Millet-Based Nutraceuticals: Know the Therapeutic Potential of Millets in Modern Nutrition

Food is medicine—we all know this. Yet, have you ever wondered how food can do so much more than just filling our tummies?

Nutrition is about more than sustenance. It has a number of other hidden effects that we do not even realise. It shapes our mood, cognitive function, and even lifespan, so in a way, it’s essential to live your best life.

Is nutrition only derived from food? When the term nutraceutical comes up, the go-to association (especially in this context) that gets insinuated immediately is complex supplements or some fancy health products.

However, millet takes a fresh angle on this matter and may extend beyond essential nutrition. This group of cereals have naturally occurring antioxidants and, therefore, functions to promote health and management against lifestyle-related conditions. ^[1]

This blog will cover the possibilities of nutraceuticals made out of millet and how it would benefit our health. Additionally, we will assess the potential of millet-based supplements in the market and describe why they could be part of our daily diet.

Understanding Nutraceutical

The word nutraceutical comes by merging two terms: “nutrition” and “pharmaceuticals.” They are products derived from food sources that offer additional health benefits beyond basic nutrition.

These may include dietary supplements, herbal products and functional foods that are enhanced with extra nutrients or bioactive compounds to serve health purposes. ^[2]  

In recent years, stress and health awareness among people have created a demand for antioxidant-rich nutraceuticals. Most see them as a wholesome and natural means of supplementing with something that could help manage and promote quality health and provide other forms of well-being formulations. ^[3]

In more basic terms, nutraceuticals are the bridge between food and medicine that might help improve one’s health.

As with most products, there are general principles that we need to know about nutraceuticals: ^[4]

• Types: They come in many forms, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbal extracts, and fortified foods (e.g., cereal or beverages).
• Examples: Some common nutraceuticals are ginseng, green tea, omega-3 fatty acids, folic acid, and glucosamine. Each of these nutraceutical examples above has well-documented health benefits and positive effects.
• Health Benefits: A number of nutraceuticals are said to exhibit multiple therapeutic properties, such as anti-inflammatory effects and support for chronic disease management, in order to help promote physical health and wellness.
• Purpose: Unlike regular food products you buy from the store, nutraceuticals are customised for specific health benefits, which goes one step further in broadening your healthy lifestyle necessities.

 Key Features of Nutraceuticals ^[5]

• Forms of Consumption: It is available in the form of tablets, syrup, and capsules.
• Regulatory Status: Nutraceuticals are regulated differently by country. In India, for instance, they are classified under The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

Developing Nutraceutical Products from Millets

With the term “nutraceutical,” we often think of synthetic supplements or highly processed products. However, millet-based nutraceuticals are something we need to contemplate because they can make a difference in this field.

Millets are more nutritious than many common cereals because they contain higher levels of dietary fibre, resistant starches, vitamins, essential amino acids, storage proteins, and other beneficial bioactive compounds. They have a unique composition and are good sources of carbohydrates, micronutrients, and phytochemicals with nutraceutical properties. ^[6]

Moreover, they can be promoted as “nutraceuticals” or functional foods that help protect against and manage chronic diseases and are comparable to major cereals.  ^[7]

Thus, millet could offer a solid foundation for developing supplements and functional foods that cater to modern health-conscious consumers.

In the following sections, we will discuss each of their characteristics in detail, giving you a fair idea of why they are valuable in this regard.

 Nutrient Composition of Millets

 Millets contain essential nutrients that might support basic body functions to lead a healthy lifestyle. Their rich nutritional composition not only enhances our meals but also positions them as an ideal commodity for developing nutraceutical products.

In this section, we will analyse the nutritional profiles of popular millets such as pearl millet (bajra), finger millet (ragi), foxtail millet (kangni), kodo millet (kodon), little millet (kutki), barnyard millet (sanwa), and proso millet (cheena or barri).

Phytochemicals and Antioxidant Properties of Millet

We just learned how millets contain carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fibre, and minerals in good amounts. It highlights their potential as a nutritious food source, and you can analyse their positive effects on one’s health.

Taking this forward, in this section, we will discuss a variety of phytochemicals found in millet and what role they could play in improving one’s health.

