Nutritional health benefits of pearl millet

Abstract

Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) is a robust annual grass, usually 1.2–3.5 m tall. It is a staple cereal in India, and in some countries of west and southern Africa. Pearl millet (known as Bajra in Hindi, also known as sajjey in Kannada and 'Kambu' in Tamil). The largest producer are Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Hariyana. It has the capacity to produce a grain yield of 4-5 tonns per hectare. Being non-glutinous makes it a healthy option for people with a gluten allergy and celiac disease. They are power-packed with carbohydrates, essential amino acids, antioxidants, multiple vitamins like thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, niacin, beta carotene, and minerals like iron, phosphorus, magnesium, and zinc and phytochemicals such as polyphenols and flavonoids. In this review, along with in the nutritional composition are discussed with the emphasis on the effect of processing on the nutrient and also discussed about health benefits.