Millets in Modern Diets: A Comprehensive Review of their Nutritional and Health Benefits

Abstract

Millets are small-seeded, climate-resilient cereal crops that have gained increasing attention for their potential role in promoting sustainable agriculture and addressing global nutritional challenges. This review explores the comprehensive nutritional profile and documented health benefits of various millet species, including pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), finger millet (Eleusine coracana), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), and proso millet (Panicum miliaceum). Millets are rich in complex carbohydrates, dietary fibre, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and micronutrients such as calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and B-complex vitamins. Their low glycemic index and high antioxidant content contribute to improved glycemic control, cardiovascular health, gastrointestinal function, and weight management. Bioactive compounds in millets, including phenolics and flavonoids, exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, further enhancing their therapeutic potential. As gluten-free grains, millets are also suitable for individuals with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Traditional and modern processing methods, such as soaking, fermentation, puffing, and extrusion, play critical roles in improving the palatability, nutrient bioavailability, and shelf-life of millet-based foods. Despite their nutritional advantages, the widespread adoption of millets in modern diets is hindered by factors such as the presence of anti-nutritional compounds, limited consumer awareness, unfavourable taste preferences, and underdeveloped value chains. Policy interventions, public health advocacy, and food innovations are crucial to increasing millet consumption and positioning it as a functional food in global markets. Ongoing research into genetic improvement, biofortification, and clinical applications continues to unlock new opportunities for enhancing the nutritional and agronomic value of millets. With growing interest in sustainable and health-focused diets, millets offer a promising, underutilised solution to simultaneously combat chronic disease, malnutrition, and climate-induced agricultural challenges.