📣 For more lifestyle news, click here to join our WhatsApp Channel and also follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Students of government schools in Uttar Pradesh may soon be served millet as part of their mid-day meals at least once a week to provide them with better nutrition, according to PTI. In the wake of 2023 being designated as the International Year of Millets, Director General School Education in Uttar Pradesh Vijay Kiran Anand said, “We will soon have a meeting with Union government officials regarding the introduction of millets in mid-day meals.”
Currently, the students are served wheat or rice-based dishes with vegetables or proteins. But according to the plan, students will either be served chapatis or khichdi made of bajra, accompanied by either vegetables or moong dal, the outlet added.
Why bajra?
Compared to staple grains like rice or wheat, millet has additional benefits (read: better nutritional value), said registered dietitian Garima Goyal. “They are nutrient-dense, and making them a part of regular meals can improve malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency among the masses, especially in children,” she told indianexpress.com
DT Sushma PS, chief dietician, Jindal Naturecure Institute, Bangalore added since bajra breaks down starch slowly, it is easy to digest and makes you feel fuller for longer.
“The insoluble fibre content in bajra acts as a prebiotic that regulates digestive health. This insoluble fibre also improves bowel movement, keeping digestive issues like constipation at bay. It is rich in omega-3 fats, magnesium, potassium, fibre, and other nutrients that help lower blood pressure and maintain cholesterol levels. Additionally, bajra is rich in protein and antioxidants, phenols, and phytochemicals that help in building muscle mass. It is generally paired with legumes and pulses and makes up for the essential nutrients a human body needs,” DT Sushma mentioned.
Apart from the macronutrients, they are also packed with some good amounts of vitamins and minerals like vitamin B6, riboflavin, iron, zinc, and magnesium, Goyal added. Further, being “low in glycemic index” makes it a better option for diabetics, and among children, this helps in reducing the chances of early insulin resistance, Goyal continued.
Is it suitable for summer?
Considered a ‘heaty’ millet and relished during winter, bajra can also be enjoyed in summer by adding it to beverage preparations like lassi or fermented porridge, Goyal said. “Another way is to combine bajra with other cooling vegetables like cucumber or gourd varieties,” she added.
How to cook bajra?
Bajra can be easily incorporated in various recipes and can replace other grains. “With no change in cooking method, it can replace wheat flour in chapati and semolina in khichdi,” Goyal said.
Gluten-free meals like roti, khichdi, puffed millet popcorn and porridge, etc can also be made, DT Sushma said, adding that bajra khichdi is an easy-to-make healthy meal prepared with moong dal, vegetables, and some basic Indian spices. “Rich in fibre, proteins, and essential minerals, pearl millet flour is a healthy gluten-free alternative to wheat. Bajra ki roti is a gluten-free Rajasthani dish which is great for weight loss and diabetes patients,” she said.
How to introduce millets?
Introducing millet into the diet of children is a great step to ensure dietary diversity. However, a sudden change in the diet can make it a little difficult for children to accept and especially for picky eaters, remarked Goyal. “This could lead to complete avoidance of the meal itself. So the best possible way is to initiate creating awareness about millets among children and also educate parents about their nutritional value to motivate their children,” said Goyal.
📣 For more lifestyle news, follow us on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook and don’t miss out on the latest updates!