Potential Millet-derived Nutraceuticals

As we discover more about millet’s nutritional benefits, there seems to be a near-term opportunity to improve the production of nutraceutical supplements made from millet as a base ingredient.

On another note, although you may be eating three meals a day and engaging in regular physical activities, it is still possible that your body lacks some of these essential nutrients. Numerous reasons can cause this, such as the bioavailability of the foods you are eating or food combinations.

To overcome this, you can use Aashirvaad’s My Meal Plan test. All you need to do is enter what you eat and get a detailed report with diet analysis.

You will then receive a customised meal plan developed by professional nutritionists to help you maximise your fibre, calories, and other healthful outcomes.

You can model your meals by checking what you eat to ensure they are balanced and contain enough fibre and other necessary nutrients that align with your recommended intake.

Millet-derived supplements could provide concentrated doses of beneficial nutrients and phytochemicals in these conditions. Some potential millet-derived nutraceuticals include:

1. Dietary fibre Supplements

• The fibre in millets might help manage diabetic conditions, promote regular bowel movements, and support a healthy gut microbiome. ^[24]
• Kodo and little millet were also reported to have 37% to 38% dietary fibre, which was once considered an ‘anti-nutrient.’ They are now termed nutraceutical and are the highest among cereals. ^[25]
• Hence, dietary fibre supplements from millet may help individuals easily meet their daily fibre intake.

2. Antioxidant-Rich Supplements

• The rich presence of phenolic compounds and flavonoids in millets makes them excellent sources of natural antioxidants.  ^[26]
• These compounds might help to combat oxidative stress in the body, support cellular and metabolic health, and promote longevity. ^[27]
• Hence, developing millet-based antioxidant supplements could be very helpful in managing overall wellness.

3. Calcium-Enriched Products 

• Finger millet or ragi contains the highest source of calcium, with 364 mg per 100 gm. ^[28] This makes ragi an ideal option for calcium-enriched nutraceuticals.
• Calcium is important for repairing and maintaining healthy bones and teeth, a normal heart rhythm, hormone function, blood pressure regulation, and supporting muscle and nerve health. ^[29]
• Calcium-enriched products derived from finger millet might help people achieve their calcium requirements in a natural and effective way. They could be especially helpful for those at risk of calcium deficiency.

4. Magnesium Supplements

• Millets are also rich in magnesium, which is integral to numerous bodily functions. It includes protein building up, nerve impulse transmission, enzyme activities, muscle and blood vessel relaxation and energy production. ^{[30] [31]}
• Oral magnesium supplementation may have a positive effect on lipid profile and might improve metabolic control. ^[32]
• Developing magnesium supplements from millet can provide a natural source of this essential nutrient. It will help individuals maintain optimal magnesium levels for better health and well-being.

5. Protein Supplements

• Millets are most commonly considered a good source of proteins, and how they could improve malnutrition.  ^[33]
• These are a source of variety in protein fractions, including albumins, globulin proteins, cross-linked prolamin, and glutelins. ^[34]
• Hence, millet might be an alternative protein supplement, helping with muscle maintenance, repair, and regeneration.
• They may, therefore, be useful for vegetarians and vegans who look for additional protein supplements in their diets.

6. Functional Food Products     

• In addition to supplements, millet can be used to develop a wide range of functional foods, such as energy bars, snacks, health drinks, and baked items.
• These products can take advantage of millet’s nutrition profile and appeal to the consumer in a convenient, nutritious manner.

7. Gluten-Free Alternatives

• For individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, millet would be a suitable alternative for grains containing gluten protein. ^[35]
• For example, kodo millets are gluten-free, which is why they might be a perfect alternative for those with gluten-related issues. Kodo millet may even benefit post-menopausal women as it helps balance hormones.   ^[36]
• Therefore, using millet in gluten-free products presents innovative options for obtaining safe and healthy food alternatives intended for individuals who demand avoidance of gluten while enjoying good-tasting, nutritious foods.

The simplest way to enjoy millet is to use its varieties in your daily cooking. Another choice for easy gluten-free cooking is Aashirvaad Gluten-Free Flour. It tops up all the healthy benefits of jowar and ragi, like iron, magnesium, protein, and fibre.

