ROLE OF MILLETS IN THE PREVENTION AND MANAGEMENT OF LIFESTYLE DISEASES: NUTRITIONAL, FUNCTIONAL AND THERAPEUTIC PERSPECTIVES – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Lifestyle diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers, have emerged as major public health challenges worldwide. These disorders are closely associated with unhealthy dietary patterns, physical inactivity, and rapid urbanization. Consequently, there is growing interest in functional foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. Millets, a group of small-seeded cereal grains, have gained renewed attention because of their exceptional nutritional composition, climate resilience, and therapeutic potential. Rich in dietary fiber, high-quality protein, essential minerals, vitamins, resistant starch, and diverse bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, tannins, and phytosterols, millets possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, and cardioprotective properties. Recent evidence suggests that regular millet consumption improves glycemic control, enhances insulin sensitivity, supports weight management, improves gut microbiota, reduces oxidative stress, and lowers the risk of several chronic non-communicable diseases. This comprehensive review summarizes the current scientific evidence regarding the nutritional composition, functional properties, and therapeutic benefits of major millets, including finger millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet, sorghum, barnyard millet, little millet, kodo millet, and proso millet. Furthermore, the review discusses the mechanisms through which millet consumption contributes to the prevention and management of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, gastrointestinal disorders, and selected cancers. Current challenges associated with millet utilization, processing technologies, consumer acceptance, and future research priorities are also highlighted. Overall, the available evidence indicates that millets can play an important role in promoting healthy dietary patterns and reducing the burden of lifestyle diseases while contributing to sustainable food systems.