millets and health essay in english

Essay on Millets

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100 Words Essay on Millets

What are millets.

Millets are small-seeded grasses widely grown as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. They are not just one type of grain but include several similar small-seeded grains from different grass species.

Nutrition in Millets

Millets are nutritious, offering protein, dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are especially good for health because they have high iron, calcium, and magnesium. Plus, they don’t have gluten, so they are great for people who can’t eat wheat.

Types of Millets

There are many kinds of millets. Some common ones are pearl millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet. Each type has its own unique taste and benefits, making them versatile for cooking.

Growing Millets

Millets are tough plants. They can grow in poor soil conditions and need less water than crops like rice or wheat. This makes them a smart choice for farmers in dry areas.

Benefits for Farmers

For farmers, millets are less risky because they can survive harsh weather and grow on less fertile land. They are also ready for harvest quicker, which can help farmers avoid crop losses.

250 Words Essay on Millets

Millets are small-seeded grasses widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. They are not just one plant but a group of plants. People have been growing millets for thousands of years, and they are very important for feeding people in many countries, especially in Asia and Africa.

There are several types of millets. Some common ones include pearl millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet. Each type has its own unique taste and is used in different dishes. For example, pearl millet is often used to make bread in India.

Benefits of Millets

Millets are very good for your health. They are rich in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They can help your body in many ways, like keeping your heart healthy and helping you digest food better. Because they don’t need much water to grow, they are also good for the environment.

How Millets Grow

Millets are strong plants that can grow in tough environments where other crops might not survive. They can grow with little water and in poor soil. This makes millets very useful for farmers in dry areas where it’s hard to grow other grains.

Using Millets

People use millets to make different kinds of foods. You can cook them like rice or make porridge. Millets can also be ground into flour to bake bread or cakes. They are a tasty and healthy choice for meals and snacks.

In conclusion, millets are an important food for many people around the world. They are healthy, easy to grow, and can be used in many delicious ways.

500 Words Essay on Millets

Millets are small-seeded grasses widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. Unlike rice and wheat that might need lots of water, millets don’t require much. They are hardy and can grow in tough environments where other crops might not survive. This makes them an excellent choice for farmers who live in places with less rain or poor soil.

There are several types of millets, each with its own unique qualities. Some of the most common types include pearl millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet. Pearl millet is known for its ability to grow in very hot places. Finger millet has a high amount of calcium, which is good for bones. Foxtail millet is rich in dietary fiber, which helps in digestion.

Nutritional Value

Millets are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. They have less sugar than other grains, making them a healthier choice. Millets are also rich in protein, which is important for building muscles. They are gluten-free, which is good news for people who cannot eat wheat because of allergies.

Environmentally Friendly

Millets are not only good for our health but also for our planet. They need less water and can grow in poor soils, which reduces the need for fertilizers and other chemicals. By requiring fewer resources, millets are more sustainable and can help in the fight against climate change.

Uses of Millets

Millets can be used in many ways. People can cook them just like rice or make porridge. They can be ground into flour and used for baking bread, cakes, and biscuits. In some cultures, millets are used to make traditional drinks or even popped like popcorn.

Challenges and Opportunities

Even with all their benefits, millets are not as popular as other grains like rice or wheat. One reason might be that people are not aware of how good millets are. There is a need to tell more people about the benefits of millets and how to cook them. As more people start eating millets, there will be more demand, which can help farmers and the environment.

Millets are a group of highly nutritious, environmentally friendly grains that offer a variety of health benefits. They are versatile in their use and can be a great addition to our diets. By choosing millets, we can take a step towards a healthier lifestyle and a better planet. It is important for schools, parents, and governments to teach children about the importance of millets so that they can make smarter food choices for their future.

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• Frontiers in Nutrition
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Millets: Superfood of the Century – Challenges and Opportunities

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The United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021 declared 2023 the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023). Millets encompass a diverse group of cereals including pearl, proso, foxtail, barnyard, little, kodo, browntop, finger and Guinea millets, as well as fonio, sorghum (or ...

