Foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.) an annual grass plant, produces seeds that possess health-promoting properties owing to its unique protein composition containing a high content of essential amino acids. It is one of the earliest cultivated crops, extensively grown in the arid and semi-arid regions of Asia and Africa, as well as in some other economically developed countries of the world where it is more commonly used as bird feed.

Antinutrients like phytic acid and tannin present in this millet can be reduced to undetectable amounts by using the proper processing methods. Additionally, the millet is said to have antioxidant, low-glycemic index, and hypolipidemic properties.

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