Comparative Nutritional Benefits of Kodo and Little Millets against other Cereals and their Role in Dairy Production
Kajal Srivastava *
SOA, IGNOU, New Delhi, India.
P. Vijayakumar
SOA, IGNOU, New Delhi, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aim: This study aims to evaluate the nutritional benefits of Kodo and Little millet compared to other cereals and explore their applications in the dairy sector.
Millets are grass crops that have gained importance due to their excellent nutritional profile as well as their adaptability to climate change. Millets, including Kodo and Little millet, are increasingly recognized for their exceptional nutritional profiles and resilience to climate challenges. Unlike conventional cereals like rice and wheat, millets thrive in extreme conditions such as drought and heat. These grains are rich in minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making them vital in combating malnutrition and managing health conditions like diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Their low glycemic index and high nutrient content also make them valuable for developing fortified dairy products. India, the largest producer of millets, has integrated these "Nutri-Cereals" into traditional diets across various states. This study compares the nutritional advantages of Kodo and Little Millet and looks at how they may improve products offered by the dairy sector. In this review, a few dairy-based goods are addressed. The dairy business has widespread customer acceptance, and adding millets can improve its nutritional profile.
Keywords: Nutri-cereal, Kodo millet, little millet, bioactive compounds, value addition