2023 – The International Year of Millets – UN

Ever since the UN declared 2023 as ‘The International year of Millets’, you can find one article every day in all leading dailies on the small grain or ‘chota/mota anaj’. Slowly but steadily Millets are making inlets into mid-day meals, 5-star restaurants’ menu, ITC’s menu and our daily meals. What are millets? Why are they considered the superfood of the century?

As Millets, continues their onward march to popularity, many are unaware, that behind this global awareness of Millets as the superfood, lie the untiring efforts of two people from India – Dr. Khadarvali popularly known as The Millet Man of India and his daughter Dr. Sarla Bangalore from Mysore.

Food as Medicine!

Dr. Khadar says, “When Food is wrong, Medicine is of no use. When Food is right, Medicine is of no need”

I heard Dr. Khadarvali in an organic fest hosted by the state government of MP at the beginning of this year. I was completely bowled over by his talk. He presented facts and arguments on the negative effects of food on our health in a feisty way with unshakable conviction. This made me embark on a journey of research and experiment on the food he advocated – Millets. Millets – the super food of the Millennium are environment friendly and highly nutritious crops. The UN recommends their cultivation and production for ensuring food security at the global level.

The Siri Jeevan Fest – Dr. Sarla Bangalore

To know more I attended a 3-day ‘Siri Jeevan fest’ at Keshav Srushti, Meera Bhayander Road, Mumbai.

Meeting Dr. Sarla Bangalore and listening to her lectures while gorging on delicious millet meals all the 3 days was heavenly. Amidst the tight schedule, I convinced her to give me 20 minutes for an interview.

Eat positive grains – Millets – the superfood – for a healthy life!

Dr.Khadarvali – the ‘Millet Man of India’, has identified 3 kinds of grains based on his independent research of 17 years – Positive, Neutral and Negative – www.sirijeevan.org

Positive grains – Chhota anaj or the five millets identified by Dr. Khadar also lovingly named – ‘Sirijeevan’ are Foxtail millets, Barnyard millets, Brown top millets, Kodo millets and Little millets. These have a very high fibre and disease reversal properties hence they enjoy the tag of Millets – the superfood.

Neutral grains – Mota anaj or millets such as Jowar, Ragi, Sorghum, Chena are rich in micro nutrients like calcium, phosphorus, protein, minerals. They do not cause any health problems, but they don’t have disease reversal properties.

Negative grains – Wheat and paddy are identified as disease inducing grains due to their very low fibre content and high carbohydrate content. They cause many lifestyle diseases such as diabetes by reducing insulin production and blood pressure by thickening the blood.

FAQs

Here are a few FAQs which are likely to come up as you embrace Millets – the superfood as your staple diet.

1. Which grains should I consume?

Those who are free from disease and healthy and want to remain healthy, should stop consuming negative grains and switch to neutral and positive grains to remain healthy. Those who are suffering from any type of illness should stop consuming negative grains and switch to positive grains completely and follow the protocol – https://www.sirijeevan.org/protocols

2. Will I be able to enjoy food when I replace wheat and rice with millets?

Yes….you have a variety of around 10 millets which you can consume in rotation. Each millet has a different taste. Some are grainy, some are nutty, some have a sweet taste and some are slightly bitter. You can make all your conventional dishes with millets and the taste is yum.

3. Is it difficult and time consuming to cook millets?

In the beginning you need to understand the basics of cooking millets (check out my upcoming article on – Basics of cooking millets). Then you will start enjoying cooking them and experimenting with them. Moreover you will enjoy the variety they offer. When you have 10 types of grains, you are able to relish the taste of each and there is an element of surprise always. Moreover Millets are very good for your gut bacteria, as the gut gets exposed to a variety of fibrous food.

4. What happens if I get stuck somewhere, and I am not sure how to or what to make?

Don’t worry. There is a whole lot of community groups which have taken to millets die. There are many groups on the social media. Join the ones given on the website, and you will be surprised, how many people come forth to help you out. Check out Dr. Sarla’s channel – Millet Magic – @milletmagic6609

What are Millets?

Read more about them along with a delicious millet recipe – 7 reasons why you should say yes to Millets.