Keywords : food processing, food and health, food security, environmental friendly processing, food waste management, millet, cereal

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Millets are Superfood Essay in English, 100, 200, 300, 500, 1000 Words

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Millets are Superfood Essay in English 100 Words

Millets crops available in India include bajra ragi (finger millet), jowar (sorghum), sama (small millet), bajra (pearl millet) and variga (proso millet).  Millets are rich in all kinds of nutrients, and are capable of keeping the body free from diseases. In India, the evidence of millet plants was first found from the Indus Valley Civilization. 

Millets are mainly of two types, which include coarse grains and minor coarse grains (Major and Minor Millets).  Millets are cultivated in 131 countries of the world.  Out of which India is the main producer of millet.  This type of grain keeps the body’s immunity and away from many types of diseases occurring in them.  This type of food is also being promoted by our Prime Minister so that the people of India can remain healthy.

Millets are Superfood Essay in Hindi Environmental Consciousness Essay One Earth One Family One Future Essay Save Environment for Future Generations Essay  Environmental Pollution Essay Essay on Plastic Pollution in English Essay on 5G Technology in English

Essay on Millets its Nutritional Benefits 200 Words

Millet has recently begun to gain popularity due to its numerous advantages for both physical and mental health, as well as its ease of cultivation and drought resistance. India is among the top 5 exporters of millets worldwide and one of the largest producers of millets worldwide.To encourage the production and consumption of millets, the Government of India designated 2018 as the National Year of Millets. An Indian-sponsored resolution designating 2023 as the “International Year of Millet” was unanimously approved by the UN General Assembly. Indian farmers are increasingly growing millet as a drought-resistant crop, and millet production has increased recently.

“Millets are a powerhouse of nutrients,” Diksha Dayal, Head of Nutrition and Dietetics at Sanar International Hospital, told The Sunday Guardian. In the more health-conscious person’s kitchen, they have reclaimed their space. Due to their rough texture, millets used to be regarded as a coarse-grain cereal. Millets are higher in protein, dietary fibre, iron, and calcium than rice or wheat, though all cereals are high in carbohydrates. Due to their low glycemic index, millets have been dubbed a nutrient powerhouse by the Indian government, and research has demonstrated their efficacy in treating diabetes. The government renamed millets Nutri cereals to further their promotion.

Essay on Millets for Food and Nutrition 300 Words

There are numerous diets that have gained popularity in recent years and are now being marketed to the general public as being healthful. Some of them have received the endorsement of nutritionists, while others have simply been exposed as diet fads. Although many people are still unaware of the numerous health benefits of millet, they have enjoyed some fame similar to other such foods.

The Indian diet once included millet, which has recently come to light as a lesser-known superfood. This is due to the fact that millets contain traces of minerals and vitamins in addition to macronutrients like protein and fibre. Iron, vitamin B6, which helps regulate high prolactin levels, and magnesium, which is crucial for bone health, are all found in abundance in millet.

why millets are called superfoods?

• They are a great source of vitamins, macro- and micro-minerals, fiber, proteins, antioxidants, and antioxidants.
• For those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease, they are a wonderful alternative source of carbohydrates because they are gluten free.
• It is a great food for diabetic patients because of its low glycemic index value, which also prevents cardiovascular diseases.
• manages weight, combats obesity, and maintains gut health.

Production of millets

The majority of millets are grown worldwide in tropical and subtropical regions, primarily in Asian and African nations. It is grown in nearly 93 nations. The world’s largest producer of millets is India, which will account for 20% of global production in 2020, followed by China and Nigeria. Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are the major millet-producing states in India.

Essay on Millets in English 500 Words

Introduction.

Millets are a group of grasses with small seeds and coarse grains that are high in proteins, fibre, and carbohydrates. Common millets like Jowar (sorghum), Ragi (finger millet), and Bajra (pearl millet) are fairly well known in Indian households. Because they can be grown without chemical fertilisers and in unfavourable climatic conditions, millets, with their wealth of nutritional benefits, also support sustainable farming. India’s version is the kharif crop. Millets were the first crops to be domesticated, and there is evidence that the Indus Valley civilization consumed them.

