Boosting Kids' Calcium Levels: The Best Way is to include Millets in their Diet
Calcium Role in Growing Children
A vital component for the growth and development of children, Calcium (Ca) helps in the formation of powerful teeth, bones, and muscles. However, getting children to consume adequate amounts of Calcium is challenging, especially when they do not like milk / ghee / any other dairy products.
Millets! What great alternatives to their meals? You'd be looking for calcium if you're searching for different kinds. Millets (Siri Dhanya) are nutrient-dense and source children with calcium and other minerals for developing into strong, healthy adults.
Why Millets are Best for Calcium
Little super seeds, sometimes referred to as ' millet', have become the staple of traditional meals, mainly because of their rich nutrition. These small, ancient grains are an excellent option for nurturing children as they are rich in calcium, magnesium, iron, and fiber. Millets are an amazing addition to your child's plate as, unlike packaged grains, they enhance overall bone health and offer a slow release of energy. Now, let's see which of these millets is amazing for raising the calcium level in children naturally.
Best Millets for Calcium in Kids' Growth
1. Finger Millet (Ragi)
Ragi is one of the millets that has a high calcium content, sometimes said to be a natural powerhouse for calcium. It has around 344 mg of calcium per 100 g, which is even more than most dairy products. Adding Ragi to porridge, Dosas, or Laddoos gives essential calcium to your child's bone health.
2. Pearl Millet (Bajra)
Bajra is one of the favourites in Indian recipes, being an excellent source of calcium and magnesium, with goodness toward bone mineralization as well as excellent muscle functioning. The way to give minerals for a good strengthening of the bones for a child is either Bajra Rotis or Khichdi.
3. Kodo Millet (Koden)
Kodo millet is a nutritious grain that provides a good source of calcium, essential for growing kids. Rich in fiber and protein, it supports digestion and overall health. Incorporating Kodon into dishes like khichdi or upma can be a delightful way to enhance your child's diet while promoting strong bones.
4. Sorghum (Jowar)
Jowar is another popular grain with substantial calcium content and is gluten-free too. It is full of essential minerals and fiber and helps the child digest well while maintaining healthy bones. Rotis or Porridge of Jowar can be a super addition to a child's balanced diet.
5. Foxtail Millet
Foxtail Millet is rich in iron and calcium, which helps in bone health and oxygen circulation in the body. Adding foxtail millet to Upma, Pulao, or Soups gives kids the calcium in a tasty, familiar manner that is easy to digest.
6. Barnyard Millet
Barnyard Millet is another one with good calcium content that suits even fussy children. The millet is light, hence can be easily digestible and can be taken along in the form of khichdi, dosa, or pancakes and consumed without having the heaviness of a daily dose of calcium.
7. Little Millet (Kutki)
Little Millet is rich in calcium, iron, and B vitamins. This millet can be prepared like rice, used in salads, or made into Idlis to give a good nutritional balance required for the growth and development of children.
Easy Ways to Introduce Millets in Your Child's Diet:
Feeling ready to give these calcium-rich millets a shot with your kids? Here's how to include them in their meals:
· Oatmeal: Kickstart your day with a delicious, soothing millet oatmeal using ragi or foxtail millet, drizzled with a little honey or jaggery.
· Dosas and Rotis: Use millet flour instead of normal flour for Dosa and Roti to make this very simple, calcium-rich switch.
· Millet Laddoos: Children love sweets; why not try making Ragi / Bajra Laddoos as a healthy snack.
· Millet Upma and Pulao : It is a nutritious food that can satisfy a meal with the right amount of essential nutrients.
Conclusion: Millets to Boost Calcium Naturally
Unlike gluten-free, millets are nutritional treasure boxes suited for kids. With more calcium, Ragi, Bajra, and Jowar millets help nourish children's healthier bones and teeth and further growth. If these simple millet changes to the child's diet occur, children will grow stronger, healthier, and happier!
