A whole foxtail millet diet reduces blood pressure in subjects with mild hypertension

The potential anti-hypertensive effect of foxtail millet was investigated. Participants were recruited to a 12 wk open-label and self-controlled trial, considering the appearance and flavor of whole foxtail millet products. After screening, 45 subjects with untreated mild hypertension received a daily average of approximately 50 g of whole foxtail millet, replacing their partial regular staple food for the clinical intervention, and were included in the analyses. Measurements included blood pressure, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, blood lipids, fasting blood glucose, anthropometric indices, body composition and bone density. After 12 wk of whole foxtail millet diet intervention, significant reductions in the participants' SBP (4.13 mmHg, P = 0.022) and DBP (3.49 mmHg, P = 0.002) were observed. In addition, the body mass index, body fat percentage, and fat mass significantly decreased (p < 0.05). The intake of whole foxtail millet also improved the subjects' fasting blood glucose (p = 0.051). Whole foxtail millet, which serves as a potential source of nutraceutical and functional food, may ameliorate hypertension and alleviate related cardiovascular diseases.