AUCTORES
Globalize your Research
Review Article | DOI: https://doi.org/10.31579/2637-8914/146
UGC-NET-JRF-SRF Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty) Home Science M.A.M. College, Naugachia T.M.B.U. Bhagalpur
*Corresponding Author: Shruti Kumari, UGC-NET-JRF-SRF Assistant Professor (Guest Faculty) Home Science M.A.M. College, Naugachia T.M.B.U. Bhagalpur
Citation: Shruti Kumari (2023) Miracles of Indian Traditional Foods: Nutritional Quality of Millets and Their Traditional Products with Potential Health Benefits, J. Nutrition and Food Processing, 6(6); DOI:10.31579/2637-8914/146
Copyright: © 2023, Shruti Kumari. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Received: 02 May 2023 | Accepted: 04 July 2023 | Published: 19 July 2023
Keywords: millets; nutritive value; traditional products; health benefits
Millets are important crops for dry land farmers. They are highly nutritious and climate compliant crops. But due to drudgery in preparation, their consumption is decreased over the years in India. Many cereals are available which economically feasible and tasty but not healthy. At present people are very conscious with health. Millets are one of the best solution to found highly nutritious and health benefits. So the review study focused on millet nutritive value and health benefits.
Millets are the cheapest cereals and are consumed by the poorer people of peninsular India. They are known as ‘coarse grains’ because as compared to wheat their outer coats are thicker and contains more cellulose.
Little care and water is needed for their cultivation and so they can be grown in hilly regions where water is scarce. Millets are traditional 6th crop and cultivated in past 1000 years ago use as fodder and human meal. It is also called a poor man food. They do not form a taxonomic group but rather a functional or agronomic one. Millets are important crop in semi-arid tropic. The crop is favoured due to its productivity and short growing season under dry, high-temperature conditions.
The year 2023 has been declared by the United Nations as the International year of the millet. The Indian government has been promoting millets as a healthy and sustainable food option. Various initiatives have been launched to increase the production and consumption of millets in India. Millets are grown in different parts of India. In India, millets are grown on about 17 million ha with annual production of 18 million tonnes and contribute 10 percent to the country’s food grain basket.
However, the direct consumption millets as food have significantly declined over the past three decades. The major reasons of decrease in consumption is the lack of awareness of nutritional merits, inconveniences in food preparation, lack of processing technologies, and also the government policy of disincentives towards millets and favouring of supply of fine cereals at subsidized prices. It has become imperative to reorient the efforts on the millet crop to generate demand through value-addition of processed foods through diversification of processing technologies, nutritional evaluation and creation of awareness backed by backward integration. In that context it is important to explore ways for creating awareness on nutritional merits of millets.
India is the top most producers of millets. In India, eight millets species (Sorghum, Pearl millet, Finger millet, Foxtail millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, Barnyard millet and little millet) are commonly cultivated under rain fed conditions. Further, in each of the millet growing areas at least 4 to 5 species are cultivated either as primary or allied crop in combination with the pulses, oilseeds, spices and condiments.
Sorghum (Jowar) - Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is a warm season crop, intolerant of low temperatures but fairly resistant to serious pests and diseases. It is known by a variety of names (such as great millet and guinea corn in West Africa, Asia and parts of Middle East). Most of the sorghum produced in North and Central America, South America and Oceania is used for animal feed (FAO, 1995). The grain consists of naked caryopsis, made up of a pericarp, endosperm and germ. Although there is a huge range of physical diversity, sorghum is classed into four groups: (1) grain sorghum, (2) forage sorghum glum; (3) grass sorghum; or (4) Sudan sorghums and broomcorn (Macrae et al., 1993). It is as a safe food grain as a best alternative for celiac disease. Sorghum is best used for the replacement of wheat for making of bread, pasta, cookies, etc. East African people has used brew a drink from sorghum millets known as an ajono.
Pearl Millet (Bajra) -Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.) Originated in Central tropical Africa and is widely distributed in the drier tropics and India. Pearl millet has traditionally been an important grain, forage, and Stover crop primarily in the arid and subtropical regions of many developing countries. As pearl millet cultivation expands into non-traditional areas in temperate and developed countries, production constraints from diseases are assuming greater importance. Its flour have poor keeping quality, off flavour and nutty taste due to lipase enzyme but it helps in reducing respiratory disease, migraine and gall stones.
