Finger millets are best food grain collection, which are rich in proteins, fibres and minerals and also other form of vitamins and minerals. This is the traditional grain which are used less in our daily diet. This is mainly because of not knowing the nutritional values of the grain. The usage of finger millet will help to grow healthy avoiding all health problems caused due to lack of vital proteins, vitamins, minerals, fibres and other components. Most importantly its gluten free and adds mild flavour.
Since finger millet is not an acid forming food they are soothing and easy to digest. They are considered as least allergic and most digestible grains available. Also are the richest source of calcium, about 10 times that of rice or wheat. It releases lesser percentage of glucose and hence lowers the risk of diabetes. Dietary fibre which is present as soluble and insoluble form in finger millets is proved to play an important role in the management of metabolic disorders like diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, improve bowel motility and in turn reduce the incidence of colon cancer.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FINGER MILLETS
1. Lowers the risk of diabetes
It helps to lower the blood glucose levels and improves insulin response. Besides the magnesium present is a co-factor for more than 300 enzymes, including enzymes involved in the body’s use of glucose and insulin secretion and metabolism of glucose in the body. Since it has low glycemic index it increases the satiety by decreasing hunger because it slows the rate of digestion. Type of starch (amylose/amylopectin) also influences the Glycemic Index. They have high amylose content which is why they are slow in absorbing and sustainably release sugar to our blood and enable to work for long durations.
2. Heart Protective Properties
Finger millet is a grain that should also be included in the list of heart healthy choices because of its status as a good source of magnesium. Magnesium has been shown in studies to reduce the severity of asthma and to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Magnesium also lowers high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack. Niacin (Vitamin B3) can be of help in lowering high cholesterol. A cup of cooked finger millet provides 19% of the daily value for magnesium.
3. Development and Repair of Body Tissue
The phosphorus provided by millet plays a role in the structure of every cell in the body. In addition to its role in forming the mineral matrix of bone, phosphorus is an essential component of numerous other life-critical compounds including adenosine triphosphate or ATP, the molecule that is the energy currency of the body. Phosphorus is an important component of nucleic acids, the building blocks of the genetic code. A cup of cooked finger millet will give you 17% of the daily value for phosphorus.
4. Other Benefits
a. Since its alkaline, it gets digested easily
b. It hydrates the colon and keeps away from constipation
c. Prevents Gallstones
d. Substantially Lower Type 2 Diabetes Risk
e. Excellent in case of jaundice
f. Its gluten free and hence non allergic
g. Finger millet tops in Antioxidant activity