Antioxidant activities, structure, physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of different millets (foxtail and proso)

Abstract

SummaryIn this study, the antioxidant activities, structure, physicochemical properties and digestibility of different foxtail and proso millets were investigated. Dark‐coloured millets had lower lightness (L*) and higher total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and antioxidant activities than light‐coloured millets. The polygonal and spherical starch granules of millet were wrapped and attached by proteins, lipids, etc. The X‐ray diffraction patterns of millet flours exhibited A‐type, with crystallinity of 34.64%–40.98% for foxtail millets and 31.72%–40.16% for proso millets. Compared with waxy millets, non‐waxy millets were more resistant to swelling, gelatinisation and digestion, but showed a higher rate of retrogradation. Millet varieties with higher amylose content or higher TPC and TFC showed lower digestibility. These results will help to reveal the differences among millets with different types, varieties, colours and amylose content and provide theoretical guidance for their development and application.

Comparing the nutritional composition and antioxidant properties of an Australian native grain variety with commonly consumed wheat

“…These findings align with the measured TPC of each grain, where a 2.4‐fold higher level of polyphenols was seen in the native grain compared to wheat (as detailed in section Total polyphenol content). These findings are similar to previous research that has shown appreciable levels of polyphenols and antioxidant activity in underutilised whole grain cereals, with those authors also exploring the possibility of using such whole grains to increase the polyphenol and bioactive ingredient content of current food items (Xiu et al ., 2022; Chang et al ., 2023).…”