According to the Handbook of Cereal Science and Technology (available from Amazon here ), pearl millet contains on average around 14.5% protein, which makes it the best source of protein among common millet varieties (teff and finger millet, or red millet, were reported to have the lowest levels).
Note, however, that millet is not considered a complete protein as it does not contain substantial amounts of the amino acid lysine. That said, eating millet together with lysine-rich foods such as beans, cheese, tofu or eggs will turn your overall meal into a source of complete protein.
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.
While researching we ran into the question “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.
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.
Is millet gluten-free?
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.
Another frequently asked inquiry is “What is millet and what does it taste like?”.
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 ).