Importance of Millet

As per the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in 2016–17, the area under the cultivation of millet declined with 60% less coverage area (14.72 million hectares). This decline was attributed to changes in consumption patterns, the conversion of irrigated land for the cultivation of wheat and rice, the lack of millet availability, low yield, dietary habits, and less demand. This caused the levels of vitamins A, protein, iron, and iodine in women and children to drop, which resulted in malnutrition. 

Millets contain a number of phytochemicals, including antioxidants, polyphenols, tannins, and phytosterols, but they also have some antinutritional elements that can be diminished through specific processing techniques. Millets can grow anywhere from Andhra Pradesh’s coastal regions to the moderately high altitudes of the Northeastern states and the hilly regions of Uttarakhand, demonstrating their broad capacity for adaptation. Millets can withstand changes in moisture, temperature, and soil types, from sandy infertile lands to heavy lands.

International Year of Millets

The International Year of Millets (IYM 2023) was declared by the United Nations General Assembly at its 75th session in March 2021. FAO serves as the main organising body for the New Year’s celebration in collaboration with other important stakeholders. Millets can be grown on arid lands with few inputs and are tolerant of climatic changes. They are thus the ideal means for countries to increase their level of independence and reduce their reliance on imported cereal grains. 

Millets a superfood or a diet fad

Millets can legitimately be referred to as a healthy food because they aid in blood sugar regulation. Millets must, however, be properly prepared and consumed in order to be of maximum benefit. Millets also assist in controlling weight. Millets have a plethora of health advantages, according to the Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR). Millets are anti-acidic and gluten-free, and they also help the body detoxify. Millets contain niacin, a vitamin B3 that may help lower cholesterol. Millets also aid in the prevention of type 2 diabetes and breast cancer. They work well at lowering blood pressure and preventing heart diseases.

Millet Harvesting

Millets can be harvested when the seeds in the panicle’s upper half are fully developed. Although the lower half of the panicle’s seeds may still be in the dough stage, they must no longer be green. The leaves and stems may still be green at this point. In order to allow the straw to dry out before combining, millet is typically harvested by swathing. Early soaking lowers yield, test weight, and colour quality. Shattering and lodging are made worse by harvesting too late. Proso-millet can be damaged by rodents and birds as it ripens.

Millets can grow well in harsh environments like drought, and some wild varieties can even survive in flooded fields and marshy environments. The inclusion of millets in processed or packaged foods will entice farmers to grow millets, provide them with new opportunities, and re-energize them. 

Millets are Superfood Essay in English 1000 Words

What are millets.

Millets are a kind of whole grain that are frequently used in bird seed but also have a lot of advantages for people. In addition to fibre, vitamins, and minerals, millets are very nutrient-dense foods. In addition to replacing rice or other grains, they are a good source of protein. You can prepare millets in a variety of ways and they have a nutty flavour.

Millets a superfood

Millets’ numerous health advantages, sustainability, and adaptability have led to their designation as a superfood in recent years. Dietary fibre, which is abundant in millet and helps to control blood sugar and lower cholesterol levels. Additionally, they are a good source of complex carbohydrates, which give you long-lasting energy and help you feel fuller for longer.

Millets are also a good source of antioxidants, which guard the body against harm from free radicals. Additionally adaptable, millets can be used in a variety of recipes. Millets are a more sustainable crop because they are simple to grow and use less water than other grains. They are also resistant to drought, which makes them a perfect crop for farmers in regions with little rainfall. Additionally, millets are less prone to pests and diseases, making it simpler to grow them without the use of pesticides.

Millet Production in India

• Currently, jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), and ragi (finger millet) are the three most important millet crops grown in India.
• Additionally, India cultivates a wide variety of indigenous “small millets” like kodo, kutki, chenna, and sanwa that are bio-genetically diverse and varied in their genetic makeup.
• Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, and Haryana are among the states with the largest production.

How millets are good for our health?

Millets have higher protein content and a more balanced amino acid profile than wheat and rice, making them nutritionally superior. Millets also contain a number of phytochemicals that have medicinal effects because of their anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative qualities. Additionally, millet grains are a good source of nutrients like carbohydrates, protein, dietary fibre, good-quality fat, minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, zinc, and B complex vitamins, in addition to being climate resilient. Most significantly, millet cultivation does not require the application of chemical fertilisers.

