Role of proso millet (Panicum miliaceum) as preventive diet in lifestyle disorders

Abstract

The incidence of lifestyle diseases like hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia and overweight/ obesity associated with cardiovascular disease is increasing rapidly. In past few decades, due to increased westernization in life style and due to enhancement of economy, there is increase in prevalence rate of these diseases among Indian population. Ayurveda,an ancient science, describes ways to prevent and manage lifestyle disorders, through proper dietary management and lifestyle advises, in form of Dincharya and Rutrucharya . Millets have been major staple diet in Central India but after the advent of high yielding varieties of rice and wheat, millets got sidelined from our food basket. In Ayurveda, Proso millet is mentioned in trundhyana varga. It possesses madhura Kashaya rasa, katu vipaka, ushna virya and is kaphavatta shamak. In its constitution we can find prithvi,vayu, jal ,and tej mahabhut. Due to its bruhaniya property it can be useful in malnutrition, on contrary due to its laghu, ruksh guna, vilekhana karma it can be used in obesity. In present review article the less explored, underutilized, nutrient rich, commercial available Proso millets are enlightened for its phytochemical and other activities which may benefit the people in overcoming various lifestyle disorders.