9 Remarkable Foxtail Millets Health Benefits

Introduction

This article highlights the Foxtail millets health benefits, its high nutritional value, and how it naturally improves your overall health. Adding foxtail millets to your balanced diet ensures you get the most benefits and promotes overall well-being.

What is Foxtail Millet?

The Fox tail millet (Setaria italica) is small and ovoid and is one of the oldest millets in the world. It is a nutrient-dense cereal packed with protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals including calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, and magnesium. It is a gluten-free grain known for its nutty flavor that offers numerous health benefits and gaining popularity as a superfood.

The nutrients present in Foxtail millets make it an ideal healthy food for diabetes, heart health, digestion, weight management, and immunity. A balanced healthy diet that supports overall health can be accomplished by foxtail millet into regular meals.

Read More: Unlocking 5 Powerful Muskmelon Seeds Benefits For Female

Foxtail Millet Nutritional Value

The foxtail millet nutritional value per 100 g is given below.

1. Aids Weight Loss
2. Supports Heart health
3. Benefits  Skin
4. Good for Diabetes
5. Supports Digestive Health
6. Strengthens Bones
7. Supports Muscle Health
8. Boost Immunity and Fights Inflammation
9. Provides Energy

1. Foxtail Millet Benefits for Weight Loss

• Foxtail millet is packed with fiber and protein. Eating millet makes you feel fuller for a longer duration, promotes satiety, and prevents overeating, and helps with weight loss goals.
• Foxtail millets help to improve your bowel movement, support metabolism, aiding in effective weight loss.

2. Supports Heart Health

• Foxtail millet is a rich source of fiber that is beneficial for heart health. It helps lower the lipid profile lowering the risk of heart disease.
• It contains potassium and magnesium that help regulate blood pressure by relaxing the walls of blood vessels.

3. Foxtail Millet Benefits for Skin

• Foxtail millets contain skin-friendly nutrients like B vitamins and antioxidants. These nutrients help rejuvenate and repair the cells revitalizing skin.
• It helps protect the skin from free radical damage and reduces wrinkles and fine lines resulting in healthy and younger-looking skin.
• The B vitamins and antioxidants can help with skin conditions like eczema, acne, and dry skin.

4. Is Foxtail Millet Good for Diabetes

• Yes, Foxtail millets when consumed promote a gradual rise of sugar in your bloodstream preventing sudden spikes and regulating blood sugar levels, found beneficial especially in type 2 diabetes.
• Foxtail millet can be a great option for diabetes. It is highly nutritious and even superior to rice in certain constituents. These grains are rich in fiber, resulting in hypoglycemic effects.

5. Supports Digestive Health

• Foxtail millets are packed with fibers that allow easy bowel movement, prevent constipation, promote healthy digestion, and improve gut health.
• The fiber-rich foxtail millet promotes the growth of healthy gut bacteria, reduces inflammation, and boosts overall health.

6. Strengthens Bones

• Foxtail millets are a good source of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
• Phosphorus is a basic component of bone tissue. Calcium and magnesium are vital nutrients for the development, growth, and maintenance of bones and teeth. They help with bone development and maintain bone mineral density lowering the risk of fractures.
• In short regular intake of foxtail millet contributes to healthy bones and teeth. It can prevent health conditions such as osteoporosis, and arthritis.

7. Supports Muscle Health

• Foxtail millet is rich in protein, B vitamins, and minerals which are essential for muscle health. Protein helps muscle repair and growth.
• B- vitamins are important for the nervous system and muscle coordination improving muscle function.

8. Boost immunity and Fights Inflammation

• Foxtail millets are packed with antioxidants and zinc, which help strengthen your immunity and help fight infection and protect against diseases.
• Antioxidants help combat free radical damage and reduce inflammation which is the major cause of autoimmune disorders or chronic diseases.

9. Provides Energy

• Foxtail millet being a source of essential nutrients such as B vitamins, and iron, helps to maintain energy levels, reduce fatigue, and improve stamina.
• Regular consumption of foxtail millets can help you stay active and energetic throughout the day.

Precaution

• Soak the millet in water for 4 to 6 hours before cooking to make it easy for digestion. Soaking and proper cooking can lower the antinutrients present in the millet and promote the absorption of nutrients in the body.
• If you are suffering from any health conditions, consult your healthcare expert before adding it to your regular diet.

Foxtail Millet Side Effects

• Usually, foxtail millets are safe to consume. However, some individuals who are allergic to millets may experience itching, difficulty in breathing, or swelling. Immediately consult your doctor in case you find yourself allergic to foxtail millet.
• Overconsumption of foxtail millet may lead to abdominal discomfort, indigestion, or bloating. Sometimes excess intake of foxtail millet for a long time may contribute to weight gain.
• While foxtail millet is a super healthy food, moderation is key to adding additional benefits to your health.

Conclusion

The various foxtail millets health benefits highlight, how it can improve overall health, prevent disease, and enhance your energy levels. People should include this superfood in their regular diet to strengthen bones and muscles, support heart health, improve digestion, and aid in weight management.

People can improve their health in the long term by including a natural source of nutrient-rich whole grains such as foxtail millet into their routine diet.

FAQ’s

Q1. What happens if we eat foxtail millet daily?

Ans: If we eat foxtail millet daily in a balanced way it offers amazing benefits such as

• Regulates blood sugar levels
• Improves gut health
• Aids in weight management
• Supports heart health
• Strengthens muscles and bones
• Boost immunity
• Strengthens nervous system
• Lowers cholesterol

Q2. Should foxtail millet be soaked before cooking?

Ans: Yes, soaking foxtail millet for 6 to 8 hours before cooking makes it soft and easy to digest. Soaking also reduces the antinutrient component present in millet which may hamper the absorption of nutrients in the body.

Q3. Is millet better than rice?

Ans: Yes, compared to rice, millet is high in fiber, protein, and essential minerals that help improve overall health and well-being.  

Q4. What is special about foxtail millet?

Ans: Foxtail millet is one of the highly nutritious millets that is loaded with vital nutrients and is beneficial for our health. It supports heart health, reduces cholesterol, aids in weight loss, boosts immunity, promotes digestive health, and provides nutrition to your body.

References

Assessment of sensory and nutritional attributes of foxtail millet-based food products

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10149725/#sec16

Indian Farming Foxtail millet: Nutritional importance and cultivation aspects

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/369240824_Indian_Farming_Foxtail_millet_Nutritional_importance_and_cultivation_aspects