Raw millet is 9% water, 73% carbohydrates, 4% fat and 11% protein (table). The following table shows the nutrient content of millet compared to major staple foods in a raw form.
Another common question is “What is the protein structure of millet?”.
The protein structure of millet is quite similar to wheat. The one glaring exception is that millet is a gluten-free grain. Wheat contains copious amounts of this hard to digest plant protein.
It’s widely consumed in developing countries throughout Africa and Asia. While it may look like a seed, millet’s nutritional profile is similar to that of sorghum and other cereals ( 2 ). Millet has gained popularity in the West because it’s gluten-free and boasts high protein, fiber, and antioxidant contents ( 3 ).
Why are millets so slowly digestible?
Millet and millet based products are known to have lower starch and protein digestibility rates when compared to other cereals. Understanding, why millets are slowly digestible and how they are affected by processing is important in maintaining their lower starch and protein digestibilities when processed.
Does millet contain lectins?
Millet found as a main component in bird seed, is not just for the birds. Millet does have a high glycemic index [boiled millet GI = 71], however the other ingredients in the muesli will offset this value. Millet is a good source of manganese, magnesium and tryptophan.
When shopping for millet, you should still look for a label that certifies it gluten-free to ensure it hasn’t been contaminated with any gluten-containing ingredients. Millet is a gluten-free grain that’s rich in antioxidants, soluble fiber, and protein.
You might be wondering “Is millet lectin-free?”
And it’s lectin-free! Millet’s been getting a lot of attention lately because those with celiac disease have been gravitating toward it when looking for gluten-free options. There are pretty good levels of protein and dietary fiber in millet, which of course only adds to it’s appeal as a food with significant health benefits.
Does millet contain phytic acid?
For example, corn, millet, oats and brown rice do not contain sufficient phytase to eliminate all the phytic acid they contain.
What can be done to reduce polyphenol and phytic acid content of millet?
Archana, Sehgal S, Kawatra A. Reduction of polyphenol and phytic acid content of pearl millet grains by malting and blanching.
You might be wondering “Do grains contain phytic acid?”
Grains contain phytic acid, but only if they haven’t been processed. Whole grains also contain lectins and saponins, which are two more anti-nutrients. However, products made with processed grains contain fewer healthy nutrients.
What is the phytic acid content of pearl millet flour?
In rice bran, the phytic acid content is present upto 8.7 % (Lehrfeld 1994). In the semi refined pearl millet flour phytic acid content is significantly (P < 0.05) lower while, bran rich fraction retained significant (P < 0.05) amounts (Suma and Urooj 2011).
Relative contribution of phytates, fibers and tannins to low iron and zinc in vitro solubility in pearl millet. Mahgoub SEO and Elhag SA. Effect of milling, soaking, malting, heat-treatment and fermentation on phytate level of four Sudanese sorghum cultivars.
Are lectins in grains bad for You?
Thus, lectins contained in grains make it possible for a wide variety of harmful substances and pathogens to trigger a multitude of diseases. Besides diseases, foods high in lectins can trigger weight gain.
What are lectins and where do they come from?
They are mostly found in grains and legumes, but are also in other healthy foods. More info on lectins here! According to my nutritionist, there’s no way to cut out ALL lectins in your diet, and that’s ok because a lot of people tolerate them just fine!