Assessment of nutritional components and nutraceutical benefits of millets: An integrative review

Abstract

Despite being a lesser-known group of cereal grains, millets boast a rich nutritional and nutraceutical profile. Often mischaracterized as sustenance for the underprivileged, millets provide an impressive array of nutrients, rivalling many mainstream cereals. Notably, they offer substantial amounts of energy, carbohydrates, and protein, and even surpass other cereals in their content of fats, calcium, iron, dietary fiber, and Vitamin E, including both tocopherols and tocotrienols. Their remarkable phytochemical composition, which includes phenolic acids, flavonoids, catechins, phytic acid, and phytosterols, has captured the attention of researchers. It's been documented that the dietary fiber and phenolic compounds present in millets are instrumental in mitigating various health ailments, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, and cataract development. These phytochemicals are also recognized for their antioxidant and antimicrobial attributes.