Why Millet is Becoming the Go-To Grain for Health-Conscious People – From Bollywood Stars to World Leaders

Why Millet is Becoming the Go-To Grain for Health-Conscious People – From Bollywood Stars to World Leaders

Millets, once a staple in traditional diets, are now making a major comeback in the wellness world. Packed with nutrients and known for their sustainability, millets are being embraced by everyone—from Bollywood stars to world leaders and global icons. With an increasing focus on health and eco-friendly eating, this humble grain has become a favorite for the health-conscious.

Millet: A Nutritional Powerhouse

Millets are rich in essential nutrients like fiber, protein, iron, calcium and magnesium. Naturally gluten-free and easy to digest, they help manage blood sugar levels, promote heart health, aid in digestion and boost overall immunity. Moreover, their versatility makes them an excellent option for a variety of dishes, ranging from traditional meals to modern recipes.

PM Narendra Modi: Promoting Millets for a Healthy India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a well-known advocate of millet. His regular inclusion of millet in his diet has drawn significant attention to its health benefits. Under his leadership, India spearheaded the initiative to declare 2023 as the International Year of Millets, urging the global community to adopt this ancient supergrain. His support is part of his vision for a healthier, more sustainable India, with a focus on promoting foods that are nutritious and eco-friendly.

Jagdeep Dhankhar, Om Birla, and Narendra Modi at the International Year of Millets event, promoting millet consumption for food security and sustainable agriculture.

Bollywood Celebrities Embracing Millets

Bollywood stars are known for their fitness regimes and many of them have turned to millet as a key part of their diet.

Akshay Kumar – Prefer Nachni Roti over wheat for a Balanced Diet

The action star Akshay Kumar, known for his disciplined lifestyle and focus on natural foods, incorporates nachni roti (ragi or finger millet chapati) into his meals. Nachni is rich in calcium and is known for its bone-strengthening properties. Akshay’s preference for millet-based rotis is a reflection of his commitment to clean eating and long-term health, inspiring millions of his fans to follow suit.

Bollywood celebrities Akshay Kumar, Anushka Sharma, Shraddha Kapoor, Kriti Sanon, and Kiara Advani promoting millet consumption and healthy eating habits.

Anushka Sharma: From Bollywood Actress to Successful Millet Entrepreneur

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma has taken her love for millet to the next level by launching her own millet-based food brand.  Anushka’s brand promotes millet-based products that cater to health-conscious individuals, making it easier for people to include this nutrient-packed grain in their daily meals.

Shraddha Kapoor's Millet Diet for Healthy Weight Loss

Stree fame actress Shraddha Kapoor follows a balanced and clean diet, often including millet or quinoa in her dinner. Her meals, paired with greens and lentils, are light and wholesome, supporting her active lifestyle and helping her stay fit. By promoting her millet-rich meals, Shraddha has inspired many young fans to adopt healthier eating habits.

How Kriti Sanon, Alia Bhatt and Kiara Advani Use Millets for a Healthy Lifestyle

These Bollywood stars have incorporated millets into their regular diets to maintain their lean physiques. Kriti Sanon swaps rice with millet for a low-calorie, nutrient-dense meal, while Alia Bhatt and Kiara Advani prefer millet-based dishes like millet salads and dosas, keeping their energy levels high and promoting overall well-being.

Global Icons Embracing Millets

Millet’s popularity has extended beyond India, gaining global recognition for its health and sustainability benefits.

Bill Gates – Supporting Millets for Global Nutrition

Philanthropist Bill Gates is a strong supporter of millet, recognizing its potential to tackle food security and malnutrition in developing countries. Through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, he has backed initiatives that promote millet farming in regions like Africa and South Asia, where this resilient crop can provide nutrition in challenging climates.

Bill Gates cooks millet khichdi with Smriti Iran

Top Cricketers Who Rely on Millets for Better Health and Performance

Indian cricketers have also joined the millet movement, incorporating this supergrain into their diets to maintain their peak physical performance.

