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Sorghum, commonly called Jowar, also called great millet broomcorn guinea corn or Imphae is the fifth most important cereal crop in the world after rice, wheat, maize, and barley. It has the potential to secure its position as a great nutraceutical of today. Not only as a potent superfood but many of its important biological compounds, if extracted, can serve as a future medicine.
Common Local Names of Sorghum
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| Hindi | Juar |
| Malayalam | Cholam |
| Tamil | Cholam |
| Other Names | Milo, Chari |
Nutritional Values of Sorghum per 100g
| Nutritional Information | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 249 kcal |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates (CHO) | 72.5 g |
| Fat | 2.1 g |
| Calcium | 25 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Carotene | 49 micro g |
| Folic Acid | 20 micro g |
5 Health Benefits of Sorghum
Sorghum / jowar can serve various health benefits for humans. These include anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, and hypo-cholesterol emic effects.
- Anti-diabetic – Out of three layers of the seed of grain, the bran layer of sorghum is rich in phenolic compounds that prohibit the known mechanism behind diabetes. These compounds thus, prevent the further growth of complications resulting from diabetes.
- Gluten-free – Jowar is a gluten-free grain. Gluten is a protein found in wheat that is attacked by one’s immune system. This triggers a chain of symptoms that may become life-threatening. To treat this condition, one needs to follow a complete restriction of gluten in diet. Sorghum is a perfect alternative to wheat.
- A prebiotic – sorghum has phenolic compounds and fat-soluble compounds that benefit the good gut microbiota. These compounds in turn reduce the risk of obesity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hypertension.
- Anti-cancer – Different sorghum varieties have different colors. These colors are attributed to the various polyphenols found in the grain. These polyphenols are reported to possess anti-cancerous properties.
- Anti-bacterial properties – Jowar has biologically active compounds that possess antibacterial properties against bad bacteria like E. coli.
6 Healthy Sorghum Recipes
Go ahead and try these amazing recipes using Jowar (Sorghum). We have so many for you from Fitness with Nidhi’s Kitchen
- Sorghum Pongal
- Sorghum Soup
- Jowar Salad
- Jowar Thandai
- Jowar Phirni
- Sorghum and Foxtail Millet Soup
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Conclusion
Sorghum (Jowar) is a versatile and nutritious grain that offers a wide range of health benefits. Whether you’re looking to support heart health, regulate blood sugar levels, improve digestive function, or manage weight, incorporating sorghum into your diet can be a delicious and satisfying way to boost your overall well-being. Experiment with different recipes and enjoy the nutritional bounty that sorghum has to offer.
