Introducing Millets: A Guide for All Ages from Infants to the Elderly

When a disease strikes, we rush to the hospital for medication. Doctors prescribe a variety of tablets to address the illness. Many individuals maintain their routine by taking these medications punctually. Some seek immediate relief from the disease. However, it's crucial to understand that solely relying on tablets isn't always sufficient for recovery. Following the doctor's instructions on medication usage is essential for effective treatment and recovery.

Taking tablets for a disease is like  building a barrier around a wound, while selecting the right foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle is akin to eradicating the problem entirely. Instead of solely relying on hospitals when afflicted by diseases, it is crucial to cultivate a lifestyle that prevents diseases from occurring. Many are familiar with the benefits of whole grains, which effectively mitigate health issues. Surprisingly, only 90% of individuals with illnesses incorporate whole grains into their diets. Prior to falling ill, many people indulge in their favorite foods without considering

It is crucial to introduce millets early in life, ensuring they are integrated at various developmental stages and in suitable forms.

Properly providing breast milk to newborns is essential, as no other food matches its nutritional benefits. When infants begin the transition from breast milk to solid foods, it is recommended to introduce millets to their diet.

 

From 6 months to 3 years, the recommended millets to introduce are:

From 6 months of age, infants begin consuming mother's milk. Introducing millets into their diet thereafter provides several benefits. Millets are abundant in protein and fiber, surpassing wheat in nutritional value. Including these grains promotes substantial physical growth. For example, foxtail millets are rich in Vitamin B, particularly B12, which supports children's mental development. Millets also contain lecithin, which strengthens the nervous system. Therefore, integrating millets into children's diets is safe and beneficial, free from concerns about allergies.

 

From the ages of four to eight years,  best way to introduce millets to children?

From the age of four to eight years, children usually eat what we provide them. If we offer a variety of foods, they tend to eat them. Millets should be introduced to children in powdered form initially until the age of three. Now, these millets can also be incorporated into solid forms like idlis or khichdi. Making idlis with ragi is especially beneficial as it enhances nutritional value. Regular idlis can also be made by mixing ragi flour into the batter or by preparing ragi idlis by soaking ragi overnight, grinding it into a paste, and steaming it. These variations provide many benefits for children. Additionally, you can prepare khichdi during lunchtime for them.

 

Introducing Millets from Ages 8 to 16 Years

During this period, children have the ability to digest any type of food. Therefore, it is advisable to introduce various types of millets into their diet. Each millet protects against different diseases. Children aged 8 to 12 years should be provided with foods that prevent obesity. Because during this age, children quickly gain weight by taking in bakery-related foods. The diet should include more food items made with Foxtail Millets. It can be used very effectively to lose weight. Additionally, children who are growing should be taught how much vitamin B complex is needed.

From the age of 12 to 16 years, various hormonal disorders can occur. During this time, children are more focused on academics. They study more and play less, resulting in less physical activity but increased mental activity. It's important to provide millets to children correctly during this time. We should not mention one grain specifically at this time. All cereals may be offered. It prevents children from being diagnosed with diseases such as PCOD or PCOS, and it may also be helpful