Millets Vs Oats: Which Fits With Indian Taste?

Rapid urbanization has led to lifestyle changes. As a result, traditional diets are being replaced by Westernised diets, including foods high in sugar, salt, and fat. People are increasingly relying on processed and fast foods. Moreover, aggressive marketing campaigns by multinational food corporations promote unhealthy foods, which impact the food choices of children and adolescents. Additionally, processed food is cheaper and more accessible than traditional dishes, which makes it more desirable. Lately, people are becoming aware of the health consequences of consuming unhealthy foods.

Growing trend of healthier eating habits
Recent years have witnessed a growing trend towards healthier eating habits and people are becoming more conscious about their dietary choices. As a result, there is a surge in the consumption of grains like millet and oats, which are nutritious. However, when it comes to Indian taste preferences, millets hold the upper hand. In this article, we delve into the compatibility of millets and oats with diverse and flavourful Indian cuisine.

Millets and its significance in India
Millets are ancient grains that hold a significant place in Indian agriculture and cuisine for centuries. These small-seeded grains are rich in nutrients like iron, calcium, and fiber. There are different types of millet such as pearl, foxtail, and sorghum millet. Every type of millet has a unique taste and texture. From idlis to dosa, several traditional Indian dishes can be made from millets. Roti, porridge, payasam, kheer, snacks, and many more satisfying and nutrient-dense dishes can be made from millet.

Their earthy flavor and ability to absorb spices and flavor of Indian dishes make them a favorite among Indian households. The cultivation of millet in India has a long history. Millets can thrive in diverse agro-climatic conditions, making them well-suited for India’s varied landscape. Millets can also be grown in regions with poor soil quality and poor rainfall. This makes them environmentally sustainable and economically viable. Thus, millets offer a cheap option to meet the nutritional requirements of the body.

Western staple Oats are not a part of Indian cuisine
On the other hand, oats are considered a staple in many Western countries and are traditionally not a part of Indian cuisine. Oats were introduced to the Indian market by multinational food companies to capitalize on the growing health and wellness trends. Oats have gained popularity in recent years in India and are widely consumed as a breakfast cereal for their nutritional benefits, versatility, and ease of preparation. Oats are known to improve heart health and aid in weight management while boosting energy levels.

With their cholesterol-lowering properties, oats also are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Moreover, these are good sources of complex carbohydrates and protein. With the growing trends and Western influence, oats have found their way into Indian breakfast options like oatmeal, porridge, and muesli.

However, due to its expensive features, oats are limited to a section of consumers in urban regions of India. Many NRIs have found it difficult to transition to oats while abroad as oats mostly work with western recipes not Indian recipes, flavors and masalas.

Conclusion
Of course, the choice between millets and oats largely depends on personal preferences and dietary requirements. Moreover, there is no clear winner in the debate of millets and oats. Both grains are beneficial to health and have their merits. But, millets offer a wholesome and indigenous option to reconnect with the traditional Indian flavors that can be afforded by all sections of society. So, why not opt for the cheap but nutritious option rather than burning a hole in the pocket?

Undeniably, embracing the best of both worlds and enjoying a diverse and balanced diet that caters to taste preferences and nutritional needs is rewarding. Oats can work with few limited recipes especially with sweet taste, but even that is difficult for diabetic patients. Enjoying various classic Indian recipes with millets could be healthier without sacrificing on taste. Not only that, in terms of expenses also, millets are lighter on the wallet in India.