Finger Millet, also known as Kodo is an important millet grown extensively in various regions of Nepal, India and Africa. Its scientific name is Eleusine coracana. It ranks fourth in production after rice, wheat and maize in Nepal.

It is considered one of the most nutritious cereals. Finger millet contains about 5–8% protein, 1–2% ether extractives, 65–75% carbohydrates, 15–20% dietary fiber and 2.5–3.5% minerals. Of all the cereals and millets, finger millet has the highest amount of calcium (344mg%) and potassium (408mg%). It has low-fat content (1.3%) and contains mainly unsaturated fat. A 100 grams of Finger millet has roughly an average of 336 KCal of energy.

The millet also contains phytates (0.48%), polyphenols, tannins (0.61%), trypsin inhibitory factors, and dietary fiber, which were once considered as “anti-nutrients” due to their metal chelating and enzyme inhibition activities but nowadays they are termed as neutraceuticals.
Being non-glutinous, finger millet is safe for people suffering from gluten allergy and celiac disease. It is non-acid forming, and hence easy to digest. Finger millet is rich in amino acids (Tryptophan, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine and Methionine).

Health benefits of finger millet (Kodo)

• It is an excellent source of natural calcium which helps in strengthening bones for growing children and aging people. Consumption of finger millet on regular basis is good for bone health and keeps diseases such as osteoporosis at bay and could reduce the risk of fracture. 
• It is now established that phytates, polyphenols and tannins can contribute to the antioxidant activity of millet foods, which is an important factor in health, aging and metabolic diseases.
• Finger millet's phytochemical helps in slowing the digestion process. It helps in controlling blood sugar levels in a condition of diabetes. It is found that a finger millet based diet helps diabetics as it contains higher fiber than rice and wheat. A study found that a diet based on whole finger millet has a lower glycemic response i.e. lower ability to increase blood sugar level. This is due to the presence of factors in finger millet flour which lower digestibility and absorption of starch.
• Because of its high nutritional content Kodo flour is recommended as a weaning food especially in some parts of Nepal and India.
• It is a very good source of natural Iron and its consumption helps in the recovery of Anemia. The Kodo based foods are highly suited for expectant mothers and the elderly due to there high calcium and iron content.

Finger millet consumption helps in the relaxing body naturally. It is useful in conditions of anxiety, depression and insomnia and also useful for migraines.