PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY
 

PAYDAY EXCLUSIVE | 15% off €35

Code:PAYDAY

Buy 1 Get 1 Free: One week onlyOffersOffers HubBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventShort Dated2 for €74 Mix & MatchVitamins & SupplementsVitamins & Supplements HubVitamins & Supplements Shop AllCBDCollagen & SilicaHair, Skin & NailsShop all Hair, Skin & NailsHair GrowthFunctional MushroomsVitaminsShop all VitaminsMultivitaminsVitamin AVitamin BVitamin CVitamin DVitamin EVitamin KVitamin DrinksMineralsShop all MineralsMagnesiumIronZincCalciumSeleniumChromiumSupplementsShop all SupplementsFibre SupplementsAcidophilus & Friendly BacteriaPeppermint OilGrapeseed ExtractLecithinCollagen & SilicaOmega & Fish OilsPlant Sourced SupplementsSuperfood SupplementsArnicaApple CiderRaspberry KetonesAloe VeraChondroitin & MSMCo Enzyme Q10Evening Primrose OilGarlicGlucosamineGlucomannanSeaweed, Kelps and AquaceuticalsDigestive EnzymesSaw palmettoCharcoalWomen's HealthShop all Women's HealthMenopauseMenstrual SupportUrinary Tract HealthPregnancy & ConceptionMen's HealthShop all Men's HealthProstate HealthChildren's HealthConditionShop all ConditionWater RetentionCholesterolAllergy & Hay Fever CareAnxiety SupportBone & Muscle HealthMuscle Support & Joint PainBrain & Memory SupportWomen's HealthMen's HealthChildren's HealthCold & Immune SupportFatigueDigestive HealthHair, Skin & NailsHeart & CirculationLiver CareMood SupportSexual HealthSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefVisionHerbal & Licensed RemediesShop all Herbal & Licensed RemediesValerianRescue RemedyAshwagandhaEchinaceaMilk ThistleGinseng & GuaranaHomeopathic & Flower RemediesShop all Homeopathic & Flower RemediesRescue RemedyTissue SaltsFlower RemediesVegan Vitamins & SupplementsBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeBuy 1 get 1 free eventHolland & BarrettVitabioticsSolgarNew NordicBetterYouNatures AidBioglanGrass & Co.Bach Original Flower RemediesPE NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSesame Seed FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inFood & DrinkFood & Drink HubFood & Drink Shop AllEasterVegan FoodHoney, Jams & SpreadsShop all Honey, Jams & SpreadsManuka HoneyHoneyJams & ChutneysNut ButtersSpreadsPateTeas & Hot BeveragesShop all Teas & Hot BeveragesCoffee & Coffee SubstituteMushroom DrinksGreen TeaPeppermint TeaHerbal TeaFruit TeaSlimming TeaSleep & Relaxation TeaTeaDried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsShop all Dried Fruit, Nuts & SeedsNutsDried FruitSeedsMixesSuperfoodsShop all SuperfoodsSpirulinaSuperfood PowdersGoji BerriesBaobabMoringa PowderChia SeedsSnacksShop all SnacksProtein BarsLow Calorie SnacksChocolate, Cakes & BiscuitsSavoury SnacksSweet SnacksSnack BarsCrisps & ChipsFlapjacksPopcornFood CupboardShop all Food CupboardCondiments & SaucesApple Cider VinegarSuperfoodsBreakfast CerealsHoney, Jams & SpreadsTinned FoodsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsBreakfast CerealsShop all Breakfast CerealsCereals, Bran & FlakesGranolaMuesliOats & PorridgeBreakfast BarsDrinksShop all DrinksKombuchaNatural Energy DrinksJuicesSoft DrinksWaterAlcohol Free DrinksCookingShop all CookingCooking IngredientsApple Cider VinegarCondiments & SaucesSoya & Meat AlternativeSoup & Ready MealsRice, Pasta, Pulses & GrainsHerbs, Spices & SeasoningGravy & StockHome BakingShop all Home BakingBaking MixesBreadFlourSweeteners & Sugar AlternativesEgg SubstitutesDairy AlternativesShop all Dairy AlternativesOat, Rice & Hemp DrinksSoya DrinksNut DrinksCoconut DrinksNutritionally Complete FoodBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeSave up to 1/2 priceHolland & BarrettNaturyaGrenadePukkaHeath & HeatherTwiningsMeridianOptimum NutritionNakdPhDGluten FreeDairy FreeEgg FreeWheat FreeMilk FreeMustard FreeCelery FreeCrustaceans FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeNew inSports NutritionSports Nutrition HubSports Nutrition Shop AllProteinShop all ProteinClear ProteinProtein VeganMeal ReplacementsWhey ProteinMass GainersDiet ProteinCaseinBars, Drinks & SnacksShop all Bars, Drinks & SnacksEnergy BarsProtein BarsProtein ShakesProtein SnacksNutritionally Complete FoodMeal Replacement ShakesPre Workout & EnergyShop all Pre Workout & EnergyPre WorkoutAmino Energy DrinksAmino Energy PowdersIntra WorkoutKetoPost WorkoutAmino AcidsShop all Amino AcidsBCAAL-LysineGlutamineArginineCreatineShop all CreatineCreatine PowderSports SupplementsShop all Sports SupplementsTestosteroneSports CollagenRehydrationShop all RehydrationElectrolytesEnergy GelsVegan Sports NutritionShop all Vegan Sports NutritionVegan ProteinVegan Protein BarsVegan Pre Workout & EnergyVegan Amino AcidsVegan CreatineSports AccessoriesShop all Sports AccessoriesBottles & ShakersFitness GoalShop all Fitness GoalRecoveryMuscle & StrengthLean MuscleEnergy & EnduranceDiet & Weight LossKetoBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchPE NutritionOptimum NutritionUSNGrenadePhDApplied NutritionFoodspringHuelSiSHigh5Dairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeFish FreeKiwi FreeLupin FreeNew inBeautyBeauty HubNatural Beauty Shop AllAromatherapy & HomeShop all Aromatherapy & HomePure Essential OilsBlended Essential OilsBase & Carrier OilsHolisticSkincareShop all SkincarePremium SkincareFace CareBody CareSun CareTanning & BronzingEye CareLip CareFoot CareHand & Nail CareCBD BeautyHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenWashing & BathingShop all Washing & BathingShampoo & ConditionerBathing AccessoriesShower Gel & Body WashDeodorantDentalHand WashSoapBath Soak & OilBody ScrubBath Bombs & SaltsFeminine CareIncontinence SupportHair CareShop all Hair CareShampoo & ConditionerHair ColouringHair MasksHair Oil & SerumHair Spray, Gel & MousseHair AccessoriesMother & BabyShop all Mother & BabyBaby Skincare & ToiletriesMakeupElectrical WellnessSexual WellnessBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 get 1 free eventDr OrganicFaith in NatureWeledaNaturtintTisserandMiaromaQ+AEthiqueTrilogyChilds FarmAlcohol FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeParfum FreePalm Oil FreeGluten FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inWeight ManagementWeight Management HubWeight Management Shop AllSlimming TabletsFat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsShop all Fat Burners, Binders & Appetite SuppressantsFat BurnersFat BindersAppetite SuppressantsShakes & Weight Management ShotsShop all Shakes & Weight Management ShotsMeal Replacement ShakesWeight Management ShotsDiet Food & DrinkShop all Diet Food & DrinkDiet FoodLow Calorie SnacksSlimming TeaExercise SupportBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 price2 for €74 Mix & MatchGrenadeOptimum NutritionHolland & BarrettPulsinPhDUSNEat WaterNatures AidSlimExpertApplied NutritionDairy FreeGluten FreeSugar FreeWheat FreeNew inVeganHealth & WellnessShop all Health & WellnessJoints Bones & MusclesGut HealthShop all Gut HealthGut Health FoodGut Health SkincareHair Skin & NailsShop all Hair Skin & NailsNail ConditionsSkin ConditionsCollagenStress AnxietyShop all Stress AnxietyEnergy SupportSleep & RelaxationShop all Sleep & RelaxationRelaxationFood & DietShop all Food & DietKeto FoodMenopauseBuy One Get One 1/2 PriceSave up to 1/2 priceBuy 1 Get 1 FreeHolland & BarrettDr OrganicVitabioticsNaturtintWeledaNew NordicSolgarHeath & HeatherOptimum NutritionEthiqueDairy FreeGluten FreeParaben FreeSLS FreeAlcohol FreeParfum FreeCelery FreeCereal FreeCrustaceans FreeEgg FreeNew inShop for your WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseWomen's HealthFood & DietMuscle & Joint PainSleep & RelaxationStress ReliefHealthy HeartEnergyLow Mood & DepressionConcentration & AlertnessEye HealthSexual HealthChildren's HealthLearn about WellnessImmunityGut HealthMenopauseFood & DietJoints, Bones & MusclesSports & FitnessSleep & RelaxationHair Skin & NailsAll articlesHealthFood & nutritionGut healthImmunityJoints, bones & musclesWomen's healthWellnessHair & skinMental wellbeingSeasonalSleep & relaxationSports nutritionRecipesAll recipesGluten freeLow sugarVeganDairy freePodcast
yellow, green and red ears of millet

