Nutritional Impact of Sprouted Pennisetum Glaucum, Functional Ingredients on Covid-19

Abstract

Olabimpe Iyabode Ojo, Christianah Chinenye Aniobi, Oluwaseun Adedayo Ojo, Sunday Ayodele Alonge

Public health recommendations encourage the selection of a balanced diet to foster health and well-being through research in achieving good health and well being target 3 of sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since over two years that the pandemic was declared and the world struggle with corona virus diseases (Covid-19) pandemic, there is lack of clinically effective therapies, and attention is shifting to different ways in order to strengthen the immune system. Previous studies in assessment of plants properties for combating covid-19 were generally focused on fruits and vegetables functional ingredients. Recently from research, cereals are gaining importance as a health promoting nutritious crop. It was discovered that pearl millet grains have a high potential for therapeutic purpose because of their gluten free, highest in dietary fibre contents, essential amino acid contents, as well as essential minerals and vitamins. This research work was designed and conducted to determine the effect of processing (sprouting) on the mineral and vitamin contents of Pennisetum glaucum.Data were subjected to descriptive evaluation andcomputation.The results showed that there were enhancements in mineral and vitamincontents of Pennisetum glaucum after sprouting. Zn (42.90±0.08), Fe (48.20±0.06) and some other minerals have over 10% level of enhancement while vitamin B9 (-21.0), vitamin C (-13.7) and other vitamins also experienced over 20% level of enhancement.This information about sprouted Pennisetum glaucum could be useful in the formulation and production of adult and infant food supplements in respect of minerals and vitamins to improve health, combat covid-19 and optimize cereal potential generally.

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