Can consumption of finger millet diet improve mental health status in athletes: a possible link with modulation of cortisol levels.

Abstract

Purpose: Despite the promising health benefits of finger millet, there is a notable lack of research specifically examining its effects on athletes' mental health. Therefore, the present narrative review aimed to explore the potential of finger millet (Eleusine coracana) in enhancing the mental health status of athletes.

Methods: For this narrative review databases like "PubMed," "SPORTDiscus," "Scopus," "ProQuest" and "Google Scholar" were referred to identify and analyze the studies to determine their relevance and findings.

Results: Studies have shown that nutritional intervention has a significant impact on mental health through improved mood, cognitive function, and overall well-being. Finger millet is a valuable reservoir of vital nutrients , including amino acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which play crucial roles in reducing oxidative stress and cortisol levels, which are key factors in mental health disorders. Furthermore, low glycemic index and high dietary fiber content of finger millet contribute to stable blood sugar levels, which are crucial for maintaining mental stability and preventing stress-induced cortisol spikes. Dietary fiber in finger millet also helps in boosting the gut microbiota, which helps in stimulating mental and cognitive health through the gut-brain axis.

Conclusion: Given the physical and psychological demands on athletes, incorporating finger millet into their diets could offer a holistic approach for improving both performance and mental well-being. Despite these promising findings, the specific effect of finger millet on athletes' mental health remains unclear. This review highlights the need for more focused research on this topic, emphasizing the potential of finger millet as a na-t ural dietary intervention to enhance mental health and stress management in athletes. We conclude by calling for more comprehensive studies to fully understand the mechanisms and benefits of finger millet in athletic populations, aiming to bridge the current gap in the literature and pave the way for evidence-based dietary recommendations.