Millet Bioactives
Divyanshi Thakur, Tejinder Kaur, Amandeep Singh, Charanjit Singh Riar, Parmjit S. Panesar
Abstract
Millets, recognized as nutrient-dense and climate-resilient crops, are abundant sources of bioactive compounds like polyphenols, flavonoids, dietary fibers, and resistant starch, which enhance their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gastrointestinal health benefits. Despite their rich nutritional profile, the health promoting effects of millets are profoundly influenced by the bioaccessibility (release during digestion) and bioavailability (systemic absorption) of these bioactives. This chapter covers the major bioactive compounds in millets such as phenolic acids (ferulic, caffeic, p-coumaric acids), flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin), and dietary fibers and their health benefit. Processing techniques like milling, soaking, cooking, germination, and fermentation significantly improve bioa