Super cereal: Why finger millet is a health booster

Youthful finger millet farmers in Busia County display their mature crops. [Ayoki Onyango, Standard]

Sylvia Jerono from Marigat, Baringo County, has been on brown ugali for the last three years. She was diagnosed with diabetes and since then, it has been a different journey. She says the finger millet ugali and porridge keeps her blood sugar levels down.

She is one of the diabetic, obese people, and those suffering from other chronic medical conditions, who require brown ugali made from finger millet to stabilise their conditions.

The demand for finger millet has sharply risen recently as studies and research show its numerous health and nutritional benefits. Doctors usually advise people with certain chronic medical conditions to eat finger millet, among other organic foods.

Consequently, smallholder farmers are now actively cultivating finger millet.

Nutritionist Samuel Maina says finger millet has high fibre content, which can help prevent sudden spikes in blood sugar. It keeps blood sugar levels stable and also controls diabetes symptoms. Finger millet also increases insulin sensitivity.

“It has become a suitable choice for diabetes control. Nutritionists say the crop is an excellent source of vitamin B, which is a catalyst for proper brain functions and cell division.

‘‘A source of protein micronutrients, essential amino acid profile, make it better than maize in strengthening bones for growing children and ageing people, keeps osteoporosis at bay and reduces incidents fracture, says Maina.”

 According to Maina, finger millet can raise one’s blood sugar slowly and gradually to a normal level.

He adds that it is low in cholesterol and can make one lose weight and help manage diabetes and obesity.

 The fibre, minerals, proteins and carbohydrates found in he crop can also help prevent cardiovascular diseases thus leading to a healthy weight, and also control inflammation in the gut.

Agricultural research scientist, Dr Chris Ojiewo, the strategic partnership and seed systems lead at Dryland Crops Programme at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre, urges Kenyans to embrace finger millet and its related products to tackle health challenges, and enhance food nutrition. 

A report by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics reveals an urgent concern with rising obesity cases and overweight rates, especially amongst affluent Kenyans.

These findings contained in the  2022 report,  paint a bleak picture for Kenyans, highlighting the critical importance of an all-encompassing strategy to raise awareness and promote healthier lifestyles and diets.

 Recognising the urgency of the situation, experts on agriculture and food security are now focusing on the cereal as the best food crop to combat the problems.

 “The crop is the antidote to lifestyle challenges and diseases. It is a traditional grain with enormous potential in addressing these health issues,’’ says Peter Lengewa, the managing director of Centre for Behaviour Change and Communication.

He adds that the crop’s adaptability to dryland conditions and high nutritional value can help Kenya achieve food and nutrition security.

 Meshack Muga of Food and Agriculture Organisation, emphasises the significance of finger millet stating, “it is a smart crop, smart for the environment, smart for the table, smart for nutrition, and also smart for smart eaters.’’