Millets – The Magic Nutri-Cereals

Abstract

Millets were among the oldest meals that our ancestors ate. It belongs to Gramineae grass family. Millets grains are as Millets are climate resilient staple food crops with nutrient dense grains that are rich in minerals, dietary fiber, phytochemicals as well as vitamins. Optimal consumption of millets- plant based diet was found to have preventive role against several degenerative illnesses, including cancer, Parkinson's disease, and cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, metabolic syndrome. Hence, millets were considered as the most suitable alternative cereal grain for human consumption. Several studies have demonstrated that, millets are rich in antioxidants that combat the oxidative stress and reverse ageing process. Several animal experiments have also demonstrated that, regular intake of millet-based diet had resulted in treating Diabetes and Fatty liver. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets in an effort to raise awareness of the health advantages of millets. Numerous initiatives have been carried out to increase millets' accessibility to customers, increase their availability in markets, and promote consumption. Considering the dietary significance and health benefits, Cultivation and consumption of millets will go a long way in order to achieve sustainability in the agriculture production and maintenance of soil health.