Millets are one of the oldest crops known to humans and can grow in adverse weather conditions with marginal irrigation requirements. They were first domesticated in Asia and Africa and later spread across the globe as a cereal crop for the evolving civilizations.”
Types of Millets
- Pearl millets (Bajra) The most extensively cultivated millet is pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum, P. typhoides, Pryhpideum, and P. americanum). Large stems, leaves, and heads characterize this summer cereal grass. Pearl Millets has the highest yield potential of all millets. Pearl millet can be beneficial in the process of weight loss as it is high in fiber content and also give satiety as it takes a longer time to pass through the stomach to the intestine. It has been found that due to its high fiber content risk of occurrence of gall stone is low. Pearl millet had phosphorus and a rich source of calcium which helps to attain peak bone density.
- Sorghum (Jowar): Sorghum is a crop from the Gramineae family that is high in carbohydrates and has the scientific name Sorghum bicolor L. It is one of the staple crops for millions of semi-arid residents, is also known as “The KING OF MILLETS’. Its main ingredient is starch, which is digested more slowly than in other cereals and also has a low protein and fat digestibility. The onset of non-communicable diseases is significantly influenced by oxidative stress and excessive free radical production. The expression of the phase II enzyme is controlled by sorghum derived phenolic chemicals. These operate as the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress by converting highly reactive electrophilic species (RES)into harmless and excretable metabolites.
- Finger Millets (Ragi)Finger millet grains are rich in minerals, dietary fiber, polyphenols, and proteins. Finger millet, which is rich in calcium plays an important role in growing children, pregnant women as Well as people suffering from obesity, diabetes and malnutrition. It contains high amount of potassium for the proper functioning of the kidneys and brains and allows the brain and muscles to work smoothly.
- Small Millets: – There are 4 types of small millets Foxtail, Barnyard, Kodo & Proso millets. All are equally important and having high nutritional values like other variety of millets.
