As the heat continues to rage across the country, the health risks associated with increased body temperature require a change in summer-specific diet. To deal with these seasonal challenges, experts stress the importance of consuming ‘cool foods’ that can help regulate and reduce body temperature. This year this category is dominated by summer millets like jowar, ragi, kodo, foxtail and others. These not only help deal with the heat, but also aid in weight loss, better digestion and getting optimal intake of essential nutrients and fiber.
Millet has, for long, been recognized as a superfood for its many health benefits. In fact, the United Nations has marked 2023 as the International Year of Millet. “But, not all millets can be eaten all year round, and it is important to know about their summer and winter types. For example, millet or maize have warming properties, so they should be eaten only in winter, ” explains nutritionist Garima Goyal. , Adding to this, nutritionist Shweta Shah says, “Summer millets, which include grains like jowar (jowar), ragi (finger), foxtail (thinai), sama (barnyard), and kodari (kodo), can be grown from March to “They are recommended for consumption until September, due to their ability to regulate body temperature.”
This, explains Shah, is because these summer millets are “high in calcium, magnesium and potassium as well as water content, which contributes to their reputation as a coolant.” She adds, “They’re also gluten-free, anti-inflammatory, prevent celiac disease, provide good satiety signals and help us stay full longer.”
Heat and humidity can often cause or worsen inflammation in the body. “But millet, which is a great source of antioxidants, can reduce this inflammation naturally,” says nutrition coach and gut health expert Tanisha Bawa. They can also ease digestion in seasons when such problems are prevalent.
The health benefits of season-specific millets, beyond their cooling properties and nutrients, are abundant. Adding to the list, Goyal says, “Bajra is a rich source of antioxidants, helps reduce bad cholesterol levels in the body and also prevents plaque formation in the arteries. Due to their fiber content, they help in weight loss. “A great food for losing weight.” , Too. In fact, the phytochemicals in summer millet also help reduce the formation of cancer cells in the colon, breast, and liver.”
