Abstract: Foxtail millet has attracted much attention because of its important agro-industrial value, high nutritional value and biologically active ingredients. This article first introduces the production of foxtail millet, and then reviews the advances on the health benefits and its mechanism of foxtail millet at home and abroad. Numerous studies have shown that foxtail millet has anti-oxidation activity, hypoglycemic activity, hypolipidemic activity, anti-hypertension, anti-tumor, immunoregulation, protecting liver and other health care functions, which is mainly due to its functional components, such as phenolic substances, active peptides, dietary fiber, carotenoids, and fatty acids, etc. A comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the health benefits of foxtail millet has great significance for guiding the consumption of green and high-quality grain and oil products and promoting the high-quality development of the grain industry.