Pinnacles of Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.): A nutri millet

Abstract

Proso millet is a self-pollinated crop and true millet of history that can grow well in many agro-climatic conditions. It is rich in many phytochemicals when compared to finger, foxtail and little millet. In terms of natural antioxidants, it is in the second position after finger millet. Proteins of proso millet suppress the activity of D-galactosomine induced elevation of serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase and prevent the risk of liver injury also it elevates the HDL2fractions. Fibre and resistant starch that is present in the proso acts as a probiotic and beneficial in many ways and can bring about an effective reduction in the levels of glucose and insulin with up-regulated expression of adiponectin and downregulating effect of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and abetting type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Food and nutrition scientist show more interest towards millets and its health effects on combating lifestyle diseases and now millets are regaining its importance on achieving nutrition security.