Evaluation of nutritional and functional properties of millet-based foods

Abstract

Millets are small-seeded cereals known for their high nutritional value and resilience to harsh environmental conditions. This study evaluates the nutritional and functional properties of millet-based foods, focusing on their potential health benefits and implications for food security. Various millet types, including pearl millet, finger millet, foxtail millet, and little millet, were analyzed for their macronutrient, micronutrient, and phytochemical content. The functional properties, including antioxidant activity and dietary fiber content, were also assessed. The findings demonstrate that millet-based foods offer substantial nutritional benefits and can play a crucial role in improving dietary diversity and food security, especially in regions vulnerable to climate change.