Health benefits of functional foods

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Health

About:

Functional foods are defined broadly as foods that provide more than simple nutrition they supply additional physiological benefit to the consumer.
Some examples are oats, and millets like bajra, ragi, jowar, and soya proteins, besides the fruits.

A brief about Millets:

Millet is a collective term that includes several small-seeded grasses such as sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, and little millet. It is an important crop in Indian agriculture and society, providing food security, nutrition, cultural significance, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability.

Importance of Millets –

Drought Tolerance:Millet’s are naturally adapted to dry and arid conditions, making them a suitable crop for regions with limited rainfall. They require minimal water and are capable of growing in poor soil conditions, making them a reliable crop even during times of drought.
Nutritional Benefits: Millets are an excellent source of essential nutrients such as protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are gluten-free, low glycemic index, and have high antioxidant activity, which makes them a healthy alternative to rice or wheat.
Ecological Benefits: Millets have a shallow root system and require minimal fertilizers, making them an environmentally friendly crop. They also act as a natural barrier against soil erosion, and their short growth cycle allows for crop rotation, which helps in maintaining soil health.
Economic Benefits: Millets are an important crop for small-scale farmers as they require minimal investment and have a low input cost. They also have a high market demand due to their nutritional benefits, making them a lucrative crop for farmers.

Why are Millets Considered Important ‘Nutri-Cereals’?

Climate Resilient Staple Food Crops: Millets are drought-resistant, require less water and can grow in poor soil conditions. This makes them a suitable food crop for areas with unpredictable weather patterns and water scarcity.
Rich in nutrients: Millets are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Gluten-free: Millets are naturally gluten-free, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance.
Adaptable: Millets can be grown in a variety of soils and climates, making them a versatile crop option for farmers.
Sustainable: Millets are often grown using traditional farming methods, which are more sustainable and environmentally friendly than modern, industrial farming practices.

What are the Related Initiatives taken by the Government?

National Millets Mission (NMM): NMM was launched in 2007 to promote the production and consumption of millets.
Price Support Scheme (PSS): Provides financial assistance to farmers for the cultivation of millets.
Development of Value-Added Products: Encourages the production of value-added millet-based products to increase the demand and consumption of millets.
Promoting Millets in PDS: The government has introduced millets in the Public Distribution System to make it accessible and affordable to the masses.
Promotion of Organic Farming: The government is promoting organic farming of millets to increase the production and consumption of organic millets.