Researchers tested a combination of Fu brick tea extract and millet in mice eating a high-fat diet to see if it could help with weight management. The mixture worked by changing the bacteria in the digestive system and triggering signals that make you feel fuller. After 10 weeks, mice eating this combination showed better blood sugar control, improved fat metabolism, and less inflammation. The study suggests that combining traditional foods with tea extracts might be a natural way to help prevent obesity, though more research in humans is needed before we know if it works the same way for people.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a combination of Fu brick tea extract and millet could help reduce weight gain and improve metabolism in mice eating a high-fat diet
  • Who participated: Laboratory mice fed a high-fat diet for 10 weeks; the study did not include human participants
  • Key finding: Mice that received the tea and millet combination showed significantly better blood sugar control, improved fat metabolism, and increased beneficial gut bacteria that produce short-chain fatty acids—compounds that help you feel full and satisfied
  • What it means for you: This research suggests that combining traditional millet with tea extracts might help with weight management by improving how your body processes food and making you feel fuller longer. However, this was only tested in mice, so we can’t yet say for certain it will work the same way in people

The Research Details

Scientists created a special mixture combining Fu brick tea extract with millet and tested it on mice eating a high-fat diet for 10 weeks. They compared mice that received the tea-millet mixture to mice that only ate millet or regular food. The researchers measured changes in the mice’s weight, blood sugar levels, fat levels, and the types of bacteria living in their digestive systems.

The tea-millet combination was designed to be digested more slowly than regular millet, which means it wouldn’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar. The researchers examined how this slower digestion affected the mice’s metabolism and the balance of bacteria in their guts. They also looked at specific molecules in the body that signal fullness and satisfaction.

This research approach is important because it shows how traditional foods can work together to create health benefits. By studying the gut bacteria and the specific molecular pathways involved, the researchers could explain exactly how the tea-millet combination might help prevent weight gain. This kind of detailed investigation helps scientists understand whether food combinations are truly beneficial or just seem that way.

This study was published in a well-respected scientific journal focused on food and agriculture. The researchers used careful laboratory methods to measure multiple health markers and tracked changes over a full 10-week period. However, because this was only tested in mice, we cannot be certain the same effects would occur in humans. Animal studies are important first steps, but human studies are needed to confirm these findings apply to people.

What the Results Show

The tea-millet combination significantly improved how the mice’s bodies handled food and maintained healthy weight. The mixture slowed down how quickly the body broke down starch, which helped prevent rapid blood sugar spikes. Mice receiving the combination showed better control of both blood sugar and fat levels in their blood, which are important markers of metabolic health.

One of the most interesting findings was how the tea-millet combination changed the bacteria living in the mice’s digestive systems. The mixture increased beneficial bacteria, particularly a type called Akkermansia, which produces short-chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are important because they send signals to the brain that help you feel full and satisfied after eating.

The researchers found that the total amount of short-chain fatty acids increased by 2.49 times in mice receiving the tea-millet combination. These fatty acids activated specific receptors in the body that are involved in appetite control and energy regulation. The combination also reduced inflammation in the mice’s bodies, which is linked to obesity and other health problems.

Beyond the main findings, the researchers discovered that the tea-millet combination normalized bile acid profiles—bile acids are important for digesting fats and regulating metabolism. The mixture also reduced inflammation markers throughout the body. Additionally, the combination improved the overall structure and function of the digestive system, making it work more efficiently.

This research builds on earlier studies showing that both tea and millet have individual health benefits. Previous research suggested that tea contains compounds with antioxidant properties and that millet is a nutritious grain. This study is novel because it shows that combining these two foods creates a stronger effect than either one alone—a concept called synergy. The findings align with growing scientific interest in how traditional food combinations might offer health benefits beyond what single foods can provide.

The most important limitation is that this study was conducted only in mice, not in humans. Mice have different digestive systems and metabolisms than people, so results may not translate directly. The study also did not specify exactly how many mice were used or provide detailed information about the control groups. Additionally, the study was relatively short (10 weeks), so we don’t know if the benefits would continue over months or years. Finally, the research doesn’t tell us the ideal amount of the tea-millet combination that would be needed for humans or whether it would work in people eating different types of diets.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, we cannot yet recommend the tea-millet combination as a weight management treatment for humans. The findings are promising and suggest this combination deserves further study in people. If human studies confirm these results, the tea-millet combination might become a useful natural option for supporting healthy weight management alongside regular exercise and a balanced diet. For now, eating millet as part of a healthy diet and drinking tea are both reasonable choices supported by general nutrition science.

This research is most relevant to people interested in natural approaches to weight management and those looking for functional foods that support metabolic health. It may be of particular interest to people who prefer traditional or plant-based approaches to health. However, anyone with existing health conditions, those taking medications, or people with specific dietary restrictions should consult with a healthcare provider before making significant dietary changes. This research is not yet applicable to clinical treatment recommendations.

In the mice studied, changes in metabolism and gut bacteria composition occurred over 10 weeks. If similar effects occur in humans, it would likely take several weeks to months of consistent consumption to notice meaningful changes in weight or how you feel. However, we simply don’t know yet because human studies haven’t been conducted. Any benefits would likely require ongoing consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you choose to consume millet and tea as part of your diet, track your daily intake (cups of tea, servings of millet-based foods) and monitor how you feel regarding hunger and energy levels. Note any changes in digestion comfort or bloating over 4-week periods.
  • Start by incorporating millet into 2-3 meals per week and drinking 1-2 cups of tea daily. Gradually increase to daily millet consumption if desired. Log these additions in your food diary and note any changes in appetite, energy, or digestive comfort.
  • Track weekly body measurements, energy levels, and digestive comfort using a simple rating scale (1-10). Monitor hunger patterns before and after meals containing millet. Keep a food and symptom journal for at least 8-12 weeks to identify any patterns. Share results with a healthcare provider to ensure the dietary changes are supporting your overall health goals.

This research was conducted in mice and has not been tested in humans. The findings are preliminary and should not be used as a basis for medical treatment or to replace professional medical advice. If you are overweight, have diabetes, or are taking medications that affect metabolism, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian before making significant dietary changes. While millet and tea are generally safe foods, individual responses may vary. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.