Related articles
Mishri Gulkand -The Sweet Elixir for Wellness
Gulkand, a delightful concoction made from the Damask Rose Petals and Daga-mishri (Natural Rock Sugar), is more than just a sweet treat. It is made with traditional sun-cooked preparation method that retains all the natural goodness. Gulkand (Rose Petal Jam) is treasured as part of a healthy lifestyle, right from cooling down the body to aiding digestion. Sun-Cooked Mishri Gulkand: A Healthier Choice The age-old method of sun-cooking ensures the preservation of nutrients and increases its natural flavour. It not only makes it healthier but also intensifies the cooling properties. It is best consumed during the hot summer months. Cooling Properties of Mishri Gulkand - One of the wonderful advantages of Gulkand is its cooling properties, which make it reduce the heat in the body. Frequent consumption of Rose-petal Jam will help keep heat-related conditions such as acidity, fatigue, and dehydration under control, so it is good for summer well-being. Daily Consumption: Is it good for you? Eating Mishri Gulkand daily can be highly rewarding. It is nutrient-rich and contains natural sugars, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are great for overall health. Most importantly, take 1-2 tbsp daily for their benefits. Mishri Gulkand in Periods: A Natural Pain-Relief For women, Mishri Gulkand is like a great companion during periods. Its cooling properties soothe menstrual cramps and reduce the ache. Natural sweetness also provides an immediate energy boost. There are several yummy ways to relish Gulkand (Rose Petal Jam): As it is: Enjoy a spoonful of Gulkand as it is for instant sweet indulgence. With Milk: Mix it in warm or cold milk to create a cool beverage. As a Topping: sprinkle it on ice creams, puddings, or pancakes for dessert. With Nuts & Seeds: Combine Gulkand with Nuts & Seeds for a more nutritious treat, enhancing its benefits with added proteins and healthy fats. In Smoothies or Yogurt: Add it to smoothies or yogurt for a flavourful twist. Why Mishri Gulkand is Perfect for Summer? Gulkand's natural cooling property makes it the best addition to your diet in the summer. It helps counteract the heat of the summer season by regulating the body temperature. Adding Gulkand to your daily summer diet can avoid heat strokes and hydrate your body. Conclusion Sun-cooked Gulkand made from the Damask Rose Petals and Daga-mishri is a pack of health treasure trove. Whether you want to cool your body, alleviate period pain, or just indulge in a sweet delight, Gulkand happens to be the right answer. With the great tasting, it will always find a place in every home. Make Rose Petal Jam a part of your daily wellness routine and enjoy numerous benefits that it is providing you with especially during hot summer months.
Palm Jaggery - The nutritious alternative to Refined Sugar
For generations, Palm Jaggery has been prized as a natural sweetener. Karupatti, which is well-known for its unique caramelized flavour, rich brown colour, smoky aroma, and many health advantages, is a nutritious powerhouse that may be used in place of refined sugar. This ancient sweetener is made from the raw Sap of Palm trees, which is so natural and chemical-free, making it a healthy and pure option for your kitchen. Let’s dive into the world of Taad Gud and explore why it stands out. What is Karupatti made of? Palm Jaggery is derived from the fresh juice or sap from palm trees, either from date palms or toddy palms. The juice was extracted and cooked in this age-old process over firewood. Result? A block of natural sweetness chocked full of essential minerals - iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium - and free from preservatives or additives, courtesy of traditional preparation. The unique process of making Palm Jaggery Collection of Palm Sap: Fresh sap is extracted by tapping the palm trees in the early morning. Cooking the Sap:The collected Sap is then boiled over firewood until it thickens. This step preserves the nutrients while giving Palm Jaggery its signature flavour. Shaping and Cooling: Once the mixture reaches a thickened state, it is poured into wooden moulds or left to cool naturally to form solid blocks or round discs. This simple yet detailed procedure makes Palm Jaggery such an authentic and traditional one. Why is Palm Jaggery nutritious? Palm Jaggery has much more to do than just its sweetness. The reason it is considered healthy over refined sugar is here. - Rich in Iron: Increases haemoglobin, making Taad Gud an excellent remedy for anemia. - Magnesium Content: Tati Bellam is helpful