Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Indian Institute of Cosmetology and Nutrition, Pune, Maharashtra, India

*Corresponding author:Sayali Gambhir, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Indian Institute of Cosmetology and Nutrition, Pune, Maharashtra, India. E-mail Id: iicannutritionhod02@gmail.com

Article Information:Submission: 11/06/2025; Accepted: 03/07/2025; Published: 05/07/2025

Copyright: ©2025 Andhare M, et al. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Ragi (Eleusine coracana), also known as finger millet, is a staple cereal crop widely cultivated in parts of South India, recognized for its exceptional nutritional value and health-promoting properties. Unlike refined cereals, ragi is a rich source of dietary fiber, calcium, iron, essential amino acids, polyphenols, and antioxidants. This review explores the existing literature on the nutritional composition and therapeutic potential of ragi in relation to modern health concerns, including anemia, diabetes, bone health, and nutritional support during pregnancy and lactation. The high dietary fiber and low glycemic index of ragi contribute to improved glucose metabolism, making it particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Its polyphenolic content has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, while its superior calcium and iron concentrations support bone health and help combat iron-deficiency anemia. Additionally, the rich micronutrient profile of ragi makes it an ideal dietary inclusion for pregnant and lactating women, aiding in maternal and fetal nutritional needs. The traditional use of ragi in regional cuisines, combined with modern scientific validation of its health benefits, positions it as a functional food with the potential to contribute to nutritional security and disease prevention. This review highlights the importance of reintroducing ragi into modern diets and emphasizes the need for further clinical studies to substantiate its therapeutic efficacy.

Keywords:Ragi (Eleusine coracana); Finger millet; Nutritional benefits; Anemia; Diabetes; Bone health; Pregnancy; Lactation; Functional foods

In today’s world, most people depend on cereals as their primary source of food.Among these, wheat, rice, and corn are the most widely consumed staples globally.In the post-Green Revolution era, millets have experienced a significant decline in prominence compared to major cereal crops.Millets are small-grained cereal crops, grown mainly for food and animal feed, and are often grouped together due to their similar agricultural characteristics.These crops grow well in hot and dry environments and require minimal water, which makes them highly suitable for farming in arid and semi-arid areas. Millets come in various forms, each with its own distinct texture, traits, and nutritional value.Some common varieties include finger millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, sorghum, kodo millet, and In today’s world, most people depend on cereals as their primary source of food.Among these, wheat, rice, and corn are the most widely consumed staples globally.In the post-Green Revolution era, millets have experienced a significant decline in prominence compared to major cereal crops.Millets are small-grained cereal crops, grown mainly for food and animal feed, and are often grouped together due to their similar agricultural characteristics.These crops grow well in hot and dry environments and require minimal water, which makes them highly suitable for farming in arid and semi-arid areas. Millets come in various forms, each with its own distinct texture, traits, and nutritional value.Some common varieties include finger millet, pearl millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, sorghum, kodo millet, and browntop millet, all of which are known for their health-promoting properties. [1] Asian countries rank as the third-largest contributors to global millet production, with India accounting for approximately 80% of the region’s cultivation.Within India, states such as Rajasthan, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana are the leading producers, contributing significantly to the national millet yield. [2]

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana), commonly known as ragi, has been utilized for centuries, particularly in traditional diets of rural communities where various indigenous preparations are still prevalent.It is a rich source of essential amino acids such as isoleucine, leucine, methionine, and phenylalanine—nutrients often lacking in other carbohydrate-rich foods.In terms of macronutrient content, ragi is comparable to rice, providing approximately 6–8%

protein and 1–2% fat.However, it surpasses both rice and wheat in its mineral and micronutrient composition.Ragi has attracted growing attention for its health benefits, particularly due to its high content of slowly digestible and resistant starch, contributing to a low glycemic index. This property makes it especially suitable for individuals with diabetes. Moreover, ragi possesses significant antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to its overall nutritional and medicinal significance. [3]

Finger millet is a small-seeded cereal, measuring approximately 1.2–1.8 mm in diameter, with a seed coat that ranges from light brown to brick red in color. This outer layer is particularly rich in phytochemicals, including dietary fiber and polyphenols, and contains higher concentrations of these compounds compared to commonly consumed cereals such as barley, rice, maize, and wheat. As a native minor millet, finger millet is widely used in the preparation of healthoriented foods, including those intended for infants, the elderly, and individuals with specific dietary needs.It is processed into flour for the production of various food items such as porridge, puddings, pancakes, biscuits, flatbreads (roti), bread, and assorted snacks. When malted, finger millet serves as a highly nutritious food for infants and is considered a suitable dietary option for individuals with diabetes due to its beneficial nutritional properties. [4]

