Lifestyle diseases — including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), hypertension, obesity, and metabolic syndrome — represent the leading causes of global mortality, accounting for 71% of all deaths according to the WHO (2024). Millets address multiple risk factors of lifestyle diseases simultaneously. A comprehensive review in Springer Nature Food Production, Processing and Nutrition (2024) identified millets as a primary dietary intervention for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk reduction.

Millet's role in specific lifestyle disease prevention:

Atherosclerosis (ASCVD): Millets decrease insulin resistance, improve glycaemic control, lower non-HDL cholesterol, and reduce oxidative stress — all independent risk factors for plaque formation.

Hypertension: Potassium and magnesium in millets support vasodilation and counteract dietary sodium.

Type 2 diabetes: Mean GI of 52.7 and alpha-amylase inhibitory polyphenols reduce postprandial glucose spikes.

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Proso millet protein shown to reduce hepatic fat deposition in experimental models.

Metabolic syndrome: Comprehensive bioactive profile addresses all five components of metabolic syndrome (blood pressure, glucose, HDL, triglycerides, waist circumference).

Uric acid management: Barnyard millet's high fiber content lowers uric acid levels, making it beneficial for gout management.