MILLETS FOR HEART HEALTH
Heart or Cardiovascular disease is one of the leading causes of death amongst Indians. This is due to several factors ranging from our genetic makeup to our lack of physical activity or our notoriously poor diet composition. In this blog, we look at the options available to tackle this through healthy diet alternatives.
Research Studies
Firstly, let us look at what the studies say. A study, undertaken just over a year ago, by five organizations and led by the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has uncovered a startling finding – something that was probably known to our forefathers but has now been proven by science – Regular consumption of Millets can reduce risk of developing cardiovascular diseases – cutting down total cholesterol by as much as 8% and LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein cholesterol) and triacylglycerol levels in the blood by up to 10%. This study and its findings have a huge significance since diet is something that we can control with minimal adjustments in our diet.
The study (source – ICRISAT) also showed that consuming millets reduced BMI by 7% in people who were overweight and obese (from 28.5 ± 2.4 to 26.7 ± 1.8 kg/m2), showing the possibility of returning to a normal BMI (<25 kg/m2). All results are based on consumption of 50 to 200 g of millets per day for a duration ranging from 21 days to three months.
These findings are influenced by comparisons that show that millets are much higher in unsaturated fatty acids, with 2 to 10 times higher levels than refined wheat and milled rice as well as being much higher than whole grain wheat.
Heart Health Benefits
In addition, consuming millets decreased blood pressure with the diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number in the BP reading) decreasing by 5 percent. A key recommendation from the study is for the government and industry to support efforts to diversify staple diet with millets, especially across Asia and Africa. Given that millets are hardy and climate-smart, returning to this traditional staple makes a lot of sense and is a critical solution that could be the turning point of some major health issues.
It is therefore heartening to see the Government of India has taken a proactive and much-needed step in proposing a resolution to declare the Year 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The United Nations General Assembly has accepted this resolution which is supported by more than 70 countries. With such growing recognition and promotion of these grains, it is time we took notice of this superfood which can improve our heart health and save our lives. All that is needed is that we make minor modifications to our diet to include this superfood called millets. In this fast-paced world where people do not have time to focus on getting the much-needed 150 minutes of physical activity a week, the need for solutions based on healthier diets is critical and that is where millets can play a pivotal role.
Millets are high in magnesium which helps reduce blood pressure levels thereby reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes. They are also helpful in reducing cholesterol due to the high amounts of dietary fiber in them. Since cholesterol is a massive risk factor for heart disease, regular consumption of millets can help keep our hearts healthier. Millets are also rich in potassium which supports healthy kidney and heart function.
The soluble fiber in millets can help reduce the amount of bad cholesterol in our blood—a risk factor for atherosclerosis. Soluble fiber turns into a gel in our stomachs and absorbs cholesterol, allowing it to be safely carried out of your system.
Give your heart a fighting chance. In an age of fast foods and sedentary lifestyles, make that one small change today and incorporate millets into your diet. Your body will share its heartfelt thanks for saving the day!
Let’sLive a hearty, healthy, and happy life!
Let’sLive Millets
Our millet grains are 100% all natural, hardy & resistant varieties that are cultivated using traditional methods! Used for both Human and Livestock consumption, Millets are magical superfoods that are yet to receive their due. Rich in protiens, carbs, fibre, vitamins and minerals, these are small grains that pack in a punch! Try them out today and check out for yourself!
Order your millets today here!
About Let’sLive
Let’sLive is a social empowerment enterprise committed to enhancing and improving the livelihoods of tribal and farming communities. We work directly with small-scale farmers so that our customers can get access to products that are natural, pristine, and picked from the lap of nature. We encourage and provide advice for practicing ethical farming and eco-friendly methods to all those who partner with us.
At Let'sLive we are passionate about bringing in 100% all-natural and healthy products directly from the farming and tribal communities to your doorstep like Pure Raw Honey, Traditional varieties of rice, etc. We want our consumers to enjoy and have direct access to the products that are pristine and picked directly from the lap of nature. The mandates by which we operate are:
* Value every life around us by encouraging ethical farming
* Leverage local knowledge and promote legacy harvesting practices with high hygienic standards
* No preservatives or artificial processing on any of our products
* Each product can be traced to its origins and the people involved in its making
* Educate consumers on the importance of consuming rich and natural local produce
To know more about us read here