Finger millet / kurakkan (Eleusine coracana) is one of the minor cereals, known for several health benefits. It is rich in minerals like Calcium, Copper, Iron, Phosphorus, Potassium and Selenium and other essential vitamins like Folate,Niacin,Riboflavin,Vitamin B6,Pantothenic acid,vitamin C,E and K. In addition to those, Finger millet contains polyphenols and dietary fiber which give the most of the health benefits to us. Let’s see about these benefits one by one now. 

1. Finger millet is a good source of Calcium.  Calcium is very important for strengthening bones, especially children. Regular consumption of finger millet is good for bone health and prevents getting osteoporosis when you      are aging. 

2.  Finger millet contains higher fiber content than rice and wheat which is good for people with diabetes. The phytochemicals in Finger millet help slow the digestion process and control blood glucose level as well. 

3.  Finger millet contains 5-8% of Protein, 65-75% carbohydrates.15-20% of dietary fiber, 2,5%-3.5% of minerals. Among all the cereals and millets, Finger millet contains the highest amount of Calcium (344mg%) and potassium (408mg%). Because of this nutritional profile of Finger millet It has been used as a weaning food in most parts of southern Asia.  

4. Consumption of finger millet is good for recovering anemia and pregnant mothers  because it is a good source of  iron. 

5. It is said that finger millet is also good for reducing anxiety, depression and insomnia. 

You can add Finger millet into your daily diet as roti, thosai, pittu, porridge, cake, helapa, thalapa, string hoppers, biscuits, bread and noodles. However  high intake of Finger millet can increase the amount of  oxalic acid in the body which promotes formation of kidney stones. Therefore it is not advised for people having kidney stones to consume finger millet products daily.