Health Benefits

Supplies Essential Amino Acids: 
Finger is composed of certain key amino acids, making it a unique plant-based source of high-quality proteins. It offers methionine, a sulphur-based amino acid to revive skin and hair health, valine and isoleucine which repair injured muscle tissues and threonine, to enable the proper formation of teeth and enamel and protect the mouth from gum disease.

Supports A Gluten-Free Diet: 
A significant number of young adults and older people tend to develop intolerance towards the gluten proteins in cereals like wheat, which, unfortunately, is a regular ingredient in Indian dishes. Finger, being organically gluten-free, can easily be substituted for wheat, to prepare chapatis, dosas, and sweets, and is often recommended for patients with celiac disease.

It is important to keep in mind though, that the best time to consume finger is in the morning, for being fiber-rich, its digestive process is more elaborate and it is usually not okay to eat finger at night, especially for those with digestive problems and gluten allergies.

Fortifies Bone Density:
Finger millet, being a fantastic source of natural calcium, strengthens bones in growing children. It also restores optimum bone density in older people, assisting in alleviating osteoporosis symptoms. While younger people can consume finger daily, middle-aged and older adults need to eat measured servings of finger, to augment bone health, while steering clear of gastrointestinal and kidney disorders.

Keeps Blood Sugar Levels in Check:
Finger millet, although being high in calories and carbohydrates for instant energy, also comprises a plethora of phytates, tannins, polyphenols – plant chemicals that slow down the digestion process. This lowers high blood sugar in those with diabetes mellitus, making finger a valuable addition to a diet for diabetes. Also, owing to its low digestibility and rich fiber content, finger is the top food of choice for adults, for accelerating weight loss and managing other lifestyle diseases like diabetes and obesity.

Treats Anaemia:
Iron deficiency anaemia affects countless Indian men, women and children every year, leading to excessive fatigue and low productivity levels. Finger is a powerhouse of iron, serving as a boon for people who experience low haemoglobin levels in the blood, thus effectively treating anaemia. 

Boosts Nervous System Function:
Eating finger in controlled portions on a daily basis assists in enhancing nerve impulse conduction, activating memory centres in the brain and relaxing the mind, due to elevated levels of the amino acid tryptophan. As the tryptophan brings about an equilibrium in the levels of serotonin – a neurotransmitter, finger helps in treating anxiety and insomnia, by maintaining good moods and promoting sound sleep.

Augments Heart Health:
Finger is completely devoid of cholesterol and sodium, so recipes made with finger flour can safely be consumed by those with heart ailments. Furthermore, the abundance of dietary fibers and vitamin B3 or niacin helps to enhance good HDL levels and diminish bad LDL levels. This averts plaque and fatty deposits in heart vessels, easing cardiac muscle function and improving heart health.

Finger for Pregnancy and Lactation:
Sprouting some finger grains overnight and consuming them the next morning has massive benefits for the health of pregnant and lactating women. Due to the immense iron and calcium content in finger, it is ideal to stimulate milk production and balance hormonal activities in expecting women and young mothers.