Your options are endless once you have gluten-free millet flour in your pantry. From fluffy rotis and desserts to namkeen, there is no end to the dishes you can cook using this flour.

In summary, the potential of millet-derived nutraceuticals is expansive. Experts are developing a variety of health and lifestyle-promoting products using millet’s unique nutritional and phytochemical properties.

In an increasingly health-conscious environment, such innovative products are a definite need of the hour, keeping in mind their various nutritive qualities for overall well-being.

Health Benefits and Market Potential of Millet-derived Supplements

Millet-based nutraceuticals are expanding within the health and wellness industry. Recent and ongoing research findings suggest that millet’s benefits extend well beyond traditional nutrition. In this section, we will talk about the proven facts and benefits many have experienced from eating millet-based foods in their daily diet.

Multiple studies have shown that foods prepared with millets are rich in several health-benefiting compounds, such as antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and neuroprotective agents.

These characteristics have already been conducive to distinctive conditions, including cardiovascular health, diabetes, blood pressure, inflammation and metabolic syndromes. ^[37]

Therefore, millet-based nutraceuticals seem to be an excellent market segment for functional food ingredients in the health and wellness category. In the upcoming section, we will discuss some of the benefits millet supplements could have on health.

1. Support Digestive Health

• Include millet fibres in your meal on a regular basis, as they may help improve gastrointestinal function and better nutrient absorption. ^[38]
• The high dietary fibre content of millet may prevent constipation, help with regular bowel movements, and maintain a healthy microbiome, which is crucial for general digestive wellness. ^[39]
• Some of the high-fibre millets are pearl millet (bajra) and finger millet (ragi). Ragi contains microbiota-accessible dietary fibre, while bajra includes both soluble and insoluble fibre. ^{[40] [41]}
• Also, barnyard millet (sanwa) is known to be prebiotic, and these are substances that promote the growth of beneficial bacteria throughout our digestive system and maintain perfect gut health.  ^[42]

If you would like to learn more about your gut health, consider taking the Digestive Quotient test by Aashirvaad. This two-minute fast assessment provides the state of your gut health with a quick score as output based on diet habits.

This information can help you determine which scenario is more applicable to your case and whether necessary modifications need to be made related to the fibre-rich foods in your diet.

The recommended daily fibre allowance should be consumed with different fibre-rich food items, and not only from millet fibres. Also, if you are including millet in your meals, be sure to drink plenty of water. We recommend speaking with your healthcare professional regarding an individualised approach to fibre consumption.

2. Blood Sugar Regulation

• The presence of dietary fibre, low to moderate glycemic index, and specific phytochemicals may help to regulate blood glucose metabolism and improve insulin sensitivity. ^[43]
• Millet’s insoluble dietary fibres, like cellulose and hemicellulose, are readily fermented by gut microbiota in the colon, which benefits insulin sensitivity. ^[44]
• Most millets exhibit similar properties. Still, sorghum (jowar) contains slowly digestible starch, which prolongs the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine. This may be favourable for the dietary management of metabolic disorders such as prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes mellitus. ^[45]    

3. Heart Health

• Millet’s various micronutrients and healing content may affect cardiovascular health by relaxing blood vessels, improving lipid profiles, maintaining healthy blood pressure, and improving blood flow. ^[46]
• The unsaturated fatty acids (the healthy fats) might help promote good cholesterol levels. ^[47]
• Millet’s soluble dietary fibres reduce bile acid absorption in the small intestine. It triggers the liver to produce more bile acid using cholesterol from within the cells. It ultimately helps to lower blood cholesterol levels. ^[48]   
• Including sorghum (jowar) in the diet may benefit heart health in older people. ^[49]
• Also, barnyard millet (sanwa) has healing capacity, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential, and blood glucose and lipid-lowering properties. Thus, it may be an excellent addition to managing cardiovascular health. ^[50]

4. Weight Management

• The combination of high fibre and protein content in millets may promote satiety. It makes millet-derived foods and supplements a great option for those looking to manage their weight. ^[51]
• Lower glycemic index foods lead to a slow rise in blood sugar levels, which may help control appetite and avoid overeating. ^[52]
• Some examples of low-glycemic-index millets are foxtail millet (kangni), finger millet (ragi), and barnyard millet (sanwa). ^[53]

