Page 110 - Millets Natures NutriGrain

poverty, contributing significantly to the achievement of SDG 3:
“Good Health and Well-being.” These grains offer a multitude of
health benefits, reinforcing their role as a superfood.

Millets and Nutritional Health
Millets are nutritional powerhouses, boasting high levels of calcium,
iron, beta-carotene, dietary fiber, riboflavin, and folic acid. Their
nutritional superiority over rice and wheat is well-documented, and
their consumption has been linked to health improvements, such as
diabetes management, digestive health, cancer risk reduction, and
immune system strengthening.

Fitness and Wellness Through Millets

The Youth Affairs Ministry’s webinars and conferences with leading
athletes, nutritionists, and dieticians on millets through the Fit India
app have popularized the inclusion of millets in athletes’ diets. This
initiative aims to promote a holistic approach to health and well-
being.

Support from the Government and FAO
In 2018, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Council
approved India’s proposal to observe 2023 as the International Year
of Millets. This designation underscores the importance of millets in
global health and well-being. The Indian government’s initiatives,
including FSSAI’s guidelines for millet inclusion in schools and
hospitals, and the organization of millet fair-cum-exhibitions by the
Ministry of Food Processing Industries, are significant steps toward
ensuring the well-being of the population.
A Path to Better Health

Millets’ rich nutrient content, coupled with their low glycaemic
index and gluten-free nature, positions them as ideal dietary choices
for individuals with celiac disease and diabetes. Millets, as a part of a
balanced diet, contribute to improved health and well-being.
Suggestions for a societal contribution toward achieving SDG 3:

1. Embrace Millet-Based Diets: Society can start by
incorporating millets into their daily meals. Whether it’s
replacing rice or wheat with millet or trying new millet-based
recipes, individuals can enjoy the health benefits of these
nutritious grains while contributing to their well-being.

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