Is foxtail millet richest source of protein? Nutrition experts weigh in

She cautioned that one should always eat millet with dal or legumes. “This will help to provide a more complete and good quality protein profile,” said Kapoor.

We turned toward our in-house nutrition experts to help us make informed choices when it comes to millet and protein needs.

Protein is a component of food that is very important in the repair and maintenance of the body’s tissues. “While choosing a protein for our diet we always choose eggs, meat, beans, dairy, etc, and forget grains as protein-rich,” said dietitian Simrat Bhui.

All grains including millet contain 8-20 per cent of protein with a significant amount of carbohydrates and fatty acids. “According to studies, foxtail millet contains 12.3 per cent of protein which makes this millet highest in containing proteins,” Bhui added.

 

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Why have foxtail millet?

-It’s good for diabetic patients
-It tends to reduce cholesterol
-It’s a cheap source of manganese along with this it’s rich in calcium, iron, and fibre.
-Rich in magnesium and phosphorus it great for children and pregnant women
-It acts like medicine for those who suffer from acidity and a burning sensation in the stomach.
-Rich in fibre so it gets rid of constipation
-Rich in protein makes iron absorption better hence benefits in anemia

The key to maximising nutritional benefits goes beyond selecting foxtail millet alone. Sushma PS, chief dietician, Jindal Naturcure Institute said that the recommendation is to pair millets, such as foxtail, with dal or legumes. “This combination is emphasised to enhance the protein quality and completeness of your diet. By doing so, you create a well-rounded meal that provides a variety of essential amino acids – the building blocks crucial for muscle function and overall bodily processes,” said Sushma.