to the nervous system and provides relaxation. - Calcium & Phosphorus: These two minerals in this Gud are helpful in strengthening bones and teeth. - Elevated Potassium Content: It boosts metabolism and influences blood pressure levels. Additionally, it guarantees that no artificial or chemical sweeteners are used, so you can add it to your diet guilt-free. The health advantages of Palm Jaggery Encourages the Immune System Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, Taad Gud helps strengthen your immune system. Colds and coughs are among the most frequent ailments that can be avoided with regular ingestion. Assistance with Digestion As a digestive aid, Palm Jaggery helps to maintain a healthy gut and relieve constipation by activating digestive enzymes through regular ingestion. Energy Booster Unlike refined sugars, which offer empty calories, Taad Gud provides sustained energy because of its slow-release carbohydrates. Purifies the Body Palm Gud is rich in detoxifying properties, which help purify the liver and remove toxins from the blood. Respiratory Wellness Karupatti is great for respiratory health due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces bronchitis and asthma symptoms. Is regular Jaggery not better than Palm Jaggery (Karupatti)? The main point of comparison between common Jaggery and Karupatti is the production methods and nutritional content. Palm Jaggery is different from normal Jaggery in the following aspects, - Nutrient Density: Both have nutrient density, but in comparison, Palm Gud has a high level of minerals such as iron and magnesium. - Lower Glycaemic Index (GI): Patients with blood sugar disorders like Palm Jaggery, due to its slow energy releasing. - Flavour Profile: Palm Jaggery is unique in its caramel-like taste, which further adds flavour to the food. - Purity: It is less processed and most of the time prepared traditionally, so it does not contain any chemicals. Although regular Jaggery is good, Palm Jaggery has a lead over this product as it is a more nutritious and wholesome one. How to use Palm Jaggery (Taad Gud / Gur) in your daily life - It's a favourite in many houses due to its versatility. Here are some ways it can be included in one's diet, Sweetener for Beverages: One can replace sugar in tea, coffee, or herbal drinks with Palm Jaggery. Baking: Use this natural sweetener in cakes, cookies, and muffins. Traditional Sweets: Prepare Laddus, Payasam, or Halwa with Palm Jaggery to give it an authentic feel. Cooking: Add it to curries and chutneys for a hint of sweetness. Health Mix: Combine grated Palm Jaggery with nuts and seeds for an energy-boosting snack. What is unique about our Palm Jaggery (Karupatti)? Fresh and Pure: Made from freshly tapped Palm Sap, ensuring natural sweetness. Traditional Cooking Method: Prepared using the ancient firewood process for authentic flavour and nutrient retention. Rich in Nutrients: Iron, calcium, and other essential elements are abundant in Karupatti. Chemical-Free: There are no colours, flavours, or preservatives that have been added. Medicinal Properties: Strengthen the immune system and support overall wellness. Hygienically Processed: Manufactured under strict quality standards to prioritize your health. Know more Is Palm Jaggery better than regular Jaggery? Yes, because of its natural preparation method, lower GI, and higher nutrient content, Palm Gud is regarded as excellent. It's more healthy and wholesome alternative. What is Palm Jaggery (Karupatti) made of? Karupatti is prepared from the fresh Sap of Palm trees. It is boiled and solidified using traditional methods. This ensures the preservation of its natural nutrients and unique flavour. Can Palm Gud help with Weight Management? Yes, it's a wonderful option for people controlling their weight because of its natural sweetness and low GI. It gives you steady energy without making your blood sugar surge. Does Palm Jaggery (Taad Gud) have any side effects? Palm Jaggery is generally considered safe for consumption. Though, like any sweetener, Karupatti should be consumed in minimal amounts to avoid excessive calories. In Conclusion More than just a sweetener Palm Jaggery (Karupatti) is a representation of tradition, health, and purity. Among other things, Palm Gud improves immunity and aids with digestion. Therefore, every home needs to utilise it. Take a step towards a better life by substituting Palm Gud for refined white sugar and enjoying a delightfully sweet experience. So why wait? Make the goodness of Palm Jaggery yours today and relish its rich caramelized flavour in your favourite dishes!