A Review on Nutritional Properties and Health Benefits of Finger Millet

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is one of the important small millets with high nutraceutical value in the world. Most of the millet farmers attracted by Finger millet cultivation due to its wide adoptability in different soil types and climate. It also grows well in hot climates with short rainfall periods and cool climates with warm millets. A multitude of small farmers grow finger millet with limited water resources and in many countries this crop is often referred to as “poor people's crop”. The grains of finger millets are very small in size with brown, light brown and white in colours based on different cultivars. The white cultivars have been developed mainly for the baking industry, the brown and light brown types used for porridge while the brown cultivar is utilized for brewing traditional opaque beer in Southern Africa. Finger millet has the highest source of calcium and iron when compared to the other cereals. Finger millet contains high concentration of carbohydrates, dietary fibre, phytochemicals and essential amino acids; presence of essential minerals; as well as a gluten‑free status. Diet is a major focus of public health strategies aimed at maintaining optimum health throughout life, thus preventing early onset of chronic diseases as well as promoting healthier ageing. Many researchers have described that finger millet helps in natural weight loss, strengthens bone, prevents diabetes, prevents anti-ageing, maintains blood pressure levels, protects from disease, improves in hemoglobin status in children etc.,. Studies on the different properties of foods have shown that consumption of certain foods may provide greater health benefits. Finger millet is not only used for human consumption, but it is also used as feed for cattle and birds. Finger millet is used in the preparation of different foods both in natural and malted forms, like porridge, puddings, pancakes, biscuits, roti, bread, noodles, and other snacks. Besides this, it is also used as a nourishing food for infants when malted and is regarded as wholesome food for diabetic patients. Therefore, necessary need to needs to increase production and productivity through various improved technologies to meet our requirements in future and also strengthen public distribution system for achieving nutritional security.