Gram Research analysis of a 2026 commentary in the Indian Journal of Medical Research finds that most millets sold in India are polished, a process that removes the bran and germ where many nutrients sit. Unpolished millets may help limit blood sugar spikes, which matters as type 2 diabetes rises across India.
Millets are nutritious grains, but most millets sold in India are polished, a process that removes the outer bran and inner germ. According to research reviewed by Gram, this polishing may strip away fiber, vitamins, and minerals, leaving a food that behaves more like refined white rice. The authors argue this matters because type 2 diabetes is rising across India, and diets heavy in refined grains have been linked to the problem. Their paper, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research in 2026, calls for clearer labels on whole-grain claims, public education about unpolished millets, and more research into foods people will actually enjoy eating. The authors note that their paper is a commentary rather than a clinical trial, so it offers a framework for future work rather than proof that unpolished millets prevent disease. Still, the message is simple: when buying millets, look for unpolished or whole-grain versions.
Key Statistics
A 2026 commentary in the Indian Journal of Medical Research reported that most millets sold in the Indian market are polished, a process that strips away the bran and germ.
A 2026 commentary in the Indian Journal of Medical Research argued that polishing millets may make them nutritionally inferior to unpolished millets, much as polishing has done for rice.
A 2026 commentary in the Indian Journal of Medical Research called for stricter labeling of whole-grain claims to help shoppers tell unpolished millets from polished ones.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: The authors asked whether polishing millets, a common processing step, removes their health benefits in the same way it does for rice, and what should be done about it.
- Who participated: This paper did not enroll people or test food in a group. It is a written commentary that reviews existing knowledge about millets, rice, and diabetes in India, so there is no sample size.
- Key finding: Most millets sold in the Indian market are polished, which removes the bran and germ. The authors suggest this may make millets less nutritious and may raise the blood sugar impact of Indian diets, although the paper does not include new numbers to measure that effect.
- What it means for you: When buying millets, choose unpolished or whole-grain versions and read labels carefully. Because this paper is a commentary rather than a clinical study, it should be treated as guidance to explore, not a guaranteed health fix.
The Research Details
This paper is a commentary, which means the authors reviewed what is already known rather than running a new experiment. They looked at how millets are processed in India, how polishing affects the parts of the grain that hold nutrients, and how the rise in refined grain eating may be linked to diabetes.
The authors compared what happens when rice is polished with what likely happens when millets are polished. Rice polishing is well studied, and the authors argue that the same logic applies to millets because both grains lose their bran and germ during milling.
The paper ends with recommendations rather than data. It points to three areas that need work: stricter labeling rules for whole-grain claims, public education campaigns, and research into what people like to eat, how cooks can prepare unpolished millets, and how to store them so they stay fresh.
Commentaries like this one help set research priorities and shape policy discussions. They bring together scattered evidence on a topic and point out gaps that future studies can fill. For a public health issue like diabetes, that step matters because it guides which trials and programs are worth funding.
This paper appears in a peer-reviewed medical journal, which means outside experts reviewed the general argument before publication. However, a commentary is not the same as a systematic review or clinical trial. It does not measure outcomes in people, and it does not report a sample size or statistical results. Readers should treat its claims as well-reasoned starting points rather than established facts about how millets affect blood sugar in individuals.
What the Results Show
The central message of the paper is that polishing millets may remove much of their nutritional value. The outer bran and inner germ contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. When these layers are removed, the remaining starchy part is easier for the body to digest quickly.
The authors point out that most millets sold in India are polished. This means many shoppers who think they are buying a healthy whole grain may be getting a product that has lost much of its benefit. The paper describes this as a labeling and awareness problem as much as a food problem.
The authors also connect this to blood sugar. Refined grains tend to raise blood sugar more quickly than whole grains. If millets are eaten in polished form, they may have a similar effect, which could add to the strain that refined grain diets place on people at risk of type 2 diabetes.
