What is the role of grains (cereals, pulses, millet & legumes) in our Daily Life ?

Culture of consuming grains are traditional and it is staple food for everyone across the world from age old days across various civilizations. Over a period of time, they adopted various methods to consume and started refining the original process to suit their need and ease. Now, the modern technology identified process to produce food as ready to eat directly with minimal or no cooking. These made our lifestyle very fast and which in return complimented with health issue like obese and inflammation and so on.

Once again the cycle goes back. Today, nutritional study says, Cereals and Pulses occupy a major portion of the food pyramid. They provide the body with a powerful mixture of protective substances including fibre, anti-oxidant, vitamins and minerals and phyto-nutrients, and help ward off many diseases.

Typical whole grain consists on 3 parts. Bran, Germ and Endosperm. Choosing whole grains instead of refined grains has numerous benefits. It can help lower blood cholesterol levels, lower risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and many more.

Why should we consume whole grains?

• Its Cholesterol-free.
• Low in saturated fat but is a source of polyunsaturated fats that has essential fats.
• High in both soluble and insoluble fibre and resistant starch.
• An excellent source of carbohydrates.
• A significant source of protein.
• A good Source of B group vitamins, including foliate.
• A good source of many minerals, such as iron, magnesium, copper, phosphorus and zinc.
• A good source of antioxidants and phyto-chemicals.

Some of the typical wholegrain are

1. Whole wheat is a nutritious alternative to regular wheat and a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber.
2. Buckwheat is a gluten-free whole grain that’s packed with nutrients. It’s also a good source of resistant starch, which feeds your healthy gut bacteria.
3. Millet is an ancient seed that’s classified as a pseudocereal, as it’s consumed in a similar way to cereals. It’s incredibly nutritious and gluten-free.
4. Brown rice is a healthier alternative to white rice, as it contains the entire grain. Conversely, white rice is stripped of its bran and germ, making it less nutritious. Brown rice may reduce heart disease risk by various means.

Our elders used to consume various grains in their daily life that helped them stay healthy. Now the awareness of consuming grains in our daily life slowly spread across. It good, let us encourage that.

References: www.healthline.com