Finger Millet (Ragi) - Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn) is a cereal grass grown mostly for its grain. Finger millet is a robust, tufted, tillering annual grass, up to 170 cm high. The inflorescence is a panicle with 4-19 finger-like spikes that resembles a fist when mature, hence the name finger millet. The spikes bear up to 70 alternate spikelets, carrying 4 to 7 small seeds (Dida et al., 2006). The seed pericarp is independent from the kernel and can be easily removed from the seed coat (FAO, 2012). Finger millet is a staple food in many African and South Asian countries. It is also considered a helpful famine crop as it is easily stored for lean years (FAO, 2012). The grain is readily digestible, highly nutritious and versatile, and can be cooked like rice, ground to make porridge or flour, or used to make cakes (De Wet, 2006). Sprouted grains are recommended for infants and elderly people. Finger millet is also used to make liquor (arake or areki in Ethiopia) and beer, which yields by-products used for livestock feeding (FAO, 2012). It helps to prevent constipation, anaemia, blood pressure, asthma and heart problems. Finger millets are used to make valuable and nutritious products such as cakes, pudding and porridge.
Foxtail Millet (Kangni) - Foxtail millet (Setaria italica (L.) P. Beauvois) is regarded as a native of China; it is one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops. Foxtail millet ranks second in the total world production of millets and continues to have an important place in the world agriculture providing approximately six million tons of food to millions of people, mainly on poor or marginal soils in southern Europe and in temperate, subtropical and tropical Asia. Foxtail millet helps in preventing diabetes to reducing glucose level in blood and maintains the heart due to magnesium content.
Kodo Millet (Kodra) - Kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum (L.)) is widely distributed in damp habitats across the tropics and subtropics of the world. It is indigenous cereal of India and is grown today in Uttar Pradesh in the North and Kerala and Tamilnadu in the South. This cereal is also known as varagu, haraka and arakalu. It forms the main stay of the dietary nutritional requirements. It is a traditional food look like rice to easily digestible and helps in preventing joint, knee pain and women menstruation.
Proso Millet (Chena) - Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum (L.)) is an annual grass, growing from seed each year. Proso millet is a relatively low demanding crop and diseases aren’t known. That’s why Proso millet is often used in organic farming systems in Europe. In the United States it is often used as an intercrop. Proso millet has high content of niacin (Vitamin B3) which helps in preventing pellegra. Pellagra is skin disease.
Barnyard Millet (Sanwa) - Barnyard millet (Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) P. Beauvois) is a multi-purpose crop which is cultivated for food and fodder. It is also called by several other names viz., Japanese barnyard millet, ooda, oodalu, sawan, sanwa and sanwank. Nutritionally too, it is a good source of protein, which is highly digestible and is an excellent source of dietary fibre with good amount of soluble and insoluble fractions. It can be potentially recommended for the patients with cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. Barnyard millet is most effective in reducing blood glucose and lipid levels.
Little Millet (Kutki) - Little millet (Panicum sumatrense) was domesticated in India. The seeds of little millet are smaller than those of common millet. Little millet is ideal use of pongal or kheer instead of rice and helps in preventing obesity due to its high fibre content.
Figure: General structure of millet grain
Nutritional Importance of Millets: Sorghum and millets namely, Pearl millet, Finger millet, Kodo millet, Proso millet, Foxtail millet, little millet, and Barnyard millet are important staples to millions of people world-wide. Millets are nutritionally comparable to major cereals and serve as good source of protein, micronutrients and phytochemicals. Processing methods like soaking, malting, decortications, and cooking affect the anti-oxidant content and activity. While sorghum and most of the millets contains about 10% protein, 3.5% lipids, finger millet contains 12-16% protein and 2-5% lipids. Sorghum and millets are very good sources of micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals. Major portion of sorghum protein is prolamin (kaffirin) which has a unique feature of lowering digestibility upon cooking whereas, the millets have a better amino acid profile. It has been reported that sorghum proteins upon cooking are significantly less digestible than other cereal proteins, which might be a health benefit for certain dietary groups. On the other hand, millets contain fewer cross-linked prolamins, which may be an additional factor contributing to higher digestibility of the millet proteins. The average of nutrient composition of millets is summarized in Table.
Table: Nutritional contentin 100 gram of dry grains
Health Benefits of Millets: Millets are highly nutritious and renders various health benefits. The nutritional facts of millet are listed below.
Finger millet- Inhibit cataract eye lens, lower plasma glucose level, Antimicrobial activity against Bacillus cereus and Aspergillus, flavus.
Foxtail millet- Anti hyperglycemic activity.
Proso millet- Improved HDL, Lower triglycerides, Prevent cardiovascular disease.
Kodo millet- Inhibit glycation and cross linking of collagen leads to inhibition of aging.
Pearl millets- Inhibiting the growth of the phytopathogenic fungi.
