National Nutrition Week 2023

Find the nutrients based on the hints given below. 

1. Building blocks of the body 
2. Vital for strong bones and teeth 
3. Essential especially during pregnancy 
4. A type of electrolyte 
5. Helps prevent anaemia

Take a screenshot of the activity and use the editing tools to mark the hidden words. Once you find all the 5 answers, share your screenshot by clicking on the reply button. 

Millets are available throughout the year. But when it comes to the consumption of millets, it is important to include the seasonal one. 

During the hot summer days, it is best to consume millets like finger millets (ragi) and sorghum (jowar) as they have a cooling effect on the body. 

During winter, it is best to consume pearl millet (bajra) which helps keep the body warm.

FINGER MILLET POTATO PATTIES

Finger millet (ragi) potato patty is a perfect evening snack. Ragi is high in vital nutrients like calcium, iron, potassium and dietary fibre.

Ingredients:

• Finger Millet (ragi) flour 100g 
• Potatoes 8
• Egg 1 
• Curry leaves 1 sprig
• Red chilli powder 1 tbsp 
• Turmeric powder 1/4 tsp 
• Garam masala 1 tsp 
• Salt as required
• Water as required
• Oil as required

Method: 

1. Grate potatoes and keep them in cold water for 5 minutes. Then drain the water completely. 

2. Combine all the ingredients - finger millet flour, egg, red chilli powder, turmeric powder, garam masala powder, salt, and curry leaves. 

3. Add the shredded potatoes to the mixture and mix well. 

4. If the mixture is too thick, add a little water to get the right consistency. 

5. Take a scoop of the mixture and place it on a hot pan. Shallow fry for 10 minutes on medium flame. Fry the patties on both sides. 

6. Serve the patties with mint or tomato sauce. 

Millets are high in dietary fibre and the fibre absorbs too much water from the body and can cause dehydration. So it is important to drink plenty of water while consuming millets. You can also consume buttermilk, soups and juices to increase fluid intake. 

Here’s an activity for the weekend.

Find the 5 common Indian millet recipes based on the hints given below. 

1. A traditional Indian dessert. 

2. An ideal choice when you're feeling unwell. 

3. A round flatbread. 

4. A soft and fluffy steamed cake.

5. A thin savory pancake. 

Take a screenshot of the activity and use the editing tools to mark the hidden words. Once you find all the 5 hidden Indian millet recipes, share your screenshot by clicking on the reply button. Entries will be accepted till 12:00 p.m. on September 4, 2023.

Can you guess the ancient grain? 

Take a screenshot of the activity and use the editing tools to mark the hidden letters. Once you find the word, share your screenshot by clicking on the reply button. Entries will be accepted till 12:00 p.m. on September 5, 2023. 

Millets are loaded with vital nutrients. But for some people, the high fibre content may not sit easily with a sensitive stomach. 

So to check if millets are suitable for you, introduce millets slowly. Begin with one millet-based meal and see how you feel and whether you have any symptoms like bloating, constipation, etc. If you have these symptoms, it is best to limit the consumption of millets.

Millets contain phytic acid, which affects the absorption of nutrients. Soaking millets in cold water for 6 hours or in hot water for 2 hours before cooking helps remove phytic acid. Not only that, soaking also enhances flavour, improves texture and makes it more digestible.

Millets are good for health as they are loaded with vital nutrients. But that doesn't mean rice and wheat should be eliminated entirely from the diet. 

Introduce millets gradually to your diet. First, include one meal with millets and then increase the frequency to twice or thrice a week. To begin with, you can try minor millets like foxtail millet (thinai or kakum) and little millet (samai or kutki).

Thanku for your valuable tips