Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Millets-the nutrimental potent ethno-medicinal grasses
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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T. P. Mall and S. C. Tripathi
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World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Millets-the nutrimental potent ethno-medicinal grasses
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Millets are a diverse group of small-seeded grasses that are cultivated globally as cereal crops. Recognized for their high nutritional value, millets are considered superior to major grains like rice and wheat in terms of protein, minerals, vitamins, and dietary fiber. They are gluten-free, low in glycemic index (GI), and beneficial for individuals with wheat allergies, those with diabetes, and those seeking effective weight loss options. Despite their numerous health benefits and adaptability to low-fertility environments, millets have seen a decline in cultivation and consumption in recent years, particularly in India, where they were traditionally a staple food.
Nutritional Superiority of Millets
Millets possess an impressive nutritional profile that distinguishes them from conventional grains. They are rich in B vitamins, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and zinc, and their high fiber content contributes to better digestive health. Additionally, millets release sugars slowly, helping to manage blood sugar levels effectively. This low glycemic response makes them particularly valuable for diabetics. Their rich starch content makes them an excellent source of energy, and their ability to thrive in drought conditions further underscores their significance in sustainable agriculture.
Historical Importance and Cultural Relevance
Historically, millets have played an essential role in the diets of various civilizations, particularly in Asia and Africa. Archaeological evidence suggests that millets were among the first crops cultivated by humans, with domestication occurring over 10,000 years ago. They were integral to dietary practices in ancient cultures, including those in China and India, where they were used to make traditional dishes. The association of millets with local cuisines and agricultural practices has fostered a strong cultural identity, even as modernization and changing food preferences have contributed to their decline.
Health Benefits and Ethno-Medicinal Properties
The consumption of millets offers various health benefits, such as aiding weight management, improving bone health, and reducing the risk of chronic disease. Millets like finger millet and sorghum have been linked to improved heart health, diabetes management, and greater overall nutritional security. With their rich phytochemical content, millets possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cholesterol-lowering properties. Moreover, the recognition of millets in traditional medicine highlights their potential as preventive health foods contributing to public health initiatives aimed at addressing nutritional deficiencies.
Conclusion
In conclusion, millets are an underutilized but valuable food resource that holds significant promise for enhancing global nutritional security and promoting sustainable agriculture. Their impressive nutritional profile, historical importance, and numerous health benefits underscore their potential as a staple food in modern diets. Increasing awareness and promoting the consumption of millets could reverse the current downward trend in their production and help address nutritional deficiencies and health issues in various populations. Restructuring consumer perceptions of millets as nutritious staples rather than "poor man's food" is crucial in revitalizing their status in both global and local food systems.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are millets and why are they important?
Millets are small-seeded grasses cultivated worldwide as nutritious cereal crops. They're rich in proteins, minerals, and vitamins, making them essential for improving health and nutrition, especially in regions prone to food insecurity.
How do millets compare nutritionally to rice and wheat?
Millets are three to five times more nutritious than rice and wheat. They are high in proteins, B vitamins, iron, calcium, and fiber while being gluten-free, making them suitable for various dietary needs, including for diabetics.
What are some common types of millets grown today?
Common millets include finger millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet, and proso millet. These varieties are cultivated for their unique nutritional benefits and adaptability to various climates, particularly in Asia and Africa.
How can millets be enjoyed in daily meals?
Millets can be cooked similarly to rice, used in curries or made into various dishes such as dosa, idli, and even baked goods like bread and biscuits, providing versatile dietary options.
What are the health benefits associated with millet consumption?
Regular millet consumption aids in lowering diabetes risks, improving digestion, and may help prevent heart diseases. Their high fiber content promotes satiety, making them beneficial for weight loss and overall health.
Why is awareness of millets' health benefits important?
Increased awareness can encourage more consumers to incorporate millets into their diets, helping to combat nutritional deficiencies and promote healthier eating habits, particularly among urban populations that favor rice and wheat.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Millets-the nutrimental potent ethno-medicinal grasses”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Food:
Food is crucial for human survival and sustenance, providing essential nutrients necessary for health. The text highlights millets as a nutritious alternative to common staples like rice and wheat, emphasizing their high mineral content, dietary fiber, and health benefits, which include supporting weight loss, lowering blood sugar, and providing energy.