Benefits of Millets

 There are many benefits of eating millet.

•  It works on blood sugar, besides controlling blood pressure.
• Relieves problems like diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, stomach diseases, ulcers.  At the same time, nutrients are found in it to fight against dangerous diseases like cancer.
• By including millets grain in your diet, your body gets more nutrition in less quantity.
• Many elements like fiber, potassium, magnesium, iron calcium are found in abundance in millets grains, which keep our body strong and our internal organs healthy.
• The body weight remains balanced by the use of these coarse grains.  Apart from this, the antioxidant properties present in them remove the toxic substances from inside the body.

Millet Importance

When it comes to these nutrients, as well as the amino acid profile, millets beat wheat and rice. 

An alternative that’s healthier: Bajra (pearl millet), which is gluten-free and higher in fibre than wheat, has iron, zinc, and protein levels that are comparable to those of wheat while also being higher in fibre and lacking in gluten. 

• Because bajra rotis digest more slowly and do not significantly raise blood sugar levels, they help people feel fuller for longer.
• Can easily address the “hidden hunger” problem brought on by consumption of energy-dense but micronutrient-deficient foods: this nutritionally superior trait can easily address the “hidden hunger” problem.
• Millets are hardy, drought-resistant crops, making them effective in battling the negative effects of climate change. 
• It so happens that they have a shorter life cycle (70–100 days as opposed to 115–150 days for rice and wheat), require less water (350–500 mm as opposed to 600–1,250 mm), and can thrive in arid and hilly environments.

Millets were a mainstay in India for many years, but after the green revolution [GR], the focus shifted to higher food grain production & productivity using high yielding varieties of wheat & rice in the identified GR geographies. As a result, millets were gradually pushed to the side and marginalised.  Typically, a member country submits a proposal to the UN through a relevant organisation, in millets’ case, the FAO. Prior to being presented to the UN General Assembly and receiving the support of 71 nations, India’s FAO proposal was internally approved. 

Because millets fall under food and agriculture, even though this is a UN-wide event, the FAO is the appropriate implementing agency, working in coordination with relevant technical experts, several UN member countries and representatives from all regions, as well as stakeholders like the academic community, the private sector, and civil society. The IYM2023 unifies and encourages international collaboration to promote millet in a number of ways.

Current Perspective

 On 6 December 2022, the opening ceremony of the International Year of Millets 2023 was organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Rome, Italy.  On March 18, 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the two-day Global Coarse Cereals / Millets (Shri Anna) conference at the Subrahmanyam Hall of Indian Agricultural Science Complex (NASC), Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.  inaugurated.  At this conference, the Prime Minister released a commemorative postage stamp and a commemorative coin on coarse grains (Shri Anna).  Also released Compeudium of Indian Millet Startups and Book of Millet Standard.

 Apart from this, an exhibition cum buyer-seller meet pavilion was also inaugurated.  The Indian Institute of Millet Research (IIMR) of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has been declared a ‘Global Center of Excellence’.  In this conference, Guyana has announced that it will produce exclusively coarse cereals on 200 acres of land under the technology and technical guidance of India.  Indian Institute of Millet Research It was established in the year 1958 and is located in Hyderabad, Telangana.  It is the nodal agency of the Government of India for research on millets.

Theme of 2023 International Year of Millets

“Harnessing the untapped potential of millets for food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture” is the focus of the 2023 International Year of Millets (IYM). The initiative’s goals to increase consumer awareness of millets as a nutritious and environmentally friendly substitute for other grains, support sustainable farming methods, and encourage millets consumption are all reflected in the theme. The theme also draws attention to millets’ potential to improve nutrition and food security, particularly in areas where they are regarded as culturally significant and deeply ingrained in the customs and culture of Indigenous Peoples. 

The promotion of the production and consumption of nutri-cereals appears to be a policy shift in the right direction as the government works to achieve its agenda of a malnutrition-free India and doubling farmers’ incomes.

