Foxtail millets: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More By Dr. Rajeev Singh
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By Dr Rajeev Singh +2 more
Table of Contents
Foxtail millets, magical millets, or miracle grains are natively known as Kangni, Kang, and kakum. These are tiny seeds covered in a thin, crispy hull and are available in a light yellow-brownish colour. The cultivation of foxtail millets (Setalica italia) began in 8700 BC in China. In India, these are widely grown in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. There are three to four foxtail varieties available in the market, namely Moharia, Maxima, Nana, and Indica. Foxtail millets have a sweet and nutty flavor and are eaten as instant foods, ready-to-eat products, rice flour, etc. Apart from the culinary uses, it is a farmer-friendly and health-friendly crop; making it “good for you” (due to its nutritional value), and “good for the world” (as it requires less water and other factors for cultivation). Foxtail millets are a host of nutrients; let us learn more about the health benefits of adding foxtail millets to your dietary routine.1,2
Did you know?
Foxtail millets are packed with the goodness of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins A and E, and minerals like phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, sodium, etc. The nutrients in foxtail millets per 100 g are mentioned below:
From my perspective, foxtail millet might be a cost-effective alternative to animal protein foods. Its flour and protein concentrate may have excellent functional properties, making it versatile for various food applications. This might even open up the potential for developing affordable, protein-rich functional food products that can help manage lifestyle-related chronic diseases.
Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS
Scientifically proven properties of foxtail millets include:
Let me tell you a little secret. The nutrients found in foxtail millet might have special powers that can help ward off certain non-communicable diseases. By including foxtail millet in our diets, we may give our bodies the nutrients they need to stay healthy and avoid these diseases.
Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.
Some of the potential benefits of foxtail millets are described as under:
Literature studies state that the occurrence of diabetes can be lowered by including whole grains like foxtail millet in your diet. An in vitro study by Chen et al. in 2003 concluded foxtail millets have a low glycemic index and may stimulate the cells of the pancreas to produce insulin, a hormone that regulates blood glucose. These actions can help lower the spike in blood glucose. Choi et al. conducted an animal study in 2003 on the role of foxtail millets in improving the responsiveness of body cells to insulin, a hormone that manages blood glucose and exerts an anti-diabetic effect. This indicates that consuming foxtail millet may help manage diabetes. However, more human trials are needed to support the claims obtained from animal experiments and in-vitro studies.8
Hypertension or high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for many cardiovascular diseases. Hypertension is usually managed with drugs belonging to a class called as “ACE inhibitors”, they work by relaxing the blood vessels which helps in reducing the blood pressure. ACE-inhibitor molecules are also found in food sources like foxtail millet. Chen et al. conducted a study in 2017 stating the consumption of foxtail millets caused a reduction in blood pressure in hypertensive rats. This indicates that the consumption of foxtail millet can have a positive impact on blood pressure. However, we need more studies to support these claims.9
Colorectal cancer is cancer of the colon and the rectum, located at the lower end of the digestive system. Literature suggests that the intake of whole grains or cereals can contribute to a lower risk of colorectal cancer. A study done by Zhang et al. in 2020 to assess the effects of foxtail millet on colorectal cancer showed that the ingestion of foxtail millet positively impacted colorectal cancer in mice. This suggests that consuming foxtail millets may help manage colorectal cancers. However, we need more clinical studies to support these claims.10
To date, many chemical compounds obtained from plants have positively impacted fungal infections. An experiment done by Wentao et al. in 2011 identified a novel antifungal protein molecule in foxtail millets, which is known to show activity against fungi like Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria alternate, responsible for allergies and asthma. Foxtail millets may inhibit the growth of these fungi and, thus, show antifungal activity against these species. This indicates that foxtail millets may have the potential to manage fungal infections, but we need more clinical studies to support these claims.11
Undernutrition (insufficient energy and nutrient intake are broadly divided into stunting, underweight, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. The main cause of undernutrition is a deficiency in nutrient intake. Seetha et al. conducted a meta-analysis in 2022, stating that adding millets to the diet may help improve undernutrition due to the presence of nutritional components like methionine (an essential amino acid), calcium, protein, zinc, etc. The findings of this study support the use of foxtail millets as a solution to undernutrition. However, more studies should be conducted in humans to ascertain these claims.12
I recommend including foxtail millet in your diet to enjoy the benefits of a well-functioning digestive system. Foxtail millet, just like other millets, is packed with a type of fibre that is good for your body. This fibre is called crude fibre. One of the great things about crude fibre is that it might aid in the process of digestion and encourage smooth bowel movements. This means that foxtail millet may act as a natural laxative, promoting a healthy digestive system.
Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
Though there are studies that show the benefits of foxtail millets in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of sweet potatoes on human health.
I stumbled upon a study that showed the extract from foxtail millet may reduce inflammation. In the study, they induced swelling in the mice’s hind legs using a substance called carrageenan. When the mice were administered a foxtail millet extract, the swelling potentially went down. This suggests that foxtail millet might have natural anti-inflammatory properties. However, more studies are required to validate these results.
Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)
You must consult a qualified doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.
A few side effects related to the consumption of foxtail millets include:
However, if you experience any adverse reactions to foxtail millets, it is advised to discontinue its intake and immediately contact a doctor or your Ayurvedic physician who has prescribed it. They will be able to guide you appropriately for your symptoms.
Eating foxtail millet is okay if taken in moderate amounts. However, general precautions must be followed in the following conditions:
There is no significant interaction of foxtail millets with other drugs. However, you must always seek the advice of your Ayurvedic physician about the possible interaction of foxtail millets with other drugs and follow the prescription thoroughly, as they will know your health condition and other medications you are taking.
The scientific name of foxtail millets is Setalica Italia. It is also known as Kangni, Kang or kakum locally.1
There are three to four foxtail varieties available in the market, namely moharia, maxima, nana, and Indica.1.2
Yes, foxtail millets are a rich source of iron and may increase haemoglobin (an iron-based protein) levels and may help manage anaemia. However, more studies are needed to support these claims. Therefore, it is advised to consult a doctor for proper treatment in case you have anaemia.12
Yes, the fibre content in millets aid bowel movements and may provide relief from constipation. However, scientific evidence supporting this is limited and we need more studies to support these claims. It is recommended to consult a doctor for proper treatment in case you have constipation.13
As foxtail millets are gluten-free, they may cause weight gain and increase the risk of certain chronic diseases. Gaitan et al. conducted a study in 1989 which showed that foxtail millets are rich in C-glycosylflavones which can lead to goitre or enlarged thyroid.15,16
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