Health - Promoting Potential of Millet: A Review-A Certain Crop for an Uncertain Future: Economic Perspective of Millets as a Solution to Nutritional Insecurity

Millet production has experienced significant growth in recent years to address the dietary demands of the expanding global population. This crop serves as an excellent source of essential nutrients, including protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and a range of bioactive compounds. These compounds contribute to various biological activities, such as antioxidant, anti - hyperglycaemic, anti - cholesterol, anti - hypertensive effects, as well as influencing anthropometric parameters and modulating gut microbiota composition. The nutritional and functional properties of millet can be modified through processing techniques such as decortication, soaking, malting, milling, and fermentation. This review synthesizes findings from approximately 50 articles published between 2015 and 2022, sourced from databases including the Web of Science, Google Scholar, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Breeding Bid Survey (BBS), and Food Data Central (USDA). The evidence highlights that the incorporation of millet and its bioactive constituents into food products offers potential solutions to malnutrition and various health - related concerns. Additionally, this review provides critical insights into the health - promoting properties of millet, serving as a comprehensive resource for industry stakeholders, consumers, researchers, and nutritionists.