Millets have been cultivated for over 5000 years

However, owing to their significant health benefits, millet consumption is back in vogue.

There is an evidence of millet cultivation in the ancient African and Asian civilizations. They were the major grains consumed in Europe during the Middle Ages. Progressively, human consumption of millets was marginalized. Currently, they are consumed parts of Africa and India as a staple.

Millets are a powerhouse of nutrition

Millets are also a significant source of vitamins and minerals and are rich in antioxidants.

Millets are gluten-free – a food of choice for gluten intolerant people. Their low-carb & high-fibre nature ensures no blood sugar spikes, making it a great option for diabetics. The high fibre content works great for gut health.

Vitamins

Vitamin A supports bone health, helps maintain a healthy reproductive system, may lower risks of certain types of cancer.

A (Retinol)

Helps normal vision, overall growth and Immunity

Thiamine is important for the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). a molecule that transports energy within cells.

B1 (Thiamine)

Supports functions of the nervous system, heart, and brain

Niacin helps to convert nutrients into energy, creates cholesterol and fats with may enhance levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein). It also helps in creating and repairing DNA.

B3 (Niacin)

Improves cholesterol levels, lowering cardiovascular health risks

Pyridoxine is significant to protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism and the creation of red blood cells and neurotransmitters.

B6 (Pyridoxine)

Helps brain function, and transportation of oxygen around the body

Folic acid is critical for reproductive health, it promotes heart health and helps in improving cognition. Folic acid also helps create DNA.

B9 (Folic acid)

Important in red blood cell formation and for healthy cell growth

Vitamin B12 helps prevent anemia, supports bone health, is a mood enhancer, supports healthy hair, skin, and nails.

B12 (Cobalamine)

Boosting energy, improving memory, and helping prevent heart disease

Vitamin C helps manage blood pressure, lowers risk of heart disease, helps prevent iron defeciency, boosts immunity.

C (Ascorbic Acid)

Helps forming and maintains bones, cartilage, skin, and blood vessels

Vitamin E helps reduce cellular damage and disease risk. It may also help reduce heart disease risk and is helpful in reducing menstrual pain.

E (Tocopherol)

Helps maintain healthy skin and eyes, and strengthens the immune system

Minerals

The heart, muscles and nerves also need Calcium to function properly. it may also help protect against cancer, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Calcium

Helps forms bones and teeth and maintain body strength

Hemoglobin, helps red blood cells (RBCs) carry oxygen throughout. Myoglobin helps provide oxygen to the cells in the muscles.

Iron

Iron is needed for the body to produce hemoglobin and myoglobin

Magnesium supports over 600 reactions in the body, including DNA and RNA creation, protein formation, muscle movements and nervous system regulation.

Magnesium

Is a mineral essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and normal blood sugar levels

It plays a key role in skin health, immune function, and cell growth and may protect against acne and inflammation. Zinc reduces the risk of infections.

Zinc

Is important for wound healing, sense of taste and smell, Zinc also helps with innate (inborn) immunity

Phosphorus is also needed for the production of DNA and RNA. It uptake of vitamins and minerals like Vitamin D, Iodine, Magnesium, and Zinc .

Phosphorus

Is needed for the growth, maintenance, and repair of all tissues and cells

It also helps regulate fluid balance, nerve signals, muscle and heart contractions. Potassium may also protect against strokes.

Potassium

May help reduce blood pressure, water retention, and help prevent osteoporosis

It also plays a role in fat and carbohydrate metabolism, calcium absorption, and blood sugar regulation. Manganese helps counter inflammation.

Manganese

Helps the body form connective tissue, bones and blood clotting factors

Copper contributes to energy production and helps the body build and repair tissues. It works with a pigment called melanin to color your hair, skin, and eyes.

Copper

Helps in regulation of heart rate, blood pressure and absorption of Iron

Antioxidants

Phenolic acids are readily absorbed through intestinal walls, avert the damage of cells resulting from free-radical oxidation reactions.

Phenolics

Are vital in anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anti-proliferative activities

Flavonoids are associated with reduced risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and neurodegenerative disorders.

Flavonoids

Possess anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties.

Help to protect the body against cellular ageing. They also have anti-microbial properties.

Tannins

Is a mineral essential for healthy muscles, nerves, bones and blood sugar levels

XOS help enhanced nutrient absorption, and reduced symptoms of IBS. They may may aid weight management and improve skin health.

Xylo-oligosaccharide (XOS)

Stimulate growth of good gut bacteria

Health-conscious individuals are actively adopting millets over other grains

Millets are an ideal choice for a healthier gut and are a great contributor towards overall wellbeing.

Millets are rich in protein, dietary fibre, micronutrients, and have a low glycemic index (GI). They also contain essential bioactive compounds. Due to their higher nutritional content and few ill-effects, millets are popularly known as “nutricereals”. Millets are increasingly being consumed as a healthier substitute to staples made of wheat (breads or pastas), rice (as is or noodles) or corn (flatbreads, flour).

Millets are a group of cereals, named so because of their small size.

Millets provide most of the nutritional requirements, including protein and fibre.

A diet rich in millets can have multi-pronged benefits. A high proportion of dietary fibre promotes gut health as well as helps manage blood sugar levels. The nutrients in millets can fulfil daily requirement of multiple micronutrients and antioxidants. Being nutrient-dense, millets make us fuller – minimizing our need for unhealthy snacking.

Millets are planet-friendly crops

Millets grow in arid climates, hence are drought resistant. As they need less water than paddy (rice), wheat or corn, their cultivation saves water. They offer a greater resistance to pests, hence are widely grown as organic (pesticide-free, chemical fertilizer free) crops.

Millets help reduce carbon footprint by conserving resources like water and reducing dependence on fertilizers and pesticides