Barnyard millets- Improved the levels of HDL.
Little millet- Inhibitory effects on lipid peroxidation.
Sorghum- As a detoxifying agent.
Source: Verma et al., (2012): Fereidoon Shahidi et al., (2013)
Millet based fermented food products, beverage and microorganism:
Busa (Liquid Beverages) - Lactobacillus, sacchromyces.
Chikokivana (Alcoholic) - Sacchromyces cerevisiae.
Dalaki (ThickHalwa) - Unknown.
Doro (Alcoholic drink) - Yeast, Bacteria.
Kwanu-Zaki (Liquid Beverages) - LAB, Yeast.
Ogi (Liquid Porridge) - Lactobacillus sp., Aerobacter.
Bogobe (Solid Dough) - Lactobacillus sp., yeast.
Kenkey (Solid Dough) - Lactobacillus sp., yeast.
Merissa (Alcoholic) - Sacchromyces.
Mahewu (Liquid Halwa) - Streptococcus lactis, Lactobacillus delbrukii, L. bulgarius.
Uji (Halwa) - Leuconostoc nesenterodes.
Munkoyo (Liquid Beverages) - Unknown.
Source: Blandino et al., 2003 Osungbaro, 2009
Traditional Products: Millets are traditional food for poor farmers in various region of our country. Millets are also called nutri- cereals. Now a day, the demand of millets and their products are increase due to highly nutritious, affordable and environmentally friendly crop with numerous advantages. Traditional products of millets have found easily available, reasonable price and convenient to make in urban and rural areas where the people are conscious to take nutritious food. Millets are a powerhouse of nutrients. Millets can be cooked in a variety of ways and they are used in various traditional dishes including rotis, dosas, idlis, porridges etc.
Processing of millets: Millets have good grain qualities suitable for processing. Processing of the grain for many enduses involves primary (wetting, dehulling and milling) and secondary (fermentation, malting, extrusion, flaking, popping and roasting) operations. Being a staple and consumed at household levels, processing must be considered at both traditional and industrial levels, involving small, medium and large-scale entrepreneurs (Obilana and Manyasa, 2002; Hamad, 2012). Dehulling is not favourable to millets due to their small grains sizes. In addition, dehulling causes nutrients loss. All the Millets can be milled by hand grinding (household level) or machine milling (cottage, small-to-medium scale service and large scale industrial).
The emerging principal uses of millets as an industrial raw material include production of biscuits and confectionery, beverages, weaning foods and beer. Grits, flour, and meals from cereals such as millet, sorghum, and corn are now common items in the market. Soft biscuits and cookies are being made using sorghum, maize and wheat composites, while cakes and non-wheat breads have become a subject of increasing scientific and technological enquiry, showing encouraging results. Millets are bestowed with a wealth of nutrients and fiber that supports boost metabolism, augment heart health, control blood pressure & diabetes mellitus and promote weight loss. Thus they are healthy addition to the meal plan.
Clearly Auctoresonline and particularly Psychology and Mental Health Care Journal is dedicated to improving health care services for individuals and populations. The editorial boards' ability to efficiently recognize and share the global importance of health literacy with a variety of stakeholders. Auctoresonline publishing platform can be used to facilitate of optimal client-based services and should be added to health care professionals' repertoire of evidence-based health care resources.
Journal of Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Intervention The submission and review process was adequate. However I think that the publication total value should have been enlightened in early fases. Thank you for all.
Journal of Women Health Care and Issues By the present mail, I want to say thank to you and tour colleagues for facilitating my published article. Specially thank you for the peer review process, support from the editorial office. I appreciate positively the quality of your journal.
Journal of Clinical Research and Reports I would be very delighted to submit my testimonial regarding the reviewer board and the editorial office. The reviewer board were accurate and helpful regarding any modifications for my manuscript. And the editorial office were very helpful and supportive in contacting and monitoring with any update and offering help. It was my pleasure to contribute with your promising Journal and I am looking forward for more collaboration.
We would like to thank the Journal of Thoracic Disease and Cardiothoracic Surgery because of the services they provided us for our articles. The peer-review process was done in a very excellent time manner, and the opinions of the reviewers helped us to improve our manuscript further. The editorial office had an outstanding correspondence with us and guided us in many ways. During a hard time of the pandemic that is affecting every one of us tremendously, the editorial office helped us make everything easier for publishing scientific work. Hope for a more scientific relationship with your Journal.
The peer-review process which consisted high quality queries on the paper. I did answer six reviewers’ questions and comments before the paper was accepted. The support from the editorial office is excellent.
Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. I had the experience of publishing a research article recently. The whole process was simple from submission to publication. The reviewers made specific and valuable recommendations and corrections that improved the quality of my publication. I strongly recommend this Journal.
Dr. Katarzyna Byczkowska My testimonial covering: "The peer review process is quick and effective. The support from the editorial office is very professional and friendly. Quality of the Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on cardiology that is useful for other professionals in the field.
Thank you most sincerely, with regard to the support you have given in relation to the reviewing process and the processing of my article entitled "Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of The Prostate Gland: A Review and Update" for publication in your esteemed Journal, Journal of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics". The editorial team has been very supportive.
Testimony of Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology: work with your Reviews has been a educational and constructive experience. The editorial office were very helpful and supportive. It was a pleasure to contribute to your Journal.
Dr. Bernard Terkimbi Utoo, I am happy to publish my scientific work in Journal of Women Health Care and Issues (JWHCI). The manuscript submission was seamless and peer review process was top notch. I was amazed that 4 reviewers worked on the manuscript which made it a highly technical, standard and excellent quality paper. I appreciate the format and consideration for the APC as well as the speed of publication. It is my pleasure to continue with this scientific relationship with the esteem JWHCI.
This is an acknowledgment for peer reviewers, editorial board of Journal of Clinical Research and Reports. They show a lot of consideration for us as publishers for our research article “Evaluation of the different factors associated with side effects of COVID-19 vaccination on medical students, Mutah university, Al-Karak, Jordan”, in a very professional and easy way. This journal is one of outstanding medical journal.
Dear Hao Jiang, to Journal of Nutrition and Food Processing We greatly appreciate the efficient, professional and rapid processing of our paper by your team. If there is anything else we should do, please do not hesitate to let us know. On behalf of my co-authors, we would like to express our great appreciation to editor and reviewers.
As an author who has recently published in the journal "Brain and Neurological Disorders". I am delighted to provide a testimonial on the peer review process, editorial office support, and the overall quality of the journal. The peer review process at Brain and Neurological Disorders is rigorous and meticulous, ensuring that only high-quality, evidence-based research is published. The reviewers are experts in their fields, and their comments and suggestions were constructive and helped improve the quality of my manuscript. The review process was timely and efficient, with clear communication from the editorial office at each stage. The support from the editorial office was exceptional throughout the entire process. The editorial staff was responsive, professional, and always willing to help. They provided valuable guidance on formatting, structure, and ethical considerations, making the submission process seamless. Moreover, they kept me informed about the status of my manuscript and provided timely updates, which made the process less stressful. The journal Brain and Neurological Disorders is of the highest quality, with a strong focus on publishing cutting-edge research in the field of neurology. The articles published in this journal are well-researched, rigorously peer-reviewed, and written by experts in the field. The journal maintains high standards, ensuring that readers are provided with the most up-to-date and reliable information on brain and neurological disorders. In conclusion, I had a wonderful experience publishing in Brain and Neurological Disorders. The peer review process was thorough, the editorial office provided exceptional support, and the journal's quality is second to none. I would highly recommend this journal to any researcher working in the field of neurology and brain disorders.
Dear Agrippa Hilda, Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery, Editorial Coordinator, I trust this message finds you well. I want to extend my appreciation for considering my article for publication in your esteemed journal. I am pleased to provide a testimonial regarding the peer review process and the support received from your editorial office. The peer review process for my paper was carried out in a highly professional and thorough manner. The feedback and comments provided by the authors were constructive and very useful in improving the quality of the manuscript. This rigorous assessment process undoubtedly contributes to the high standards maintained by your journal.
International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews. I strongly recommend to consider submitting your work to this high-quality journal. The support and availability of the Editorial staff is outstanding and the review process was both efficient and rigorous.
Thank you very much for publishing my Research Article titled “Comparing Treatment Outcome Of Allergic Rhinitis Patients After Using Fluticasone Nasal Spray And Nasal Douching" in the Journal of Clinical Otorhinolaryngology. As Medical Professionals we are immensely benefited from study of various informative Articles and Papers published in this high quality Journal. I look forward to enriching my knowledge by regular study of the Journal and contribute my future work in the field of ENT through the Journal for use by the medical fraternity. The support from the Editorial office was excellent and very prompt. I also welcome the comments received from the readers of my Research Article.
Dear Erica Kelsey, Editorial Coordinator of Cancer Research and Cellular Therapeutics Our team is very satisfied with the processing of our paper by your journal. That was fast, efficient, rigorous, but without unnecessary complications. We appreciated the very short time between the submission of the paper and its publication on line on your site.