Your guide to millet: nutrition, benefits & risks

23 Nov 2022 • 1 min read

Millet is an ancient seed that actually belongs to the grass family. Originating in Africa and northern China, it is a staple food in the diets of around a third of the planet’s population.1 Millet has become popular in recent years because of its nutritional profile. It is high in protein, fibre and antioxidants and it is also gluten-free.2 Millet is available to buy as puffed millet, millet flakes or hulled millet, all of which have had the hard indigestible cover of the grain removed. Hulled millet is a good alternative to foods such as rice and quinoa. Puffed millet can even be eaten as a breakfast cereal. Millet flakes can be used in cereal as well as baking in gluten-free recipes. Here we explore everything there is to know about millet including its nutritional profile, benefits and risks.

Different types of millet

There are a few different types of millet which are available, each with a slightly different nutritional profile:

Foxtail millet

Foxtail millet is a tiny seed which is light yellow in colour.3 It can be eaten as an alternative to rice in stir-fries and as an accompaniment to curries. Every 100g portion of foxtail millet contains 11.2g of protein and 6.7g of fibre.4 Both protein and fibre are essential in our diets. Including foxtail millet in your dinner helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, making it easier to resist an after-dinner snack!

Finger millet

Finger millet is used as an alternative to wheat or other grains when making bread and cereal. Finger millet is an excellent source of potassium. Potassium is important for a number of processes in the body. It helps the nerves and muscles to communicate with each other, supports cell exchange and assists with the normal functioning of the heart.5

Pearl millet

Pearl millet, or bulrush millet as it is sometimes known, is a small grain tropical cereal grass. It is the most cultivated millet, with over 14 million tonnes of it produced annually.6 It is also the most common type of millet that you can buy. Pearl millet is an excellent source of protein, carbohydrates and fibre. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.7 Zinc helps to produce proteins and DNA as well as helping the immune system to fight off bacteria and viruses.8

Barnyard millet

Barnyard millet is a wild seed which is mainly grown in India. It is a fast-growing crop which can produce ripe grains within 45 days of being sown.9 Barnyard millet is low in calories whilst being rich in fibre and iron. The human body uses iron for growth and development. Iron is used to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to all the other parts of the body.10

Kodo millet

Kodo millet was first discovered in India around 3000 years ago. The millet grains vary in colour from light red to a dark grey hue. Kodo millet is very high in dietary fibre and is a good source of vitamins including vitamin B6, folic acid and minerals such as calcium, iron and magnesium.

Benefits of eating millet

Millet is rich in a number of vitamins and minerals, which means that there are many health benefits to including this little powerhouse in your diet.

Antioxidants

Millet is rich in molecules, including ferulic acid and catechins. These work as antioxidants and help to protect the body from oxidative stress, which can cause damage to the cells.11

Millet is gluten-free

If you have celiac disease or you are following a gluten-free diet, then millet is a good choice for a gluten-free grain.12

Rich in fibre

Millet is very rich in fibre which helps to support a healthy digestive system. This helps to prevent issues like diarrhoea and flatulence and supports healthy gut flora.13

Risks of eating millet

Despite all the benefits of eating millet, there is a downside. Millet contains antinutrients, which can block or reduce the absorption of other nutrients in the body. This can end up leading to deficiencies.14 People who otherwise eat a healthy balanced diet are unlikely to feel any adverse effects from this. You can also reduce the antinutrient content of millet by soaking it at room temperature overnight, and then draining and rinsing before cooking.15 Shop Grains Last updated: 11 February 2021 Sources 1 https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-cook-perfect-millet-every-time-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-185974 2 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26566827/ 3 https://www.steamingpot.com/how-to-cook-foxtail-millet/ 4 https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/foxtail-millet/ 5 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/potassium-test/ 6 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/pearl-millet 7 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-bajra#nutrition 8 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-Consumer/ 9 https://www.medindia.net/dietandnutrition/top-5-health-benefits-of-barnyard-millet.htm 10 https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-Consumer/ 11 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4033754/ 12 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-millet#benefits 13 https://www.schaer.com/en-ca/a/millet-benefits 14 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-millet#downsides 15 https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-millet#downsides
donia-hilal

Donia Hilal

Author

Nutritionist

Joined Holland & Barrett: January 2018

Bsc in Nutrition, Registered Associate Nutritionist and Certification in Pre and Post Natal Nutrition

Donia started her career as a freelance nutritionist, later she joined Nestle as their Market Nutritionist to help support their healthier product range, before joining the team at Holland & Barrett in January 2018.

Donia has over 6 years experience as a Nutritionist and also works with clients on a one to one basis to support their goals which include weight loss, prenatal and postnatal nutrition and children’s health.

  • Visa
  • MasterCard
  • AmericanExpress
  • PayPal
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
Copyright © Holland & Barrett Limited, 2023. All rights reserved. hollandandbarrett.ie is a trading name of Holland & Barrett Limited. Registered office: 45 Henry Street, Dublin, Dublin 1, D01 E9X8. Registered in Ireland: Company no. 79819. Registered VAT no. 4682002U.