Health benefits of millets

Abstract

Millets were widely cultivated across Asia and Africa before green revolution and were the staple food grains for humans. The stover from millets was an important component of livestock feed in integrated farming systems. Lack of diversity in food grains and excessive processing of rice and wheat has caused double burden of lifestyle diseases and malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiency
is being manifested as ‘hidden hunger’ in many developing countries to which millets seem to be a probable salution. Millets like sorghum, pearl millet and finger millet are consumed as whole grains and are rich source of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibre. Small millets like foxtail, proso, little, barnyard and kodo millets are also good source of nutrients when moderately polished after dehulling. Finger millet is a very rich source of calcium for growing children, pregnant women and elderly for maintaining bone health. Therefore, regular consumption of millets helps in diversification of diets and imparts many health benefits along with battling hidden hunger.