What are Millets? Why Millets?
Why families are rediscovering millets
Millet as Superfood
Millets are recognized as superfoods due to their high nutritional value and environmental sustainability. They are rich in fibre, protein, antioxidants, and key micronutrients like iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Health-Focused
Millets have a low glycemic index and are naturally gluten-free, making them a smart choice for those looking for stable energy, digestive comfort, and more balanced everyday nutrition.
Simple & Powerful
Small in size yet powerful in nutrition, millets provide slow-release energy, natural goodness, and essential minerals without the heaviness of highly processed grains.
Versatile Everyday Grain
Millets can be enjoyed in many forms including roti, porridge, pancakes, bakery products, and wellness foods, making them easy to bring into modern kitchens and family meals.
Heritage + Science
Grown for over 4,000 years across Asia and Africa, millets are a time-tested grain now being rediscovered by modern nutrition science for their health and wellness benefits.
Better for the Planet
Millets are highly sustainable crops that require minimal water and can thrive in arid conditions, helping support farmers, food security, and a more resilient agricultural future.
Family-Friendly
Gentle on digestion, nutrient-rich, and naturally wholesome, millets are a simple way to support growing children, active adults, and health-conscious families alike.
A Grain with Purpose
Millets are not only good for health, but also play a meaningful role in sustainable agriculture, nutrition security, food systems resilience, and farmers’ welfare.
Research & Recognition
Supported by recognised global institutions
The statements below are quoted from recognised global organisations and research institutions. The summary table gives a quick overview by health area, followed by the original quoted statements and direct source links.
| Health area | FAO | WHO | ICRISAT | UN News |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🩺 Low GI & blood sugar support | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| 💉 Diabetes & reduced risk support | ✔ | — | ✔ | — |
| 💪 Protein & core nutrition | ✔ | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| 📊 Higher nutritional value vs rice & wheat | ✔ | — | ✔ | — |
| ❤️ Vitamin B12 & heart health | — | — | ✔ | — |
| 🩸 Iron support & iron deficiency | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | — |
On smaller screens, this table can be swiped horizontally.
Low GI & blood sugar support
Quotes related to glycaemic index, insulin sensitivity, and blood sugar regulation.
“Millets are good sources of minerals, dietary fibre, antioxidants and protein. With a low glycaemic index, they are a good option for people with high-blood sugar.”
— FAO
Read source“Beyond their low GI, millets are also rich in dietary fiber. Studies show that high-fiber diets are associated with improved insulin sensitivity and better blood sugar control.”
— ICRISAT
Read source“They are particularly rich in calcium, iron, magnesium, and zinc. Zinc and magnesium may both have a role in regulating blood sugar levels.”
— ICRISAT
Read sourceDiabetes & reduced risk support
Quotes linking millet consumption with diabetes-related benefits and risk reduction.
“Millets surpass other cereals in several ways, as they have elevated levels of iron and zinc, a low glycaemic index (beneficial for diabetics), good levels of protein and fibre, and are gluten-free.”
— ICRISAT
Read source“The consumption of nutricereals is associated with several health benefits including lowering of blood sugar levels (diabetes), controlling blood pressure, and providing protection against thyroid, cardiovascular, and cancer diseases.”
— ICRISAT
Read source“Health benefits on consumption of millets: High dietary fibre provides hunger satisfaction and helps reduce obesity. Reduce the risk of Diabetes & Cardio Vascular Diseases.”
— FAO
Read sourceProtein & core nutrition
Quotes highlighting protein, fibre, vitamins, minerals, and overall nutritional density.
“Millets are rich in carbohydrates, protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, and magnesium.”
— United Nations FAO
Read source“As far as their nutritional value goes millets, as whole grains, compared to other refined grains contain a sizable amount of protein, dietary fibre, and micronutrients (including iron, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus)”
— FAO
Read source“They are rich in vitamins and minerals, including iron and calcium; are high in protein, fiber, resistant starch, and have a low glycemic index...”
— UN News
Read source“Millets are rich in protein, dietary fiber, micronutrients, and have a low glycemic index (GI) and desirable bioactive compounds.”
— ICRISAT
Read sourceHigher nutritional value vs rice & wheat
Quotes comparing millets with commonly consumed cereals.
“Millets are often called “Nutri-Cereals” due to their high nutritional content compared to commonly grown cereals like wheat, rice or corn.”
— ICRISAT
Read source“Millets surpass other cereals in several ways, as they have elevated levels of iron and zinc, a low glycaemic index (beneficial for diabetics), good levels of protein and fibre, and are gluten-free.”
— ICRISAT
Read sourceVitamin B12 & heart health
Quote specifically connecting foxtail millet, Vitamin B12, and heart support.
“Foxtail Millet is rich in Vitamin B12 which is essential for maintaining a healthy heart, smooth functioning of the nervous system, and in general good for skin and hair growth.”
— ICRISAT
Read sourceIron support & iron deficiency
Quotes highlighting iron stores, anaemia support, and iron-deficient diets.
“Iron-biofortified pearl millet has increased the iron stores and reversed iron deficiency in school children in India.”
— World Health Organization
Read source“These varieties of millet are high in iron and zinc, making them essential for combating anaemia in pregnant and lactating women as well as young children.”
— ICRISAT
Read source“Millets are also gluten-free and an excellent and cost-effective source of iron for iron-deficient diets.”
— FAO
Read source