Vol. 11, Special Issue 7 (2022)

Author(s):
Diksha Bhatt, Munavirul Fairos and Ayushi Mazumdar

Abstract:
Millets are minor cereals crops belonging to the Poceaea family and are drought resistant and can survive various climatic conditions. They are rich in protein and, most importantly gluten-free. They are a rich source of phytochemicals with medicinal properties in the form of antioxidant activities, which helps lower many health diseases. Millets are a staple food for many African and Asian countries, providing food security worldwide. They are categorized as major and minor millets, including sorghum, pearl and finger millet, while proso, barnyard, kodo, little and foxtail millets come under minor millets. This review focuses on the different varieties of millets, their global production, their nutritional composition, and their bioactive compounds. The paper describes millets' nutritional value, promoting the requirement of research on the nutritional properties and functional capabilities of various millet varieties.