The kernel of finger millet is composed of three primary structural layers: the outer seed coat (testa), the central endosperm, and the innermost embryo.Finger millet differs from other varieties like pearl millet, foxtail millet, proso millet, and kodo millet due to its distinctive five-layered seed coat (testa). This structural characteristic is believed to contribute to its relatively high dietary fiber content

Finger millet is very good source of iron and that’s a beneficial for who are having low haemoglobin levels and who doesn’t have enough red blood cells(anaemic patients). After sprouting there is increase inVitamin C and results in easy uptake of iron(Fe) into bloodstream. [6]

Finger millet has been shown to play a beneficial role in the regulation of blood glucose levels and the enhancement of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Its inclusion in the diet contributes to improved glycemic control and has demonstrated the ability to accelerate the wound healing process, particularly in diabetic conditions.The hypoglycemic effect of finger millet is primarily attributed to its low glycemic response, which results from the presence of natural antinutritional factors. These compounds decrease starch digestibility and slow the rate of glucose absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby minimizing rapid spikes in blood glucose levels.Moreover, the phenolic compounds concentrated in the seed coat of finger millet exert inhibitory effects on key carbohydrate-hydrolyzing enzymes, such as amylase and α-glucosidase. By limiting the enzymatic breakdown of complex carbohydrates, these bioactive constituents help reduce postprandial hyperglycemia. In addition to their glycemic benefits, these phenolics also contribute to the grain’s antioxidant properties, further enhancing its therapeutic potential in managing oxidative stress-related complications commonly associated with diabetes. [7]

Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, provokes an autoimmune response that damages the small intestinal mucosa, leading to malabsorption and various clinical symptoms.Due to their naturally gluten-free nature, millets—particularly finger millet—serve as an excellent dietary option for individuals with celiac disease. Among gluten-free grains, finger millet is especially notable for its rich nutritional composition, including high levels of calcium, dietary fiber, and polyphenols. Compared to traditional gluten-containing cereals such as wheat, finger millet not only offers a safe alternative but also provides additional health benefits that support gastrointestinal function and overall nutritional well-being. [8]

Calcium plays a critical role in maintaining optimal bone health and structural integrity of the skeletal system. Finger millet (ragi) is recognized as an excellent dietary source of calcium, offering significantly higher levels of this essential mineral compared to most other cereals. Regular dietary intake of finger millet has the potential to enhance bone mineral density and support the prevention of calcium-deficiency-related disorders, thereby contributing to overall skeletal health.[9]

Pregnancy is a physiological state characterized by increased nutritional requirements to support the growth and development of the fetus, as well as the health of the mother. This period is associated with significant physiological adaptations, including increased maternal body weight, expanded plasma and blood volume, and substantial hormonal fluctuations. One of the most prevalent nutritional concerns during pregnancy is iron-deficiency anemia, which may arise due to inadequate dietary intake, reduced absorption, limited iron stores, or concurrent infections.

Millet-based food products such as mixed millet malt, ragibased biscuits, ragi cutlets, and energy bars formulated with finger millet (ragi), sorghum (jowar), and pearl millet (bajra) have shown beneficial effects on improving maternal nutritional status, including positive impacts on weight gain and body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy. [10]

Ragi (Eleusine coracana) demonstrates significant potential as a functional food due to its comprehensive nutritional profile and associated health benefits. Its high calcium and iron content contributes to improved bone mineral density and the prevention of iron-deficiency anemia, particularly in nutritionally vulnerable groups such as pregnant and lactating women. The presence of complex carbohydrates, dietary fiber, and polyphenolic compounds enables finger millet to exert a low glycemic response, supporting glycemic control in individuals with diabetes. Moreover, as a naturally glutenfree cereal, finger millet serves as an appropriate dietary alternative for individuals with celiac disease and other forms of gluten intolerance. The integration of finger millet into daily diets through various food formulations not only enhances nutritional adequacy but also contributes to the dietary management of chronic metabolic and micronutrient-deficiency-related conditions. Continued research is necessary to further elucidate the bioactive mechanisms and longterm health impacts of finger millet consumption, thereby supporting its wider application in public health nutrition and therapeutic dietary planning.

The author would like to express sincere gratitude to all those who have contributed to the successful completion of this research paper. First and foremost, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Head of the dept. Dr Mansi Andhare and Faculty Sayali Gambhir for their guidance and support, and valuable insights throughout the entire research process.