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Millets as superfoods: Let thy cereal be thy medicine

• Published: 18 May 2023
• Volume 42 , pages 304–307, ( 2023 )

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• Anuraag Jena 1 ,
• Vishal Sharma 2 &
• Usha Dutta 2  

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Millets are superfoods that can potentially provide a solution to rising gut-related diseases and metabolic disorders. Superfoods are food items that claim to confer health benefits resulting from their exceptional nutrient density. Common millets include pearl millet (bajra), proso millet (barri), sorghum (jawar), finger millet (ragi), barley (jo), oats (jaee) and foxtail millet (kangani). Once a common food item on Indian plates, millets hardly find any place as cereals in modern Indian diet now, as rice and wheat have taken over as staple food.

Millets, in contrast to rice and wheat, are not only a good source of energy and major nutrients, including protein, but are also a good source of micronutrients such as vitamins, including vitamins A, B, D, E, niacin, pyridoxine, antioxidants, iron and zinc. Millets have high protein content (10–12.3 g/100 g), fat (1% to 5%), iron (0.5–19.0 mg) and calcium (10–410 mg) compared to rice and wheat (Table 1 ) [ 1 ]. Millets contain a plenty of protective polyphenols such as hydroxycinnamic acid, catechin, quercetin, luteolin, orientin, apigenin and isoorientin. These polyphenols have an antioxidant activity with free radical scavenging action and anti-inflammatory activity. Finger millets have highest flavonoids, while foxtail millet, pearl millet and proso millet have highest phenolic acids. Ferulic acid is the most common type of hydroxycinnamic acid, which has potent antioxidant properties [ 2 ]. The seed coat of finger millets has been found to have antimicrobial and antifungal properties [ 1 ]. Millets not only provide comprehensive nutrition but also have an additional benefit of building immunity.

Green Revolution was introduced in India in 1965 to combat food security and reduce famine-related deaths, which were very common then [ 3 ]. High-yielding varieties of cereals were introduced. The focus shifted to growing rice and wheat. Pesticides and fertilizers were used to prevent crops from pest infestation and improve yield. This had major benefits in terms of reducing malnutrition and reducing the import of essential foodgrains, decreasing famine and increasing the availability of cereals in the form of rice and wheat all across India. The fallout was that millets and other ancient grain varieties of rice and wheat, which have lesser allergenic varieties of proteins, started vanishing as staple food and its production slowly started to decrease . Moreover, farmers used to get subsidies for rice and wheat production, but not for millets. All this resulted in a major shift in the Indian agriculture scenario to bringing wheat and rice as the commonest food on Indian plate.

With rice and wheat becoming the staple food over the world, millets almost disappeared from the scene. The United Nation, in order to bring the focus back on millets, declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets. The Indian government, too, has started the “Millet Mindfulness” awareness campaign to make it a people’s movement. Millets belong to the family of Poaceae and are often labeled as “coarse cereals” and have been rechristened as “nutri-cereals”. These have the additional advantage of being a friend to the gut and thus, these coarse grains have been given the status of “Shree Anna.”

India produces around 80% of millets in Asia and is one of the largest producers in the world (41% of global production). It is poised to becoming a global hub for coarse cereals. The hay produced from millet farming is limited and can be utilized completely as animal fodder, thereby reducing the need to burn stubble, which is common with wheat. Millet farming is thus likely to result in lesser pollution.

Millets require lesser water for irrigation than that for wheat and rice, which require 26 times more water. They need 70% less water than rice and grow faster than wheat by 50%. Millets are also naturally pest-resistant, thereby reducing the need for pesticides.

Millets are easily cultivable, as these have climate and drought-tolerant properties and can survive extreme temperatures. These can be grown in both kharif or rabi seasons and have a good shelf life.

Nutritional sciences and therapies have been receiving increasing attention amid exponential rise in diseases such as diabetes, obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver all around the globe. The phytochemicals in millets help in reducing cholesterol and phytates in the human body. As compared to wheat and rice, millets have high fiber content and low glycemic index and can be beneficial in the diet of patients of diabetes mellitus (DM). The mean glycemic index value of millets is 52.7 ± 10.3 [ 4 ]. This was lower than that of milled rice (71.7 ± 14.4) and refined wheat (74.2 ± 14.9). There was a significant reduction in fasting blood glucose by 12% and post-prandial blood glucose levels by 15% among those consuming millets [ 4 ].

