Functional properties and health benefits of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.): A review

Abstract

In India, ragi is the colloquial name for finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.). It is sometimes recognised as poor man’s food. Ragi flour is used to baked items to create calcium and iron-fortified biscuits. Calcium deficiency may cause birth abnormalities and dental problems. Ragi is good source of iron, which is crucial for the production of haemoglobin in red blood cells. Nutritionally, finger millets are rich in calcium, potassium, dietary fibres and polyphenolic constituents. Some individuals are allergic to protein gluten causing immune reaction. Gluten intolerance leads to chronic inflammatory bowel disorder. An ongoing strict diet (GFD) is the only solution available for these illnesses. Gluten-free products have less nutritional content and to be more expensive other lactose food products. They are well known for their health benefits like antidiabetic, antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Hence, finger millets are naturally gluten free, these can be consumed by both gluten intolerant as well as diabetic individuals.