Therapeutic potential of millets in the management of metabolic syndrome—a review

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of clinical conditions that include insulin resistance associated with hyperglycemia, an elevated low density lipoprotein, triglyceride levels, a marked decrease in serum high density lipoprotein level, obesity that could increase the risk of coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and stroke. The incidence of MS is noted among the population with a sedentary lifestyle, and increased psychological stress. Among Asians, the prevalence of MS is found to be highly associated with altered diet habits. Siddha system of medicine is one of the ancient traditional medicines in India, with the philosophy “Food as Medicine and Medicine as Food.” Millet foods are predominant among the traditional diet in Dravidian food habits. Siddha system has recommended millet foods for non-communicable disease management and restricted for hypersensitive patients. The fibers, polyphenolic compounds, calcium, and other minerals, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, the slow digestion process of millet foods make them nutritious and protective against common health problems like diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. This article discusses briefly about the therapeutic potential of major millets and minor millets which are quoted in the Siddha literatures.