Key Findings on the Nutritional Impact of Debranning Millets

Source: This post on Key Findings on the Nutritional Impact of Debranning Millets has been created based on the article “Removing bran on millets reduces the benefits of eating them: study” published in The Hindu on 8th November 2024.

Why in news?

A recent study highlights that debranning (removing the bran) from millets decreases their protein, dietary fiber, fat, mineral, and phytate content. This process also increases the carbohydrate and amylose content, potentially diminishing the health benefits of consuming millets.

Key Findings on the Nutritional Impact of Debranning Millets

1. Advantages of Whole-Grain Millets: Researchers emphasize consuming millets as whole grains to maximize nutritional benefits. Debranned millets, although easier to cook, are nutritionally inferior and can raise the glycemic load of Indian diets.

2. High Mineral Content and Health Benefits: Compared to other cereals like rice, wheat, and maize, millets are rich in minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, and potassium. They also provide essential phytochemicals, including phenolic compounds, which offer health benefits like anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-atherosclerogenic, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects.

3. Increased Focus on Millets in 2023: The Food and Agriculture Organization designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets, with strong promotional support from the Indian government.

4. Market Trends and Concerns: A 2018 market survey revealed millets, polished like white rice, are commonly available in stores, making it difficult to distinguish between polished and whole-grain millets in packaged products.

5. Reasons for Polishing Millets: Polishing extends shelf life, as millet bran is high in fats that can become rancid. Debranning also reduces cooking time and makes the grain softer and less chewy.

6. Health Implications for Diabetics: According to experts, while millets provide phytonutrients and proteins beneficial to health, polished millets lead to a high glycemic index, which can be detrimental for diabetics. Efforts are needed to make unpolished, whole-grain millets more accessible for those managing diabetes.

UPSC Syllabus: Agriculture