B. K. Shashi ¹, Sunanda Sharan ¹, T. K. Nagarathna ¹, A. G. Shankar ¹, Shailaja Hittalamani ¹

Affiliations
1 University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore - 560065, IN

Abstract

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana) is an important minor cereal cultivated for food in the Indian sub continent as well as in many African countries. The nutritive value of finger millet is higher than that of rice and equal to that of wheat. The average fiber content of 3.6 per cent unlike 0.2 per cent in rice or 1.2 per cent in bajra helps in maintenance of health in many ways. Carbohydrate content (72.0%) of finger millet is slightly higher than that of bajra or maize and less than rice (78.2%). It is also low in fat (1.3%) and contains 7.39 per cent of protein. Finger millet is rich in calcium (300-340 mg/100g), iron (5-15 g/100g), vitamin B₁₂ (0.4 to 3 mg/100g) and seven essentia! amino acids. Besides this, iodine content (101 μg/kg) is reported to be highest among food grains.

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P. Usha ¹, Sunanda Sharan ¹, T. K. Nagarathna ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore - 560 065, IN
2 Dept. of Crop Physiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore - 560 065, IN

Abstract

Wheat grass (Triticum aestivum), the young green plant that grows from the sprouted wheat kernels planted in most soil Is one of the functional foods gaining popularity as a potential nutritional product with numerous health benefits. Wheat grass is a complete food with 70 per cent chlorophyll, vitamins A, C and E, bio flavonoids, minerals (iron, calcium and magnesium) and 17 amino acids. Wheat grass strengthens the immune system.

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