Health benefits of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) polyphenols and dietary fiber: a review.

The growing public awareness of nutrition and
health care research substantiates the potential of phytochemicals
such as polyphenols and dietary fiber on their health
beneficial properties. Hence, there is in need to identify newer
sources of neutraceuticals and other natural and nutritional
materials with the desirable functional characteristics. Finger
millet (Eleusine coracana), one of the minor cereals, is
known for several health benefits and some of the health
benefits are attributed to its polyphenol and dietary fiber
contents. It is an important staple food in India for people of
low income groups. Nutritionally, its importance is well
recognised because of its high content of calcium (0.38%),
dietary fiber (18%) and phenolic compounds (0.3–3%). They
are also recognized for their health beneficial effects, such as
anti-diabetic, anti-tumerogenic, atherosclerogenic effects,
antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. This review deals
with the nature of polyphenols and dietary fiber of finger
millet and their role with respect to the health benefits
associated with millet.