I am very glad to say that the peer review process is very successful and fast and support from the Editorial Office. Therefore, I would like to continue our scientific relationship for a long time. And I especially thank you for your kindly attention towards my article. Have a good day!
"We recently published an article entitled “Influence of beta-Cyclodextrins upon the Degradation of Carbofuran Derivatives under Alkaline Conditions" in the Journal of “Pesticides and Biofertilizers” to show that the cyclodextrins protect the carbamates increasing their half-life time in the presence of basic conditions This will be very helpful to understand carbofuran behaviour in the analytical, agro-environmental and food areas. We greatly appreciated the interaction with the editor and the editorial team; we were particularly well accompanied during the course of the revision process, since all various steps towards publication were short and without delay".
I would like to express my gratitude towards you process of article review and submission. I found this to be very fair and expedient. Your follow up has been excellent. I have many publications in national and international journal and your process has been one of the best so far. Keep up the great work.
We are grateful for this opportunity to provide a glowing recommendation to the Journal of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. We found that the editorial team were very supportive, helpful, kept us abreast of timelines and over all very professional in nature. The peer review process was rigorous, efficient and constructive that really enhanced our article submission. The experience with this journal remains one of our best ever and we look forward to providing future submissions in the near future.
I am very pleased to serve as EBM of the journal, I hope many years of my experience in stem cells can help the journal from one way or another. As we know, stem cells hold great potential for regenerative medicine, which are mostly used to promote the repair response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. I think Stem Cell Research and Therapeutics International is a great platform to publish and share the understanding towards the biology and translational or clinical application of stem cells.
I would like to give my testimony in the support I have got by the peer review process and to support the editorial office where they were of asset to support young author like me to be encouraged to publish their work in your respected journal and globalize and share knowledge across the globe. I really give my great gratitude to your journal and the peer review including the editorial office.
I am delighted to publish our manuscript entitled "A Perspective on Cocaine Induced Stroke - Its Mechanisms and Management" in the Journal of Neuroscience and Neurological Surgery. The peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal are excellent. The manuscripts published are of high quality and of excellent scientific value. I recommend this journal very much to colleagues.
Dr.Tania Muñoz, My experience as researcher and author of a review article in The Journal Clinical Cardiology and Interventions has been very enriching and stimulating. The editorial team is excellent, performs its work with absolute responsibility and delivery. They are proactive, dynamic and receptive to all proposals. Supporting at all times the vast universe of authors who choose them as an option for publication. The team of review specialists, members of the editorial board, are brilliant professionals, with remarkable performance in medical research and scientific methodology. Together they form a frontline team that consolidates the JCCI as a magnificent option for the publication and review of high-level medical articles and broad collective interest. I am honored to be able to share my review article and open to receive all your comments.
“The peer review process of JPMHC is quick and effective. Authors are benefited by good and professional reviewers with huge experience in the field of psychology and mental health. The support from the editorial office is very professional. People to contact to are friendly and happy to help and assist any query authors might have. Quality of the Journal is scientific and publishes ground-breaking research on mental health that is useful for other professionals in the field”.
Dear editorial department: On behalf of our team, I hereby certify the reliability and superiority of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews in the peer review process, editorial support, and journal quality. Firstly, the peer review process of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is rigorous, fair, transparent, fast, and of high quality. The editorial department invites experts from relevant fields as anonymous reviewers to review all submitted manuscripts. These experts have rich academic backgrounds and experience, and can accurately evaluate the academic quality, originality, and suitability of manuscripts. The editorial department is committed to ensuring the rigor of the peer review process, while also making every effort to ensure a fast review cycle to meet the needs of authors and the academic community. Secondly, the editorial team of the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is composed of a group of senior scholars and professionals with rich experience and professional knowledge in related fields. The editorial department is committed to assisting authors in improving their manuscripts, ensuring their academic accuracy, clarity, and completeness. Editors actively collaborate with authors, providing useful suggestions and feedback to promote the improvement and development of the manuscript. We believe that the support of the editorial department is one of the key factors in ensuring the quality of the journal. Finally, the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is renowned for its high- quality articles and strict academic standards. The editorial department is committed to publishing innovative and academically valuable research results to promote the development and progress of related fields. The International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews is reasonably priced and ensures excellent service and quality ratio, allowing authors to obtain high-level academic publishing opportunities in an affordable manner. I hereby solemnly declare that the International Journal of Clinical Case Reports and Reviews has a high level of credibility and superiority in terms of peer review process, editorial support, reasonable fees, and journal quality. Sincerely, Rui Tao.
Clinical Cardiology and Cardiovascular Interventions I testity the covering of the peer review process, support from the editorial office, and quality of the journal.