Virat Kohli – Millet for Sustained Energy

Fitness enthusiast and Indian cricket captain Virat Kohli is known for his clean and disciplined diet. Millet is a regular part of his meals, thanks to its ability to provide sustained energy and boost overall fitness. Kohli’s focus on clean eating has made him a role model for millions of fans who look to him for health inspiration.
virat kohli gluten free diet - millet dosa and idli

Rohit Sharma – Millet for Endurance

Another cricket icon, Rohit Sharma, includes millet in his diet to improve endurance and stamina on the field. Millet’s slow-digesting carbohydrates and rich nutrient profile make it an ideal choice for athletes looking for long-lasting energy without any digestive discomfort.

Milind Soman: Fitness Icon and Millet Advocate

Known for his extreme fitness challenges and healthy lifestyle, Milind Soman swears by millet-based foods for maintaining his fitness. Millet porridge and snacks feature prominently in Milind’s diet, providing him with the energy required for his long runs and physical challenges. His advocacy for millet has helped make this ancient grain cool and accessible to a younger, fitness-conscious audience.

Milind Soman promoting millets for a healthier lifestyle and their nutritional benefits.

Sanjeev Kapoor: Bringing Millets to Gourmet Kitchens

Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor has played a big part in making millets popular. He started talking about millets in 2016 and even made 918 kg of millet khichdi in 2017. By adding millets to his recipes, like millet risotto and ragi dosa, he’s shown how tasty and healthy they can be. 

Chef Sanjeev Kapoor promoting the use of millets in cooking

Recently, He also teamed up with McDonald’s India to introduce the Multi-Millet Bun, showing how millets work well in both traditional and modern dishes.

McDonald's India launches the Multi-Millet Bun, offering a healthier, millet-based option.

Spiritual Leaders Sadhguru Promoting Millets for Health & Sustainability

Spiritual leader Sadhguru has been a vocal promoter of millet as part of his Save Soil campaign. According to Sadhguru, millet not only improves personal health but also supports soil health. Millet requires less water and can grow in poor soil conditions, making it an environmentally sustainable crop that aligns with his movement to protect the Earth’s resources. His advocacy has significantly boosted millet’s visibility as both a health food and an eco-friendly option.

Sadhguru highlights the benefits of adding millets to your diet, including better nutrition, improved digestion and support for the Save Soil initiative.

Baba Ramdev’s Support for Millets

Baba Ramdev, known for promoting natural health, has been a strong supporter of millets. He encourages people to include millets in their daily diet because of their health benefits. His influence has helped more health-conscious individuals choose millets as a key part of their meals.

Baba Ramdev promoting millets as a healthier alternative to rice and wheat,

The Future of Millets: Why It’s Here to Stay

  1. Nutritional Benefits: Rich in fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, millet supports weight management, digestion and heart health.
  2. Diabetes-Friendly: Its low glycemic index helps manage blood sugar levels effectively.
  3. Sustainability: Millets are drought-resistant and require less water than other grains, making them an eco-friendly crop.
  4. Versatility: Whether used in traditional porridges or modern salads, millet can easily be incorporated into any diet.
  5. Celebrity Endorsements: With influential figures like PM Narendra Modi, Anushka Sharma, Milind Soman, and Sadhguru backing millets, this grain is quickly becoming a global favorite.

Conclusion: Join the Millet Movement

Millet is not just another health trend; it’s a global movement towards a healthier lifestyle and a more sustainable planet. Whether you’re following the example of Bollywood stars like Akshay Kumar, Shraddha Kapoor, and Anushka Sharma, or inspired by international figures like Bill Gates, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and health advocate Baba Ramdev, millet is the ideal grain to support both your health and the environment. Even sports icons like Virat Kohli are embracing millets as part of their diets!

At Haritha Foods, we proudly offer a range of ready-to-cook millet-based food products, along with millet staples and flours. So, why not make millet a regular part of your diet? With our delicious and nutritious offerings, your body—and the planet—will thank you for it!

Haritha foods ready to cook millets based food products and staples

 

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