Finger Millet: The Nutrient-Packed Ancient Grain

Rich in Nutrients: Finger millet is a good source of essential nutrients, including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. It is also a good source of B vitamins, especially niacin (B3) and riboflavin (B2).

High in Dietary Fiber: It is rich in dietary fiber, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. Fiber also aids in weight management by promoting a feeling of fullness.

Gluten-Free: Finger millet is naturally gluten-free, making it a suitable grain for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.

Antioxidant Properties: It contains antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, which can help protect the body from oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Control of Blood Sugar: Finger millet has a low glycemic index, which means it can help regulate blood sugar levels. This makes it a good choice for individuals with diabetes.

Aid in Weight Management: The high fiber content of finger millet can help with weight management by promoting satiety and reducing overall calorie intake.

Good for Bone Health: It is a good source of calcium and other minerals, which can contribute to maintaining strong bones and teeth.

Rich in Protein: Finger millet is relatively high in protein compared to other cereals, making it a valuable source of plant-based protein.

Cardiovascular Health: Consuming finger millet may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases due to its high fiber content and potential to lower cholesterol levels.

Management of Anemia: Its iron content can be beneficial for individuals with iron-deficiency anemia.

Digestive Health: The dietary fiber in finger millet can promote a healthy gut and may reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues.

Asthma Relief: Some studies suggest that finger millet may help alleviate the symptoms of asthma due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Skin Health: The antioxidants and vitamins in finger millet can contribute to healthy skin and may help prevent skin disorders.

This crop is perfect for dry land farming because of its strong ability for regeneration after the relief of stressful circumstances. The major states in India where finger millet is grown include Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. Furthermore, finger millet is a crucial component of dietary and nutritionally balanced diets since it is equally rich in carbohydrates, energy, and nutrients. Therefore, it is advised to cultivate finger millet in order to reap the benefits as it is a significant source of nutrients for a larger population, especially pregnant women and children, and to diversify people’s eating patterns as opposed to only rice and wheat. Despite the fact that finger millet is a very healthy grain with a high nutritional value, a high consumption may cause the body to produce more oxalic acid. Compared to other cereals, millets are nutritionally dense, and processing and employing millets in the production of products has undeniable potential in terms of health benefits, nutrition, and quality. Although it is not yet widely accepted by the population, it may also serve as an alternative to other cereals like rice and wheat. Finger millet is less expensive but less easy to utilize since they are not as widely used and are only used in meals by poor and traditional people. The preparation of products made only of millet and the mixing of millet with other ingredients can be done using a variety of techniques. These techniques can be similar to those used to prepare products from wheat and rice or they can differ because finger millets have different physical-chemical characteristics than the other cereal grains. By increasing the digestibility of the protein and the bioavailability of the minerals, simple processing methods like soaking, germination/malting, and fermentation may assist address the issue of protein-energy deficiency.