Summer is here, and the temperatures are soaring. With increasing heat, the body becomes dehydrated and needs to be replenished with nutrients.
In Indian cuisine, the tradition is to eat hot foods in winter and cooling foods in summer. Millets have been a part of the diet since olden times. They are rich in nutrients and fibre, and are good for weight loss, cholesterol management, and diabetes.
Some of the millets to be consumed in summer are:
- Jowar (Sorghum):
- It is rich in magnesium, potassium, and B vitamins.
- It is gluten-free and good for diabetics.
- It aids in digestion.
- It can be used for making rotis and porridge.
- Ragi (Finger millet):
- It is rich in calcium, iron, and fibre.
- It is good for bones and teeth.
- It has a cooling effect on the body.
- It can be used to make Ragi mudde, Ragi idly, dosa, and porridge (for babies).
- Foxtail millet (Kangni):
- It is rich in iron, calcium, and fibre.
- It helps in digestion, boosts immunity, and helps manage diabetes.
- It can withstand all seasons and thrives in any condition.
- Kodo millet:
- It has a cooling and detoxifying effect on the body.
- It balances Vata and Kapha.
- It is rich in B vitamins.
- It is used in making curd rice as it has a probiotic effect.
- It is highly energizing.
- Barnyard millet:
- It is also called the “Positive Millet.”
- It is low in calories and helps in retaining water.
- It helps in cleaning internal organs like the kidney and liver.
- It is used as an alternative to rice as it is a very light millet.
Which millet is a part of your diet?Share your thoughts.
MBH/AB