Publication:

Millets in the dietary management of childhood obesity: bridging modern nutrition and Ayurvedic principles

Childhood obesity is a growing public health concern, with long-term implications for physical and metabolic well-being. Conventional approaches often fall short in offering sustainable solutions. In this context, traditional dietary systems like Ayurveda offer promising alternatives. Millets, long valued in Ayurvedic literature, are recognized for their Laghu (light) and Ruksha (dry) qualities, which help regulate Kapha Dosha and Meda Dhatu (fat tissue), both implicated in the pathology of obesity. Modern nutrition also supports the inclusion of millets due to their low glycaemic index and high dietary fibre content, which aid in weight regulation and metabolic health. Hence, an attempt has been made to review the utility of millets as functional foods in managing childhood obesity from both Ayurvedic and contemporary perspectives. The findings suggest that millets like finger millet, foxtail millet, barnyard millet, and pearl millet not only support healthy digestion and stimulate Agni (digestive fire), but also assist in reducing Ama (toxins) and balancing Doshas. These properties align with their documented benefits in modern nutritional studies, including improved glycaemic control, enhanced satiety, and reduction in adiposity. Overall, millets represent a culturally acceptable, nutritionally sound, and Ayurvedically validated approach to preventing and managing childhood obesity.