Significance of millets for food and nutritional security—an overview

Abstract

Millets are an important traditional food known for their dietary diversity. They play a key role in ensuring human health and well-being. Millets, which are small-seeded grains cultivated widely in various areas of the world, have emerged as significant contributors to this paradigm shift. They are nutrition powerhouses, that boast raised levels of dietary fibre, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Since they are gluten free, those with celiac disease may utilize them and serve as alternatives to wheat products. The promotion of these grains as a staple food holds significant promise for facing the global challenges of malnutrition, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Moreover, millets contain bio-active compounds like flavonoids, lignin, phenolic acids reduce inflammation and serve as antioxidants. Millets have positive health benefits related to blood sugar, cardiovascular disease and obesity, and the gastrointestine. This article provides an overview of the functional role of millets as promising food for human health.