In a randomized controlled trial, pearl millets caused lower glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide concentration than oats porridge ( p  = 0.001) [ 5 ]. An analysis of 19 studies had revealed that millet consumption was associated with reduction in total cholesterol by 8%, very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) by 9%, triacylglycerol by 9.5% and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) by 10% in over four months [ 6 ]. Interestingly, the study also found a reduction in body mass index by 7% and reduction in blood pressure by 5%. The consumption of finger millets is associated with reduction in markers of adipogenesis and inflammation such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and leptin [ 7 ]. Foxtail and proso variants of millets increase the serum adiponectin levels [ 8 , 9 ]. Millets thus have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity and anti-hypertensive properties [ 10 ].

Millets also inherently lack gluten and are an attractive option for patients with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity [ 11 ]. These are least prone to causing allergic reactions and are more digestible. The alcohol-soluble protein fraction lacks immunogenicity in patients with celiac disease. Millets could thus enhance the nutritional quality of the diet of patients with celiac disease and improve their overall nutritional status. The unleavened bread (roti) made from millets gives a feeling of satiety similar to that of wheat as these have a slower gastric emptying [ 12 ]. Thus, for patients who are accustomed to consuming unleavened bread as daily meal, shifting to millet-based option is likely to have better patient acceptability than advocating a rice-based diet.

The fiber content of millets is around 2–9 g/100 g. The amount of fiber is higher when consumed as whole grain and thus could be beneficial in patients with chronic constipation. Millets are a part of permitted items in the low Fermentable Oligo, Di and Mono-saccharides and Polyols (FODMAP) diet [ 13 , 14 ]. Low FODMAP diet helps in reducing abdominal pain, flatulence and bloating. Millets have been shown to promote probiotic such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the colon, while reducing the growth of pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli , Enterococcus and Bacteroides in mice models [ 15 ]. This implies that millets could also have a prebiotic effect on the gut. Fermented and germinated millets have been shown to be protective against dextran sulfate sodium–induced ulcerative colitis [ 16 , 17 ]. Further evaluation in conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome is required. Millets are thus gluten-free, low FODMAP, high fiber, anti-inflammatory and probiotic food option for a patient with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders.

Millets could be an appealing addition in the daily diet for children. In a meta-analysis on millets substituted in place of rice for a period up to 4.5 years, there was an improvement in mean height (+ 28.2%), weight (+ 26%), and mid-upper arm circumference (+ 39%) in undernourished children [ 18 ]. Iron and zinc fortified pearl millet could improve the hemoglobin levels and iron status in children [ 19 , 20 ]. This could be an addition to the mid-day meal program in our country for schoolchildren. Fortification of food items such as bread, biscuits, pasta, bread, beverages and noodles with millets could increase the nutritive content of our meals. Millets are thus gut barrier friendly and promote a healthy gut microenvironment. There are obstacles in the pathway of millet revolution. The problems include the availability, improving the palatability, counselling for the better acceptability, adaptation to changed diet and making it affordable at consumer level. The limitation of studies on millets include lack of prospective trials with diseases such as diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and irritable bowel syndrome in real world scenario. Pearls millets have been associated with risk of hypothyroid in some vitro studies [ 21 ]. Phytic acid in pearl millet has been shown to form complexes with cations such as potassium, magnesium and calcium [ 22 ]. However these would require larger in vivo studies for confirmation.

Man has been eternally in search of food since nomadic times. However, when he learnt how to grow his own food, he focused on producing better varieties of crops to feed everybody. Due to food scarcity, there was a societal need to grow high-yielding crops to feed a larger population resulting in abundant food availability. In the present era, where the excess of food intake is resulting in obesity, diabetes and cancers, we have to now shift our focus to identifying an ideal food that promotes overall gut health, is economically viable and acceptable to farming community and is eco-friendly (Fig.  1 ). Millets fit all these requirements.

