Journal of Biological Research (May 2024)

Unleashing the potential of millets: a comprehensive review of its nutritional, therapeutic, and genomic attributes

  • Biju Vadakkemukadiyil Chellappan,
  • Rajendran Peramaiyan

DOI
https://doi.org/10.4081/jbr.2024.12131

Abstract

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Millets are cereal grains whose farming dates back thousands of years and have been farmed and consumed by a wide variety of cultures around the world. In recent times, there has been a growing interest in millets due to their medicinal characteristics and nutritional advantages. Millets have a substantial nutritional content and can provide a wide range of beneficial health effects. These foods have a relatively low glycemic index in addition to their high levels of dietary fiber, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. In this review, the most recent information regarding the potential effects of millets on the management of diabetes, the health of the heart, antioxidant activity, anti-cancer capacities, and other therapeutic benefits is investigated. In addition, the report provides an in-depth analysis of the current genome resources that are associated with millets, as well as a summary of the key genetic discoveries that have been made. The report also emphasizes the need for further research to maximize the potential of millets through the utilization of genetic resources and breeding techniques to develop high-nutrient-rich and climate-resilient varieties.

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