BARNYARD MILLET
Barnyard millet grains are a rich source of dietary fiber, iron, zinc, calcium, protein, magnesium, fat, vitamins, and some essential amino acids.The high ratio of carbohydrate to crude fiber ensures the slower release of sugars in the blood, and so thus aids in maintaining blood sugar level. The resistant starch in barnyard millet has shown to lower blood glucose, serum cholesterol, and triglycerides. In a clinical study with human volunteers confirmed a lower glycemic index (GI) in type 2 diabetic groups during regular consumption of barnyard millet meal. Existing evidence shows that the protein content (11.2–12.7%) in barnyard millet was reasonably higher than other major cereals and millets. Although the total minerals, ash, fat, and amino acid content in barnyard millet were although comparable with other cereals and millets, the iron content in the grain was significantly higher than others.