ABSTRACT

India holds the distinction of being the world’s second-largest producer and consumer of cereals, including rice, wheat, and other vital grains. This substantial global demand for cereals creates a favorable environment for the export of Indian cereal products. Millets, among the earliest crops to be domesticated for food, hold significant cultural and ecological value in India. Apart from their numerous health benefits, millets require relatively low water and inputs, making them environmentally friendly.

This chapter aimed to delve into the potential utilization of by-products derived from various cereal and millets. Through a comprehensive exploration of their nutritional, physical, and functional attributes and antioxidant capacity, this research enhances our understanding of metabolite composition and functional compounds in husks and brans, particularly in terms of their antioxidant activity. This deeper understanding aids in evaluating the viability of employing these by-products on a larger scale. In order to fully harness the potential of these processed products, it is imperative to fully comprehend their strengths and limitations, especially in contexts such as food or medicine.