All About How & When to Eat Millets - Health Benefits & Side Effects of Millets Explained by Dr Rao

God has provided about 400 species of edible foods, but only five species dominate: rice, wheat, potato, maize, and sugarcane. These species are water-intensive, leading to the necessity of water conservation crops like millets.

Millets, being rich in fiber, are excellent for gut bacteria. They promote good gut health and can be beneficial for nutrition and overall well-being.

The discussion covers how to include millets in daily meals to enhance gut bacteria, tips for introducing millets, the types of millets to include, and processing techniques.

Millets are part of the gramin family and are rich in fiber. They are grown primarily in dryland regions and have been traditional crops in India for centuries.

Millets used to be staple diets before the introduction of rice and wheat. The decline in millet cultivation was influenced by the Green Revolution's focus on rice and wheat.

Millets are grown across the globe, with major production areas in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America. India is a significant player in global millet production.

Challenges like limited millet consumption due to anti-nutrients are addressed through processing techniques like extrusion, cold/hot extrusion, and high-pressure cooking to enhance nutritional value.

After eight months of intervention with chapatis and a balanced diet, significant improvements were seen in hemoglobin levels and body mass index, especially among school-going children, particularly girls. This study revealed the effectiveness of dietary interventions in improving health outcomes.

A study focused on Jaara Soram food supplementation showed a 50% reduction in HbC levels within three months in community trials. This highlights the potential of incorporating millets like Jaara Soram in addressing diabetes and promoting better health outcomes.

Exploration of traditional millet-consuming nations, like certain African regions, has shed light on the health benefits of millets in promoting resilience and athletic performance. Collaborations with global institutions aim to endorse millet consumption and its health benefits.

The low glycemic index of millets and their ability to keep individuals fuller for longer periods can aid in reducing calorie intake, improving liver health, and potentially combating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Research collaborations are ongoing to study the gut-related benefits of millets.

The establishment of a brand named 'eat right' focusing on millet-based products has paved the way for the commercialization of various millet products like chapatis, biscuits, and ice cream. These initiatives aim to make millets more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.