2) Crop:
A crop refers to cultivated plants grown for food, livestock feed, or other products. Millets are recognized as important crops, especially in semi-arid regions, due to their ability to thrive in drought conditions. They serve as essential food sources in many cultures, highlighting their agricultural significance.
3) India:
India is the world's largest producer of millet, with a rich tradition of cultivating and consuming various millet species. The text discusses how millets are integral to Indian agriculture and cuisine, particularly in regions like Southern India. The decline in their consumption emphasizes the need for awareness and promotion.
4) Ragi:
Ragi, or Finger millet, is highlighted as a highly nutritious grain contributing significantly to dietary health. It is rich in calcium, iron, and protein, making it beneficial for bone health, weight management, and controlling diabetes. This ancient grain retains cultural importance in many Indian communities.
5) Rice (Rce):
Rice is a staple food worldwide and often dominates dietary patterns in many Asian countries, including India. The text contrasts millets with rice, discussing millets' superior nutritional profile, thus advocating their inclusion in diets to combat nutritional deficiencies and enhance health benefits.
6) Cina:
China is historically linked to the domestication and cultivation of millets, with archaeological evidence suggesting their use for over 8,000 years. The text indicates the importance of millets in ancient Chinese diets and their role in early agricultural practices, reflecting their global historical significance.
7) Pearl:
Pearl millet is emphasized as a major species due to its high nutritional value, drought resistance, and cultural significance in areas like India and Africa. The text discusses its health benefits, usage in traditional dishes, and the need for increasing its production and consumption for food security.
8) Soil:
Soil is essential for agriculture, as it provides the medium for growing crops. Millets are particularly suited for marginal soils, reflecting their resilience against environmental challenges. The text emphasizes the importance of using less fertile lands for sustainable cultivation of nutritious crops like millets.
9) Water:
Water is a critical resource in agriculture, affecting crop yields and sustainability. The text discusses millets' low water requirements compared to other cereals like rice, illustrating their suitability in drought-prone areas and their potential role in addressing water scarcity in agricultural practices.
10) Disease:
Diseases related to nutrition, such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues, are addressed through the promotion of millets. The text suggests that regular millet consumption can help mitigate health risks, reflecting the need for nutrient-dense foods to combat prevalent diet-related diseases in modern societies.
11) Blood:
Blood health is important for overall well-being, and certain foods support its quality. The text mentions how millets can help regulate blood sugar levels, which is crucial for managing diabetes, thereby contributing to a balanced diet that supports optimal blood conditions.
12) Diet:
Diet encompasses the types of food consumed by individuals. The text advocates for incorporating millets in daily diets due to their superior nutritional profile compared to more commonly consumed grains, thus promoting dietary diversity and enhancing health benefits for various populations.
13) Rich (Rch):
Rich typically refers to a high quantity of beneficial nutrients or qualities. In this context, millets are described as rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, positioning them as a highly nutritious alternative that can effectively contribute to improved health and nutritional intake.
14) Species:
Species refer to distinct groups of organisms. The text categorizes millets into major and minor species, underscoring their biodiversity and the significance of various millet types in agriculture and health, highlighting their unique characteristics and adaptations to environmental conditions.
15) Sugar:
Sugar relates to carbohydrate content in foods. The text discusses millets' low glycemic index, which promotes slower sugar release into the bloodstream, making them suitable for diabetic individuals. This characteristic is crucial for managing blood sugar levels effectively in diets aimed at health improvement.
16) Science (Scientific):
Science refers to systematic knowledge gained through observation and experimentation. The text discusses scientific studies on millets, promoting a better understanding of their nutritional benefits and the need for further research to unlock their full potential in agriculture and food sciences.
17) Indian:
Indian refers to something originating from India, including cultural, agricultural, and dietary practices. The text highlights India's rich history with millets, promoting them as traditional foods that need revival to address contemporary issues of nutrition and food security amidst changing dietary preferences.
