Step stone for sugarless South India – The Millets

Diabetes and hypertension, traditionally seen as a rich man's disease, has made its way to the slums. Health ministry's fresh data shows one out of every four persons living in the urban slums of Chennai suffer from diabetes — which is three times higher than the national average of about 7%.

In the slums of Bangalore the prevalence rate of diabetes was reported to be 14.77%, followed by 13.37% in Ahmedabad. Delhi had among the lowest rates of 5.02%.

Medical experts say poor eating habits and sedentary lifestyle is the main reason for the rise in diabetes among the urban poor. "It is a false belief that only those eating burgers and pizzas can get obese and develop diabetes. High consumption of fried items such as rice, kachori, samosa and gulab jamun can also led to the onset of diabetes"

So, if we born as a South Indian definitely our genes has the chances of diabetic attack.

The way-out of diabetics: - The millets:

The major factor which make the South Indian to affect by diabetic is “RICE”. Even though the physical activities, changing the lifestyle will help us, reducing the intake of rice will help us too.

Since we – South Indian’s are fond of rice how to reduce the intake of rice? Yes there is another Indian ancient food that’s Millets.

You can read further to know about millets.

Millet:  An Ancient Whole Grain

This ancient grain was cultivated in East Asia as far back as 10,000 years ago, according to archaeologists. These cereal crop that has been grown in Africa and India since prehistoric times. Surprisingly, cultivation of millet in prehistoric times was more prevalent than even rice.

Millets are a group of highly variable small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for both human food and fodder. It’s not just a type of bird seed. It can be consumed by humans in the form of pilafs, snacks and cookies too. It has a sweet nutty flavor. Millets are widely grown in Africa and northern china. It is gluten free & rich in calcium, fiber, protein and minerals. It has high nutritional values when compared with rice and wheat. Millets are called as miracle grains or wonder grains. It is a great food for people looking for weight loss, diabetic and cardiac patients.

Types and specialty:

For thousands of years, millets has been growing such as Pearl millet, Barnyard millet, Sorghum, Foxtail millet, Little millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet and now ANI (Millet Network of India) promotes millets as Nutri-cereals instead of Coarse Cereals. Here some interesting facts about millets other than that they are gluten-free, highly nutritious, millets need very little water for their production, short growing period under dry, high temperature conditions and that's why in India, Africa, Asia millets are more popular. Millets also required rich soils for growth, no millet attracts any pest hence they have no or low fertilizer usage and pest-free.

Here are the varity of Millets Types and Name in Different Languages:

English	Pearl Millet	Finger Millet	Foxtail Millet	Kodo Millet	Little Millet	Barnyard Millet	Sorghum
Hindi	Bajra	Nachani, Mundua, Mandika, Marwah	Kangni, Kakum, Rala	Koden, Kodra	Kutki, Shavan	Jhangora, Sanwa	Jowar
Tamil	Kambu	Kezhvaragu, Kelvaragu, Keppai, Ragi	Thinai	Varagu	Saamai	Kuthiravali (Kuthiraivolly)	Cholam
Telugu	Sajjalu	Ragula, Ragi Chodi	Korra	Arikelu, Arika	Sama, Samalu	Udalu, Kodisama	Jonna
Kannada	Sajje	Ragi	Navane	Harka	Saame, Save	Oodalu	Jola
Malayalam	Kambam	Panji Pullu	Thina	Koovaragu	Chama	Kavadapullu	Cholam
Marathi	Bajri	Nagli, Nachni	Kang, Rala	Kodra	Sava, Halvi, Vari	-	Jowari, Jondhala
Punjabi	Bajra	Mandhuka, Mandhal	Kangni	Kodra	Swank	Swank	Jowar
Gujarati	Bajri	Nagli, Bavto	Kang	Kodra	Gajro, Kuri	-	Jowari, Juar
Bengali	Bajra	Marwa	Kaon	Kodo	Sama	Shyama	Jowar
Oriya	Bajra	Mandia	Kanghu, Kangam, Kora	Kodua	Suan	Khira	Juara

Health Benefits Of Milletss

These are some of the general health benefits of millets when consumed everyday!

ü  Millets are generally rich in Protein, fibre, calcium, Iron & Minerals especially Magnesium, copper & phosphorous.

ü  It helps to reduce cholesterol, lowers blood pressure & it helps in the development & repair of body cells & tissues.

ü  It helps to lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes especially for women.

ü  Its high insoluble fiber helps to prevent Gallstones formation.

ü  Pre-menopausal women eating millets have a reduced breast cancer risk.

Here are some of the findings what millets can do:

·       Magnesium in millet can help reduce the effects of migraines and heart attacks.

·       Niacin (vitamin B3) in millet can help lower cholesterol.

·       Phosphorus in millet helps with fat metabolism, body tissue repair and creating energy (phosphorus is an essential component of adenosine triphosphate or ATP, a precursor to energy in your body)

·       Millet can help lower risk of type 2 diabetes.

·       Fiber from whole grains has been shown to protect against breast cancer.

·       Whole grains have been shown to protect against childhood asthma.

                                                                            

Word of Warning: Millet Contains Goitrogens

Above, we have focused on the potential health benefits of millet, but if eaten in excess, this otherwise-healthy food may also cause some problems. This is because millet contains goitrogens, anti-nutrients that can suppress thyroid activity and cause goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland that often produces a noticeable swelling in the front of the neck. So, don’t take any chances with your thyroid health by consuming large amounts of millet.

TRY SOME MILLET TODAY!

Look this space for more details on millets and how to prepare millet food.