5. Bone Health

• Millet-derived supplements might be an excellent source of calcium for individuals who may not consume enough dairy products. 
• Some millets, such as pearl millet (bajra), contain vitamin K, which is necessary for healing and maintaining bone health. ^[54]
• As per Ayurveda, the yellow foxtail millet (kangni) is the best among all millet varieties. It is also considered good for fracture healing and stoutening. ^[55]

Market Trends and Opportunities

The global market for millet-derived supplements is poised for significant growth in the coming years. Below are some of the factors that are favouring and driving this trend:

• In April 2018, the Indian government rebranded millets as “Nutri Cereals,” and 2018 was declared the National Year of Millets to enhance their production, consumption, and demand. The global market for millet is expected to grow at 4.5% CAGR from 2021 to 2026. ^[56]
• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Millet Network of India (MINI), and Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) are some of the dedicated bodies that promote the growth, health studies, and development of millets. They support farmers and consumers and advocate legislative measures to classify millet as a subsidised, nutritious, accessible, affordable food option for a healthier future. ^{[57] [58] [59]}
• Additionally, IIMR launched its brand, “Eatrite”, in the Indian markets to promote millet-based products. ^[60]
  • You may learn more about the significance of millet in Indian cuisine and check out some of the millet-based traditional and new-age recipes here [2].
• The nutraceutical market is growing due to increasing awareness of preventive healthcare and demand for natural and organic products.
• With the increasing prevalence of gluten intolerance and celiac disease, millet, as a naturally gluten-free grain, is becoming a popular alternative to other gluten-containing grains.

Millet-derived nutraceuticals could capture a significant market share due to their multiple health benefits and the growing consumer preference for preventive healthcare and natural products. However, more research is needed to develop standardised and effective millet-based nutraceutical products.

Challenges and Possibilities for Millet-Derived Supplements

There is huge potential for nutraceuticals from millet, but there are some challenges for the same:

• Limited consumer awareness
• Innovation in millet-based products is still evolving.
• The nutraceuticals market is highly competitive.

To address these challenges and to take advantage of the market opportunities, stakeholders can focus on implementing growth strategies, such as :

• Sustainable research into new millet-based products and improvement of existing ones for addressing the market.
• This creates opportunities for growth in areas where millet is not a part of every diet.
• Partnering with health experts and registered nutritionists to validate the claims of millet-based supplements, thereby boosting consumer confidence.
• Millets are more sustainable as they need less water and grow in a variety of climates. New-age-conscious and eco-friendly consumers can be catered to with this sustainability angle.

Precautions

Consumers have been becoming more aware of their own health and wellness, and the global nutraceutical market has responded by serving a demand to this created supply. The rise in this sector indicates a transition to proactive health and the demand for organic remedies.

As it is still evolving, this segment may require more precise definitions and guidelines. Therefore, you must be more careful with these products regarding their regulation and the strength of evidence for health benefits.

This is why we urge you to consult a healthcare expert before including or changing any supplement. What works for one person may not work for another, as everyone’s nutritional needs differ.

Aashirvaad makes it easy for you by offering expert nutritionist consultations. They will help you understand your personal dietary needs and how to integrate nutraceuticals safely into your routine.

During the consultation, you can also discuss your dietary preferences, health goals, and any specific concerns you may have. Our nutritionists will guide you in making the most of the growing nutraceutical market while ensuring your health remains a top priority.

Takeaway

In this write-up, we learned how millets are genuinely a smart food choice that serves a plethora of benefits to the human body. They are also climate-smart crops that grow well in marginal rain-fed lands with a low carbon footprint. Moreover, millet has the potential to provide a big boost to the nutritional and food security situation in India. ^[61]

Millets are a highly nutritious group of cereals with great potential for developing nutraceutical products. With the growing demand for organic and naturally derived products, millet-derived nutraceuticals have a promising future in the Indian and global nutraceuticals market.

Not only this, but millet-based products can create new markets for farmers, and their promotion can create jobs and generate revenue for multiple associated sectors.

To summarise, millets are nutritious and represent hope for a sustainable, enriching future that can sustain both people and the planet.