Immune-boosting health blend: A combination of barnyard millet and sunflower seeds

Nutrients are crucial for develop growth and well-being, impacting cognitive function, immune strength, and physical development. Health mixes, rich in essential nutrients stand as innovative solutions to combat malnourishment, offering a convenient means to address nutritional deficiencies and promote the health of future generations. Millets, especially barnyard millet, stand out as rich sources of micronutrients, offering high nutritional value with minerals like iron, calcium, and phosphorus, aiding in various health benefits, despite the presence of anti-nutritional factors effectively mitigated through cooking. : This study aimed to develop a nutrient-rich health mix using unpolished barnyard millet (BM) while partially replacing it with sunflower seeds. The objectives include conducting sensory evaluation and analyzing the proximate composition of the selected variation. The health mix was develop by partially replacing sunflower seeds powder in six formulations with soaked and steam-cooked unpolished barnyard millet flour. Nutrient enrichment was achieved by adding green gram dal flour, skimmed milk powder, roasted almonds, and poppy seeds. Sensory evaluation involving 30 participants, rated on a 0-9 hedonic scale, guided the selection of a specific variation for subsequent analysis of its Proximate Composition. The application of soaking and steam cooking methods on barnyard millet-based health mixes resulted in nutrient-rich products with favorable sensory properties. Notably, the health mix variant BMH3 scored the highest in sensory evaluation, offering elevated levels of calories, protein, Carbohydrate, fiber, iron, calcium, and phosphorus. The results affirm the success of developing a palatable and cost-effective value-added product. The nutrient-rich health mix, particularly variant BMH3, proves to be a successful and healthy option for consumers