What has made cereals enter the food mainstream and why are all food marketers jumping on the bandwagon? There must be something significant that is making each food category compete to include this item in one form or another. From products made for children to items meant for adults heading to the gym or sports ring, they are part of every package these days.
The interesting twist is that the food marketers in our homes have been selling us this powerhouse for many years, but we haven’t been listening carefully.
Cereals like Upma, Poha provide not only flavor but also immense health benefits. Nowadays you can access Upma mix ready to cook.
Foxtail Millets Upma Mix: Regular use of foxtail is good protection against coronary heart disease and reduces the chances of cardiac arrest and deaths. Being a food suitable for diabetics, it contains a good amount of phenolic (a strong antioxidant) that is used to eliminate toxins from the body. People who consume wheat are not left with very few options as most of the products in the market like cookies, bakery items like bread etc. are made from wheat. As a gluten-free diet, foxtail millet is a perfect food for people with celiac disease, as it promotes digestion, increases energy levels and helps maintain cholesterol levels.
Sooji Rava Upma Mix: Sooji is very good for diabetics or those who want to lose weight. Sooji is made from durum wheat and is slow to digest, so you maintain 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. Helps in weight loss, diabetes and prevents constipation. It is also used as a weaning food, to transition babies from breast milk to semi-solid foods. Being rich in protein, it helps build muscle.
Cereals need not be equated with oats. Cereals like puffed rice are simply stores of health. When you have to control your weight without going too hungry and without letting your stomach empty, it is best to eat a good organic cereal such as puffed rice, also called nel pori or aralu in the local language. It is a very good source of potassium, zinc, copper, thiamine, niacin, vitamin B6, pantothenic acid, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and manganese. The presence of magnesium aids in enzyme function, increases energy, strengthens heart muscles, prevents strokes, and prevents heart attacks. Magnesium is also linked to the treatment of depression. You can make Bhel Puri with this puffed rice.
Many recipes that are often sacrificed by weight conscious people can be easily remade with cereals like Wheat Daliya, Foxtail Millets, Rava Sooji, and Puffed Paddy.
It’s an added bonus when the cereals are organic. Organic crops are not exposed to synthetic pesticides, GMOs, and petroleum-based fertilizers or sewage sludge. Organic farming practices include the use of natural fertilizers like compost and manure to feed the soil and plants. Crop rotation, mulching, and tillage are used to control weeds, while insects are controlled by natural methods such as traps and birds.
Enjoy the comfort of organic cereals and the health that accompanies them.