Advantages of millets to gut, farmers, consumers and the environment

Hence, millets are an attractive option for ensuring food security on the one hand and improving the gut health on the other [ 23 ]. There is a need to recognize this superfood and the International Year of Millets is providing us with an opportunity to bring this wholesome superfood back to our plate!

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Department of Gastroenterology, Topiwala National Medical College and B Y L Nair Hospital, Mumbai, 400 008, India

Anuraag Jena

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Jena, A., Sharma, V. & Dutta, U. Millets as superfoods: Let thy cereal be thy medicine. Indian J Gastroenterol 42 , 304–307 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-023-01377-1

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s12664-023-01377-1

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Essay on Millets

In a world where sustainability and health are becoming increasingly important, millets stand out as a group of highly versatile grains that offer a plethora of benefits. Often overshadowed by more common cereals like wheat and rice, millets are finally receiving the recognition they deserve. This essay explores millets in detail, shedding light on their types, nutritional value, environmental benefits, and their role in combating food security issues.

Millets are a group of small-seeded grasses, widely cultivated as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. Unlike other grains that require extensive resources for cultivation, millets are hardy, drought-resistant, and have a short growing season. They can thrive in poor soil conditions where other crops might fail, making them an excellent choice for sustainable agriculture.

Types of Millets

There are several types of millets, each with unique characteristics. The most commonly known include:

• Pearl Millet (Bajra): The most widely grown millet, known for its high tolerance to drought, heat, and soil salinity.
• Finger Millet (Ragi): Highly revered for its nutritional content, especially calcium and iron, making it an essential grain for bone health and blood circulation.
• Foxtail Millet (Kangni): Rich in carbohydrates and dietary fiber, it is ideal for energy and digestion.
• Sorghum (Jowar): Known for its gluten-free properties, it is a great alternative for those with gluten intolerance.
• Barnyard Millet (Jhangora): Offers the highest fiber content, excellent for weight management and blood sugar control.

Nutritional Benefits

Millets are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering a wide range of essential vitamins and minerals. They are rich in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and prevents constipation. Millets are an excellent source of protein, making them a crucial part of vegetarian diets. They contain essential amino acids, which are vital for body repair and growth. Millets are also rich in antioxidants, which help in fighting free radicals and reducing inflammation. Their low glycemic index makes them suitable for people with diabetes, as they help in controlling blood sugar levels.

Environmental Benefits

Millets are environmentally friendly crops. They require significantly less water compared to traditional grains like rice and wheat, making them an ideal choice for arid regions. Their resilience to harsh weather conditions reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides, leading to more sustainable farming practices. Cultivating millets can play a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, as they are often grown in mixed-cropping systems, which help in maintaining soil fertility and health.

Role in Combating Food Security

Food security is a growing concern worldwide, with climate change and population growth posing significant challenges. Millets offer a sustainable solution to this problem. Their ability to adapt to various environmental conditions makes them a reliable food source in areas prone to drought and poor soil quality. By incorporating millets into the global food system, we can diversify our food sources and reduce dependency on a few major cereals, thereby enhancing food security.

Culinary Uses

Millets are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. They can be used to make a variety of dishes, from traditional porridges and bread to modern salads and desserts. Millets can be ground into flour for gluten-free baking or popped like popcorn for a healthy snack. Their mild, nutty flavor complements both sweet and savory dishes, making them a favorite among chefs and home cooks looking to explore alternative grains.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Despite their numerous benefits, millets face challenges in terms of global recognition and acceptance. There is a need for increased awareness about their nutritional and environmental benefits. Governments and agricultural organizations are working towards promoting millets through policy support and research. The United Nations declaring 2023 as the International Year of Millets is a significant step towards this goal, aiming to boost millet production and consumption worldwide.

In conclusion, Millets are not just grains of the past but are crucial for our future. Their remarkable nutritional profile, environmental resilience, and versatility make them an essential component of sustainable agriculture and a healthier diet. By embracing millets, we can take a significant step towards achieving food security, environmental sustainability, and improved health. As we look towards a future where resources are scarce, and the population is growing, millets offer a beacon of hope, promising a balanced approach to agriculture and nutrition. Let us recognize and celebrate the potential of these super grains, for they hold the key to a sustainable and healthy world.

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