What has made cereals enter the mainstream of food and why is every food marketer jumping on the bandwagon? There must be something significant that is making every food category vying to include this element in some form or the other. From products made for kids to items intended for adults hitting the gym or sports-ring, they are a part of every package today.
The interesting twist is that food marketers in our households have been selling us this power-source for many years, but we have not been listening carefully.
Cereals like Upma, Poha provide not only taste but also immense health benefits. Nowadays you can access ready to cook Upma mix.
Foxtail Millets Upma Mix: Regular use of foxtail is a good guard against coronary diseases and reduces chances of cardiac arrest and fatalities. Being a diabetic friendly food, it contains a fair amount of phenolic (a strong anti-oxidant) used to get rid of toxins in the body. People who cannot consume wheat are left with very few options as most of the products in the market like biscuits, bakery items like bread, etc., are made from Wheat. As a gluten free diet, foxtail millet is a perfect food for people suffering from Celiac, promoting digestion, increases energy levels and helping in maintaining cholesterol levels.
Sooji Rava Upma Mix: Sooji is very good for diabetics or those who wish to lose weight. Sooji is made from the durum wheat and is slow to digest, thus sustaining energy for a longer period of time.
Wheat Daliya Upma Mix: An excellent source of dietary fiber, Daliya is one of the best alternatives to wheat. It aids in weight loss, diabetes and prevents constipation. It is also used as a weaning food, to transition babies from breast milk to semi-solid food. Being rich in proteins it helps in building muscles.
Cereals need not be equated to Oats. Cereals like puffed paddy are simply store-houses of health. When one has to control weight without starving too much and without letting the stomach run empty, the best way is to eat a good organic cereal like puffed paddy, also called nel pori or aralu in the local language. It is a very good source of potassium, zinc, copper, thiamin, niacin, Vitamin B6 pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorous and manganese. The presence of magnesium aids in enzyme function, energy boosters, strengthening heart muscles, preventing strokes and avoiding heart attacks. Magnesium is also linked to treatment of depression. You can make Bhel Puri with this puffed paddy.
Many recipes that are usually sacrificed by weight-conscious people can be easily remade with cereals like Wheat Daliya, Foxtail Millets, Rava Sooji and Puffed Paddy.
It is an added advantage when the cereals are organic. Organic crops are not exposed to synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and fertilizers that are petroleum-based or sewage sludge-based. Organic farming practices include the usage of natural fertilizers such as compost and manure to feed soil and plants. Crop rotation, mulching and tilling are used to control weeds, while insects are controlled using natural methods such as traps and birds.
Enjoy the comfort of organic cereals and the health that accompanies them.