Include Millets In Meal For Healthy You and Healthy Climate
- Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh
Writer, Author & Social Activist
Blogger - "Climate Diary Of Dr (Ms) Sharad Singh"
*Every one knows that the year 2023 is declared as Millets Year by United Nations. But have you even think, why millets why not other grains? While in most countries there are eaten whole wheat and rice as main food course. So why was there a need to declare a full year for Millets? The production of millets is profitable in the changing climate and its carbon footprint is also less. It is healthy grain for not only humans nor climate too. How? And what is special in millets? Why should it be eaten? Let us look.*
The UN is declared the year 2023 as International Millets Year. The Government of India sponsored the proposal for International Year of Millets (IYM) 2023 which was accepted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Actually, with the aim to create awareness and increase production & consumption of millets, United Nations, at the behest of the Government of India, declared 2023 the International Year Millets. India had proposed to United Nations for declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The proposal of India got support from 72 countries and United Nation's General Assembly (UNGA) declared 2023 as International Year of Millets.
Many types of millets are found in India. And they have different regional names - Sorghum (Jowar), Pearl Millet (Bajra), Finger Millet (Ragi/Mandua), Minor Millets i.e. Foxtail Millet (Kangani/Kakun), Proso Millet (Cheena), Kodo Millet (Kodo), Barnyard Millet (Sawa/Sanwa/ Jhangora), Little Millet (Kutki) and two Pseudo Millets (Buck-wheat (Kuttu) and Ameranthus (Chaulai). Out of these Jowar, Bajra and Ragi are more in trend. The interesting thing is that these grains have been eaten in India for centuries, but in the race of modernity, these grains were reduced in use by considering them as cheap and the grains of the poor. I remember that in my childhood I got a chance to visit my uncle in Chhattisgarh. There I got to eat Kodo instead of rice. I had never eaten Kodo before. The cooked Kodo was like small rice grains and was very tasty. After many years once I had a strong desire to eat Kodo and I looked for Kodo in the grain market of my city but I could not find it. Then I discussed my desire to eat Kodo with a farmer friend of mine. Hearing my wish, he laughed and said that we do not grow Kodo. Earlier it was grown but no one ate it, it was used only to feed the animals. I was very angry when I heard from him that such a good, tasty and cheap grain is not preferred to be grown. Well, ever since globalization increased, the food pattern has changed once again. The market intruded fiercely into the kitchen. On the one hand junk food dominated and on the other hand millet, ragi, corn oats etc. came in beautiful packing as healthy food and enticed. The grains which were once marginalized by being called the grains of the poor, the same grains were put in the market by the multinational company at ten times the price in an attractive manner. People started including these cereals in their breakfast as companies were explaining the benefits of these cereals through their dazzling advertisements.
There is no doubt that these are healthy cereals and good for breakfast. Now the year 2023 has been declared as the International Millet Year to make Millets a part of the main diet, but not by the market but by the UN and the Government of India. There are two main reasons for this. Firstly, this grain is rich in fiber and is good for health. Research finds widespread adoption of vegetarian diet would cut food-related emissions by 63% and make people healthier too. Eat less meat and go vegan to avoid dangerous global warming, scientists say. Vegan food pattern is enables farmers to achieve a significant and immediate reduction of the environmental footprint of meat, milk, and dairy products. On average, it reduces enteric methane emissions by 30% from dairy cows and 45% from beef cattle.
Another reason is that it requires less water to grow. In view of the future water crisis and climate change, it has also become necessary to change the priorities of grains for farming. Nearly a quarter of methane emissions can be attributed to agriculture, much of which is from raising livestock. Rice cultivation and food waste are also important sources of agricultural methane, as nearly a third of all food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted. Millet is rich in dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. The insoluble fiber in millet is known as a “prebiotic” who means it supports good bacteria in your digestive system. Scientist says that this type of fiber is also important for adding bulk to stools, which helps keep regular and reduces risk of colon cancer. That is why the production of millets and its inclusion in food is beneficial for both humans and the climate.
But it is also remember that the people with intestinal disorders can have difficulty. Millets are a good source of amino acids, but very high content of amino acids for the body is not recommended. So they should use millets after doctor's suggestion. For the general people there are myriad health benefits of millets. Regular consumption of millets is beneficial for postmenopausal women suffering from signs of heart ailments, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. They help women to combat occurrence of gallstones because they are rich in fiber. Millets are great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. If we substitute millet rice for white rice in your recipes, your foods will be much healthier. Millet is a sleep aid. According to seasons, Millet varieties such as Bajra and corn are suitable for winter. So, in the year of 2023 do exercise, do yoga, go vegan for health of yourself and the climate and enjoy International Millet Year.
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(15.01.2023)
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