The paper does not report new numbers for these effects. Its findings are based on how rice behaves and on how millet processing works, so the connections are plausible but still need direct testing in people.
The paper highlights three practical gaps. First, whole-grain labels on millet products are not always clear or strictly regulated, so shoppers may be misled. Second, many consumers may not know the difference between polished and unpolished millets. Third, unpolished millets spoil faster because the germ contains natural oils, so storage and packaging matter.
The authors also note that taste and culture shape food choices. Any campaign to promote unpolished millets will need recipes and products that people find enjoyable and familiar.
The paper builds on a large body of research showing that whole grains are linked to better blood sugar control and heart health than refined grains. It applies the rice research to millets, a group of grains that has received more attention in India recently. Its main contribution is connecting this scientific picture to market practices and consumer education.
The paper is a commentary, so it does not test whether unpolished millets lower diabetes risk or blood sugar in real people. The link between polishing and diabetes is an informed argument rather than a measured result. The paper also does not report sample sizes, effect sizes, or details about specific millet varieties, which vary widely in nutrition. Finally, its recommendations for labeling and campaigns depend on future policy decisions that are not yet in place.
The Bottom Line
Choosing unpolished or whole-grain millets over polished ones is a low-risk step that aligns with general nutrition guidance. Confidence is moderate, because whole grains are widely supported by research, but direct evidence on unpolished millets and diabetes is still limited. Read labels for words such as unpolished or whole grain, and be cautious about products that use those terms without detail.
People in India and elsewhere who eat millets regularly, people managing or at risk of type 2 diabetes, and anyone who buys grains and wants to know what the label means should find this useful. Those with kidney disease, digestive conditions, or other special diet needs should speak with a doctor or dietitian before changing their grain intake.
Switching to unpolished millets is an immediate change you can make at your next grocery trip. Any effect on blood sugar or weight would be gradual and would depend on your overall diet, activity, and health. Measurable changes in blood sugar markers often take several months to show up, and a doctor can help you judge progress.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between polished and unpolished millets?
Polished millets have had their outer bran and inner germ removed during processing. Unpolished millets keep these layers, which contain fiber, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. A 2026 commentary in the Indian Journal of Medical Research notes that most millets sold in India are polished.
Are millets better for blood sugar than white rice?
Unpolished millets may be a better choice for blood sugar than refined white rice because they keep more fiber. A 2026 commentary suggests polished millets may act more like refined grains, so choosing unpolished versions is the approach the authors recommend for people concerned about type 2 diabetes.
How can I tell if millets are unpolished when shopping?
Look for labels that say unpolished or whole grain and check the ingredient list for details. Be cautious with vague claims. The 2026 commentary calls for stricter labeling rules because shoppers currently have trouble telling the difference between polished and unpolished millet products.
Should I switch from rice to millets to prevent diabetes?
A 2026 commentary in the Indian Journal of Medical Research suggests unpolished millets may be a healthier grain choice, but it is not a clinical trial and does not prove prevention. Anyone at risk of diabetes should talk with a doctor or dietitian about an eating plan that fits their needs.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Log each meal that includes millets and note whether the product was labeled unpolished or polished. Track the number of millet servings per week and aim to increase the share of unpolished options over time.
- Swap one polished grain meal per day for an unpolished millet alternative, such as a bowl of cooked whole millet in place of white rice. Check package labels for unpolished or whole-grain wording before buying.
- Review your weekly millet and whole-grain servings each month and compare them with any blood sugar readings your doctor recommends. Share trends with your healthcare provider every few months to decide whether dietary changes are helping your goals.
This article summarizes a 2026 commentary in the Indian Journal of Medical Research. It is not a clinical study and does not provide medical advice. The paper does not test health outcomes in people, so its ideas should not replace guidance from a doctor, registered dietitian, or other qualified health professional. If you have diabetes, kidney disease, or other health conditions, consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.