The best types of millets to consume during the summer season include Jowar, Ragi, Foxtail millet, Barnyard millet, and Kodo Millet. These cooling millets can be added to your diet during the summer season.
Eating in the summer season is another tricky factor that is affected by the type of foods you eat during the summer season.
Millet is one of the best options when looking for foods that cool the body.
In this blog, we will take a look at some of the ideal millets to eat during the summer season and explain why you should eat them.
Well, it’s time to get to know the best cooling millets!
Why Choose Millets in Summer?
They are commonly known to cool the body, are easy to digest, and have various nutrients that help control heat during summer.
They contain high fibre, antioxidants, and some essential minerals that are healthy for the body, especially during such hot days of summer.
In contrast to rice or wheat, millets are non-acidic and positively impact hydration; there isn't a better food to eat during the summer season than millets.
Top 5 Cooling Millets for Summer
Today, there are varieties of millet, all of which have different properties.
Below are five of the best cooling millets you can take during the summer:
Finger Millet (Ragi
- Finger millet is also called ragi; this grain is very beneficial, highly nutritious, and has cooling effects.
- This makes it an ideal food that is rich in calcium and iron for Strong bones when taken over the hot season.
- Ragi also has a cooling effect on our bodies if consumed as ragi porridge or ragi rotis.
Sorghum (Jowar)
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Sorghum or Jowar, too, is another good cooling millet.
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It’s free of gluten and loaded with fiber, which makes it the perfect choice for people who are sensitive to gluten.
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Jowar is famous for its ability to regulate the temperature of the body and maintain your body in a hydrated state throughout the day.
Foxtail Millet
- Foxtail millet is very light and easy to digest, and is loaded with antioxidants that fight inflammation.
- The cooling effect of its eating helps to bring down your body temperature, making it a great choice for summer meals such as salads, soups, and so on.
- Foxtail millet is also excellent in increasing your metabolism.
Barnyard Millet
- Barnyard millet is a full house of nutrients like protein, fiber, and essential minerals.
- With a gentle cooling effect, it is also widely used in dishes such as khichdi or pulao.
- Barnyard millet is also a good option for those who want to control their blood sugar level as it maintains a low glycemic index.
Kodo Millet
- Kodo millet contains a lot of dietary fiber and aids in digestion, so it’s best during the hot months.
- Also, it has cooling capabilities that are good for controlling body temperature.
- Kodo millet is used in many recipes, from salads to savoury pulaos.
Health Benefits of Eating Summer Millets
How beneficial is it to eat millets in the summer? We list several of them here:
Cooling Effect: Millets themselves help to improve cooling of the body, thus are a good choice when it is hot.
Rich in Nutrients: Millets are a powerhouse of necessary vitamins, minerals, and fiber for improving general wellness.
Hydration: Millets have high water content and are useful in hydration, especially in hot temperatures.
Improved Digestion: Millets’ fiber is helpful in digestion and good for gut health.
Weight Management: Millets are low in calories but high in fiber, and they make you feel fuller for a longer period, allowing you to maintain weight.
How to Include Millets in Your Summer Diet
It's easy to include millet in your summer meals. Here are a few ideas:
Millet Porridge: A cooling millet porridge should start your day. Millet can be cooked in water or milk or mixed with fruits/ nuts for additional taste.
Millet Salad: Prepare a cool salad with cooked millet, vegetables and herbs with a light dressing.
Millet Roti or Paratha: To experience wholesome & cooling food, prepare roti or paratha with millet instead of regular flour.
Millet Soup: Add silage millet (a cooked variety of millet) to vegetable soup for a healthy and light meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Summer Millets
1. Are millets gluten-free?
Yes, most millets are gluten-free, and they are therefore good for people who are gluten-sensitive or have celiac disease.
2. Do I need to eat millets daily in summer?
Yes, the millets are healthy and can be taken daily during summer. They provide a whole range of health benefits, such as cooling effects, and they help maintain hydration.
3. How do I store millets?
Millets must be kept in an airtight, cool, dry container. They can last several months when properly stored.
Conclusion
Millets are a great addition when it comes to your summer diet and they will help to detoxify the body, while refreshing you due to their cooling properties.
Through the consumption of millets including finger millet, sorghum, foxtail millet, barn yard millet, and kodo millet in your meals you will remain cool and hydrated as well as energized in the hot weather.
So next time you plan your summer meals do not forget to throw in something like millets for a refreshing healthy boost.
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