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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Finger millet; Health benefits; Non starch polysaccharides; Polyphenols.

Fig. 1

Protocol for preparation of polyphenol rich seed coat fractions of finger millet (Chethan and Malleshi 2007a)

Fig. 2

Structure of major phenolic compounds present in finger millets

Fig. 3

Etiology of complications of diabetes (Chethan et al. 2008a)

Fig. 4

Procedure for isolation of non starch polysaccharides from millets (Rao and Muralikrishna 2001)