Estimation of nutritive composition of seven small millets

Abstract

Small millets are one of the underutilized groups of cereal grains. Millets are considered as rich source of energy, carbohydrate and protein as compared to other cereals but have more calcium, iron, dietary fibre and Vitamin E content. The presence of dietary fibre and phenolic compounds in small millets help in the prevention of many diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cataractogenesis. Different types of millets were analyzed for their nutritive values and the study resulted that Foxtail Millet is rich source of protein with a value of 14%, brown top Millet is rich source of fibre and zinc with values of 16.08% and 66.10mg respectively. Iron content is rich in Kodo millet with a value of 206.5mg and Calcium content is rich in Finger millet with a value of 3811.98mg.