Things to know

• 2023 The International Year of Millets 

The International Year of Millets is a year-long campaign declared by the United Nations General Assembly to promote the cultivation, consumption, and utilization of millets as a means of improving nutrition, enhancing food security, and contributing to sustainable agriculture. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the health and nutritional benefits of millets, as well as their economic and environmental significance. It also seeks to promote the conservation of millet biodiversity and the traditional knowledge associated with millet cultivation and use. The International Year of Millets was declared for the year 2023 and will be observed by governments, non-governmental organizations, and other stakeholders around the world through various events, campaigns, and activities. 

• Drawbacks of eating Wheat and Rice:

While wheat and rice are staple foods for millions of people around the world and provide important sources of nutrition, there are some drawbacks to their consumption, including:

1. High glycemic index: Both wheat and rice have a high glycemic index, which means they can cause blood sugar levels to spike after consumption. This can be a concern for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing diabetes.

2. Gluten intolerance: Wheat contains gluten, which can cause digestive problems in people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. This can lead to symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.

3. Low nutrient density: While wheat and rice are good sources of carbohydrates, they are relatively low in other important nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies if these foods are the main source of calories in a person's diet.

4. Environmental impact: The production of wheat and rice can have a significant environmental impact, including water pollution, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. This can be a concern for sustainability and climate change.

5. Agricultural monoculture: The reliance on wheat and rice as staple crops can lead to monoculture in agriculture, which can result in reduced biodiversity and increased susceptibility to disease and pests.

• Medical benefits from millets:

Millets have several medical benefits due to their nutritional composition, including:

1. Rich in fiber: Millets are high in dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion, prevent constipation, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

2. Gluten-free: Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them a suitable alternative for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

3. Low glycemic index: Millets have a low glycemic index, which means they are digested slowly and can help regulate blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes.

4. High in protein: Millets are a good source of plant-based protein, which can help support muscle growth and repair.

5. Rich in minerals: Millets are high in important minerals like iron, zinc, and magnesium, which are essential for good health and wellbeing.

6. Antioxidant properties: Some types of millets, such as finger millet, have antioxidant properties that can help protect against oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

Overall, incorporating millets into a balanced diet can have several health benefits and contribute to overall wellbeing.

• Kitchen Care :

1.Use copper vessel for drinking water or place a copper plate in the earthen pot of drinking water. Dispose plastic water filters, they are the root cause of many diseases. clean the copper plate/ vessel/ bottle with salt and lemon, Pitambari is also a good option.

2. Do not store food in plastic containers. use stainless steel, glass containers. 

3. Do not cook food in Aluminum vessels and non stick pans. use stainless steel or earthen pots.

4. Soak vegetables and fruits in tamarind water for 15 minutes before preparing/ consumption. Tamarind    soaks out the insecticide/pesticide sprayed on it.

5. Avoid consumption of Sugar instead, use palm jaggery which is is a natural sweetener that is rich in nutrients and antioxidants and is believed to have several health benefits. However, it is important to consume it in moderation as it is still a source of sugar and calories. 

6. Make fermented porridge at least thrice a week, fermented millet porridge is a nutritious and beneficial food that can support digestive health, improve nutrient absorption, and provide probiotic benefits. It is also a delicious and versatile dish that can be flavored with a variety of herbs, spices, and sweeteners to suit individual tastes. we have provided its recipe on our recipe page.

7. Make herbal tea instead of milk tea/milk coffee. 

8. Stop consumption of wheat and rice of any kind, instead replace it with millets. The rice made of any millet tastes much better than paddy rice.

9. Soak millets in water for 5-6 hours so the fibers inside of it opens naturally only then prepare any dish of it.

10. Consume only one type of millet for a day. 

• Know your Body:

1. Every Day your body needs to sweat, pass the stool at ease, have smooth urination, consumption of water stored in copper vessel and consumption of healthy food.

2. Do not Diet, Have maximum amount of millet with soups, salads, dal or any other gravy. Exercise for 15-20 minutes or walk for 45 minutes.

3. Millet fermented porridge to consume thrice a week, it may overcome macro and micronutrients deficiencies like Vitamin B12 deficiency - one of the reasons being lack of a good colony of pro-biotic bacteria in the gut.

• Storing Millet:

1. Store millet in glass/stainless steel/earthen pot or in a cotton sack. for longer preservation, add some bay leaves and cloves in the millet. If you want to preserve millets for very long duration then, spread the millet grains on a bedsheet under direct sun for 2 - 3 hours every month.