Millets as supergrains: a holistic approach for sustainable and healthy food product development

Abstract

The Global Report on Food Crises underscores the urgent need for sustainable food solutions as the world faces a 34% increase in acute food insecurity. Millets, which are ancient grains abundant in proteins with essential amino acids, dietary fiber and some essential minerals, are resistant to climate change and thus have become an important tool in the fight against this issue. A comprehensive analysis of millets is presented in this review, covering their historical relevance, sustainable production, nutritional value, novel sustainable processing methods, product development and digestibility for health benefits. In terms of agriculture, millets provide a viable choice as they are resilient to climate change and boost productivity. Because millets have a high quantity of vital amino acids and antioxidants, their nutritional composition makes them an important tool in the fight against malnutrition and the prevention of chronic illnesses. Furthermore, eco-friendly millet processing technologies are discussed, highlighting the contribution of both low-temperature and green processes as sustainable approaches to improve their nutritional value and reduce detrimental environmental effects. Millets demonstrate versatility in food production, ranging from classic recipes to cutting-edge items such as extruded snacks and 3D-printed meat substitutes. However, nutrient-dense millets encounter challenges from anti-nutritional elements. Their digestibility is affected by elements such as the starch structure, poor protein solubility, tannins and processing techniques. Important roles are played by processing techniques such as soaking, germination, cooking, and fermentation. Protein digestion is improved by soaking, but the content of tannins, phytic acid, oxalates and other antinutrient compounds may decrease by germination. Alternatively, fermentation increases protein and starch digestibility and reduces anti-nutrients. Thus, to create a more resilient and sustainable future, millets have enormous potential to help achieve a number of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), presenting a strong argument for their inclusion in global food systems.