ABSTRACT
Millets are richer in their phytochemical profile than many other staple cereals. The phenolic compounds are found in plants and are important for various reasons like structural components, intermediaries of various metabolic pathways, natural defence molecules, signalling molecules, etc. These components are primarily responsible for the beneficial health impacts imparted by millets in humans. Phenolic compounds like phenolic acids and flavonoids have been reported in good quantities in various millets. More than 672 metabolites have been identified in different varieties of proso millet including phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and steroids. The current chapter provides basic information on the type and content of phytochemicals in major and minor millets including teff and fonio. The chapter also deals with the antioxidant potential and bioavailability of these millets.
