Millets are more than a low GI, gluten-free, superfood. They could hold the secret to sustainability and of course the very survival of Mother Earth. How can a humble staple do this you ask? Well before we get into that, let’s talk a bit about why they are good for you.
-
Millets have a low Glycemic Index:
Millets contain complex carbs. These are the good kind of carbs, which prevent your blood sugar levels from spiking. They also keep you feeling full for longer, making it perfect for diabetics, health conscious folks, fitness fanatics and you too!
-
Millets are gluten-free:
They are perfect for people with gluten sensitivity. Being gluten free, they are easier on the system. Other than people with gluten allergies, they’re also suitable for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other chronic digestive conditions.
-
Packed with nutrition:
Millets are a superfood. This is because they are super nutritious, packed with vitamins and minerals, complete amino acids, complex carbs and certain phytonutrients that aid in cell repair, increase immune system response etc.
-
Great for your gut:
Millets are rich in soluble and insoluble dietary fibre. The insoluble fibre in millets are considered to be prebiotic, which means they support the growth and development of good bacteria in the gut. Insoluble fibre adds bulk to the stool, keeping the excretory system regular and reduces the risk of colon cancer.
And now the scoop: Here’s how millets are environmentally friendly
We’ve all heard how deforestation and over-farming for certain crops, including staples like rice and wheat, can contribute to the greenhouse effect and global warming. Well millets have emerged as an unlikely hero in this otherwise bleak reality. Here’s how millets are actually environmentally friendly.
-
Millets are tough plants that help in conserving and increasing soil fertility
They play an important role in nurturing soils and improving their texture and fertility, thus benefiting the farmer.
-
Millets can grow virtually anywhere
They can grow in harsh conditions and this makes them a perfect crop for dry, arid climates as well. Traditionally millets have been the staple for people in semi arid areas of Asia, including India. The quality of soil isn’t a barrier to growth, as they can grow even in sandy soils with differing pH balances.
-
Their hardiness makes them an ideal candidate to solve world hunger
The world’s population is growing at such a rate that in a few decades conventional crops like rice, wheat and others won’t be able to keep up. Enter the humble millet, its hardiness and ability to grow anywhere means it could play a huge part in solving world hunger.
-
Lower dependence on irrigation
Millets are rain fed crops which don’t need complicated irrigation systems to grow. They have an ingenious root system that finds and stores water, so even in harsh environments like Sub-Saharan Africa, they can thrive.
-
Lower monetary and environmental cost of growing
Millets do not depend on a high nutritive index of the soil they’re grown in. So they do not need any supplemental help from fertilisers. They are also extremely resistant to pests, so pesticides are rarely needed for their growth, making it extremely lucrative for farmers to grow the crop and profit from it.
There you have it, irrefutable proof that millets aren’t just an all conquering superfood, that is damn good for you; but is also a force that can eventually play a huge role in environmental management, solve the world’s food problem and decrease cost and increase profitability for often marginalised communities. Come explore our range of Organic Millets.