefits for diabetics.

But did you know, the best way to enjoy the benefits of millet is in a Wild Date snack bar? The Wild Date Beet and Little Millet bar is an excellent vegan option for snacking. It has no added processed sugar, no preservatives and 100% clean ingredients. This particular bar also has rolled oats, coconut flakes, sunflower seed butter, cashew butter, dates and beetroot puree for a wholesome and healthy snack. You can enjoy it on the go, or use it as a meal replacement. Since there is natural nut butter in the snack bar, it is smooth in taste and delicious on the palate.