Finger Millet: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

This review aims to evaluate the nutritional and health benefits of Finger millet, as well as its production and utilization. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.), also known as ragi or mandua, is one of the key millets cultivated widely across various regions of India and Africa. It is a highly nutritious grain, rich in calcium, dietary fibre, iron, protein, antioxidants, and vitamins. Thanks to its nutrient density, it aids in managing diabetes, preventing osteoporosis, improving digestion, and supporting weight loss. Agriculturally, finger millet is a resilient crop, thriving in drought conditions with minimal input, contributing to sustainable farming practices. Its adaptability and low resource needs make it valuable for climate-resilient agriculture. Known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, finger millet may also help in preventing cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The production of rice influences the consumption of millet in India. Millets offer exceptional nutraceutical properties and exhibit resilience to adverse climatic conditions, which can contribute to food and nutritional security in the modern era. This review synthesizes current research on the health-promoting properties of finger millet, including its potential to combat lifestyle diseases. Overall, this review highlights the multifaceted importance of finger millet as a nutritionally dense, environmentally sustainable, and health-promoting crop, advocating for its wider inclusion in both rural and urban diets as a response to contemporary food security and health challenges.