18) Silk:
Silk is a fiber produced by silkworms and is unrelated to millets directly, but in agriculture, it can symbolize luxury. The text does not specifically mention silk but could relate to agricultural practices that ensure healthy crop yield, similar to practices used in silk farming.
19) Agriculture:
Agriculture is the practice of cultivating land for food production. The text discusses the role of millets in sustainable agriculture, highlighting their resistance to harsh conditions, and underscoring the importance of diversifying agricultural practices to include nutritious crops like millets instead of relying solely on major grains.
20) Study (Studying):
Study refers to an examination or analysis of a subject. In the text, various studies on millets illustrate their health benefits, nutritional values, and historical significance, advocating for increased research to better understand and promote these nutrient-dense grains effectively.
21) Hair:
Hair is not directly related to the primary focus of the text, which discusses the nutritional aspects of millets. However, the inclusion of millets in diets may contribute to overall health, potentially affecting hair health through improved nutrition and mineral intake.
22) Habitats:
Habitats refer to the natural environments where organisms live. The text mentions that millets can grow in various habitats, particularly in semi-arid regions, highlighting their adaptability and importance in sustaining agricultural diversity in different ecological settings.
23) Family:
Family, in a biological sense, classifies groups of related organisms. Here, the Poaceae family (grasses) includes millets, with the text emphasizing their ecological and economic significance in agricultural systems, underscoring the importance of understanding plant families in food production.
24) Cancer:
Cancer pertains to a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. The text asserts that millets contain phytochemicals with potential anti-cancer properties, encouraging their consumption as part of a healthy diet to help reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers.
25) Summer:
Summer is a season associated with warm weather. The text mentions millets growing well in warm climates, highlighting their role as resilient crops in areas subject to high temperatures and drought, making them an important food source in such environments.
26) Pur:
Poor indicates a lack of resources or quality. The text discusses how millets are traditionally viewed as food for the underprivileged; however, it advocates for changing this perception to recognize millets' high nutritional value and potential for enhancing modern diets.
27) Stiffness:
Stiffness refers to rigidity in body tissues. The text mentions how certain millets may help alleviate stiffness and discomfort due to their anti-inflammatory properties, highlighting their role in traditional medicinal practices to treat various health conditions.
28) Swelling:
Swelling is associated with inflammation or accumulation of fluid in tissues. The text discusses how some millets may possess properties beneficial for reducing swelling, particularly in traditional medicine, providing holistic approaches to health management.
29) Bahraich:
Bahraich is a geographical location in India where millets are cultivated. The text references Bahraich in relation to the research conducted by local institutions on millets, indicating how regional agricultural practices contribute to the understanding and revival of millet cultivation.
30) Pottery:
Pottery refers to ceramic ware made by shaping and then firing a non-metallic mineral, such as clay. The mention of pottery in the context of historical millet usage ties to archaeological findings indicating that millets have been part of ancient diets and cultural practices.
31) Quality:
Quality refers to the standard or degree of excellence of a product. The text emphasizes the need to improve the quality of millet production and processing to ensure that these grains meet modern nutritional needs and consumer preferences for health.
32) Mineral:
Minerals are inorganic substances essential for various bodily functions. The text highlights the mineral-rich nature of millets, specifically their high content of essential nutrients like calcium and iron, ensuring that they can effectively contribute to alleviating nutritional deficiencies.
33) Surface:
Surface refers to the outermost layer or aspect of something. The text does not explicitly discuss surface interactions but may hint at the different cultivation environments and seed treatments, which are crucial in maximizing millet yield and nutritional properties.
34) Famine:
Famine refers to extreme scarcity of food. The text highlights the role of millets in historical food security, pointing out their drought-resistant properties as a sustainable solution for preventing famine in vulnerable regions by providing reliable food sources.
35) Animal:
Animals are living organisms that consume organic material for nourishment. The text mentions how millet grains can also serve as fodder for livestock, thereby supporting both human nutrition and animal husbandry in agricultural settings, promoting sustainable food systems.
36) Farmer:
Farmers are individuals who engage in agriculture. The text emphasizes the importance of growing millets for farmers, highlighting their adaptability to various environmental conditions and potential for improving livelihoods due to higher nutritional value and market demand.
37) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosa is a popular South Indian dish made from fermented rice and lentil batter. The text mentions that millets can be used in traditional recipes like dosa, advocating for their incorporation into modern diets to enhance nutritional value and diversify meals.
38) Tear:
Tear typically refers to a drop of clear salty liquid produced by glands in the eyes. In this context, 'tear' may relate more to the name Coix lachryma-jobi, known as Job's tears, illustrating cultural naming conventions in the categorization of crops within traditional practices.
39) Pain:
Pain indicates discomfort or suffering. The text discusses how certain millets may have medicinal benefits, contributing to alleviating pain from conditions such as stiffness or inflammation, thus positioning millets as not only a food source but also a potential natural remedy.
40) Wind:
Wind relates to natural air movement. While the text doesn't directly mention 'wind', it could imply environmental conditions affecting crop growth. This aligns with discussions about millets’ resilience in adverse agricultural environments, supporting their cultivation amidst varying climatic conditions.
41) Life:
Life refers to the condition characteristic of living organisms. The text emphasizes the significance of millets in sustaining life through their nutritional contributions, showcasing how these ancient grains can play a vital role in promoting healthier lifestyles in modern diets.
42) Tuberculosis:
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease affecting the lungs, often requiring nutritional support for recovery. The text highlights various health benefits of millets, suggesting potential roles in managing health conditions like tuberculosis due to their nutrient-dense composition.
43) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of growth or advancement. The text indicates that millets could play a key role in developing food security solutions, especially in developing countries, by providing nutritious food alternatives to combat malnutrition and foster sustainable agricultural practices.
44) Relative:
Relative indicates something in relation to something else. The text may refer to the relative importance of millets compared to other staple grains, conveying the need to recognize their nutritional benefits and cultivation advantages in contemporary food systems.
45) Harvesting (Harvest):
Harvest refers to the process of gathering mature crops from the fields. The text discusses the importance of improving millet harvests to ensure food security, stressing the need for agricultural techniques that maximize yield while promoting the cultivation of nutritious crops.
46) Repair:
Repair implies fixing or mending something. The text suggests that incorporating millets into diets can help repair nutritional deficiencies, fostering better health and well-being due to their rich nutrient profiles and potential health benefits for various conditions.
47) Reason:
Reason pertains to the cause or explanation of something. The text outlines reasons for promoting millets, including their health benefits, adaptability to climate conditions, and their potential role in sustainable agriculture, emphasizing that these grains should be valued in modern diets.
48) Botany:
Botany is the scientific study of plants. The text highlights the importance of botany in understanding millets, their classification, cultivation, and ecological significance, illustrating how botanical research can enhance agricultural practices and nutritional science.
49) Edema (Oedema):
Edema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid in tissues. The text mentions how millets may possess properties that alleviate conditions like edema, supporting their incorporation in diets as part of holistic health management practices.
50) Hindi (Himdi):
Hindi is an Indo-Aryan language spoken in India. The text mentions local names for millets in Hindi, demonstrating the cultural significance of these grains and their integration into traditional diets reflective of India's linguistic diversity.
51) Field:
Field refers to an area of land designated for farming. The text highlights the significance of fields for millet cultivation, emphasizing how farming practices in various fields can affect yields and the diversity of crops grown in different regions.
52) Fever:
Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, often indicating illness. The text mentions how certain millets may be used in traditional remedies for fevers, highlighting their role in folk medicine and the potential health benefits associated with their consumption.
53) Fight:
Fight refers to the act of combating or challenging. The text emphasizes that millets can help fight against nutritional deficiencies and health issues due to their rich nutrient content, thus serving as a natural means to improve health outcomes.
54) Tamil:
Tamil is a Dravidian language spoken predominantly in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The text highlights local terminology for millets in Tamil, reflecting the grains’ cultural importance in regional diets, showcasing the diversity in traditional food practices.
55) Bile:
Bile is a digestive fluid produced by the liver. The text discusses how millets, with their high fiber content, may support liver function and digestion, emphasizing the health benefits associated with incorporating these grains into regular diets.
56) Bird:
Bird refers to feathered vertebrates, often significant in rice and millet farming ecosystems. The text highlights proso millet's cultivation in the United States primarily for birdseed, illustrating an alternative use for millets and their role in agricultural markets.
