Healthy foods

           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 fiber and helps in easy digestion. Therefore it is an excellent remedy for constipation as it acts as a natural laxative. It`s low in fat content but rich in carbohydrates which makes it good for people who are overweight.     

   

 The digestion process of finger millet is slow and therefore help in keeping the blood sugar at a low level. As a results, it has become a favourite food among diabetic patients. This wholesome grain is made  into Porridge, Idlli, Rotti, Hoppers and bread in various regions. It is increasingly becoming popular as a bakery product and recently it`s demand has increased considerably as people have become aware of its health benefits. Organically grown finger millet is healthier and safer to eat as people have become aware of this health benefits. Organically grown finger millet is healthier and safer to eat as the are no harmful chemicals used growing it.  

    In Sri Lanka, it is grown in Hambanthota, Anuradapura, Kegalle, Monaragala, Rathnapura, Nuwara Eliya, Ampara, Badulla, and Jaffna districts.     It is a hardy crop that is well adapted to arid highland area in Africa and Asia. The crop is now grown on a lager 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 5.0to 8.2. It  is a crop  that has great potential if promoted as a healthy food.