HEALTHY FOOD

Finger millet (Eleusine Coracana) is a traditional grain that is popular in Sri Lanka because of its nutritional value. It is called Kurakkan in Sinhala and Tamil. Vitamin B, iron and calcium are all present in abundance in finger millet. it is also rich in dietary fibre and helps in easy digestion. Therefore it is an excellent remedy for constipation as it acts as a natural laxative. It is low in fact content but rich in carbohydrates which makes it good for people who are overweight. The digestion process of finger millet is slow and therefore helps in keeping the blood sugar at low level.

As a result, it has become a favourite food among diabetic patients. this wholesome grain is made in to porridge, idli, pittu, rotti, hoppers and bread in various regions.

It is increasingly becoming popular as a bakery product and recently its demand has increased considerably as people have become aware of its health benefits. Organically grown finger millet is healthier and safer to eat as there are no harmful chemicals used in growing it.

In Sri Lanka, it is grown in Anuradhaoura, Kegalle, Moneragala, Hambantota, Ratnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara, Badulla and Jaffna districts. It is a hardly crop that is well adapted to arid highland areas in Africa and Asia. The crop is now grown on a larger scale in India. It grows best in an environment with medium rainfall, an annual temperature range of 11 C to 27 C and a soil of pH range of 5.0 to 8.2. It is a crop that has great potential if promoted as a healthy food.