57) Salt (Salty):
Salt, a mineral substance, is essential for human health in moderation. The text does not strongly address salt but implies its role in cooking and dietary practices, connecting it indirectly to the preparation of millet-based dishes highlighting nutrition.
58) Deccan plateau:
The Deccan plateau is a volcanic plateau located in India, known for its unique agricultural conditions. The text refers to it in discussing regions where millets grow successfully, emphasizing the adaptability of these crops to diverse geographical features.
59) Southern India:
Southern India is a region known for its rich agricultural practices and millet-based cuisines. The text highlights this area as a focal point for millet cultivation and consumption, showcasing the cultural significance of millets in regional diets and traditions.
60) Human body:
The human body refers to the physical structure of a human being. The text highlights the health benefits of millets, indicating their role in supporting bodily functions and preventing diseases, emphasizing the connection between nutrition and overall health.
61) Phytochemical:
Phytochemicals are bioactive compounds found in plants with health-promoting properties. The text discusses millets’ rich phytochemical profiles, suggesting their potential roles in managing chronic diseases and supporting overall health due to their antioxidants and anti-inflammatory qualities.
62) Discussion:
Discussion involves exploring and analyzing a topic. The text contains discussions about the advantages of millets in nutrition, agricultural practices, and health, planting ideas for further exploration and awareness about using millets in contemporary food systems.
63) Depression:
Depression refers to a mood disorder that can significantly impact daily life. The text mentions the calming effects of certain millet varieties, highlighting their potential nutritional benefits in supporting mental health and alleviating conditions like anxiety and depression.
64) Rajasthan:
Rajasthan is a northwestern Indian state known for various agricultural practices. The text highlights millet production in Rajasthan, underscoring the role of this region in growing and consuming millets, contributing to regional food security and nutrition.
65) Mythology:
Mythology refers to traditional stories that explain natural or social phenomena. The text mentions cultural references to millets in Chinese legends, indicating how ancient beliefs and practices contribute to the significance of these grains in historical contexts.
66) Testimony:
Testimony refers to evidence or proof of something. In this context, the success of millets in traditional and modern diets serves as a testimony to their nutritional benefits, advocating for their continued cultivation and consumption based on historical and scientific evidence.
67) Evolution:
Evolution describes the gradual development of species over time. The text discusses the evolutionary history of millets, highlighting their diversification and adaptation to various environmental conditions, emphasizing their value in sustainable agriculture.
68) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are plant compounds known for their antioxidant properties. The text mentions the presence of flavonoids in millets, indicating their potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects and contributions to overall health when included in diets.
69) Affection:
Affection reflects feelings of fondness or care. While not directly discussed in relation to the text, affectionate practices may tie into cultural traditions surrounding food, such as the preparation and sharing of millet-based dishes in familial and community settings.
70) Medicine:
Medicine encompasses substances used to treat illnesses and improve health. The text emphasizes traditional uses of millets in folk remedies for various conditions, illustrating their role in both dietary practices and holistic health management.
71) Vomiting:
Vomiting is the expulsion of stomach contents, often due to illness. The text mentions how certain millet varieties are used in folk remedies for conditions like nausea and vomiting, reflecting the traditional medicinal value of these grains.
72) Activity:
Activity refers to actions or behaviors. In the context of the text, promoting millet consumption reflects active efforts to enhance nutrition and awareness about these grains, advocating for their integration into modern diets to improve health outcomes.
73) Fixation:
Fixation refers to a strong attachment or focusing on something. In dietary contexts, it could refer to the fixation on certain staple grains like rice and wheat. The text promotes a shift away from this fixation to embrace the nutritional benefits of millets.
74) Language:
Language pertains to the system of communication. The text highlights local names for millets in various languages, showcasing the cultural significance and culinary diversity of millet consumption across different regions in India and beyond.
75) Pregnant:
Pregnant refers to the condition of carrying a developing fetus. The text mentions dietary recommendations for pregnant women, highlighting the benefits of millets due to their nutrient density, which supports maternal and fetal health during pregnancy.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 119]
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