What Is Sorghum?
Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is popular in tropical countries, where it is harvested, but underrated globally. Sorghum is a genus of about 25 species of flowering plants in the grass family (Poaceae). It was native to Africa but is now cultivated in the tropics and subtropics. It is also an important source of alcoholic beverages and sorghum molasses. Keep reading to find out more about the health benefits of sorghum.
Potential Health Benefits Of Sorghum
1. May Improve Digestive Health
Sorghum is a great source of dietary fiber. Fiber is good for the digestive system as it can help in bowel movement and which prevents constipation, gas, and other gastrointestinal issues. Fiber also works as a prebiotic fodder for gut bacteria which helps in maintaining a healthy digestive tract (1). Fiber has also been linked to lower cholesterol levels and protecting the body from heart disease and atherosclerosis (2). It also helps with weight loss. Animal studies have reported that sorghum extract has cholesterol-lowering effects in hamsters (3).
2. May Help In Managing Diabetes
Sorghum is rich in phytochemicals that have been reported to have glucose-lowering or hypoglycemic properties (4). Animal studies have reported that feeding diabetic mice sorghum extract has an anti-diabetic effect (5), (6). A Korean study found that sorghum extract exerts an anti-diabetic effect by improving insulin sensitivity in mice fed a high-fat diet (7). A preliminary study on six non-insulin-dependent diabetic patients showed that selected sorghum recipes exhibit a hypoglycemic effect (8). Sorghum has a low glycemic index. A study published in the Journal Of The Science Of Food And Agriculture reported that consumption of low-GI and low-GL sorghum-based foods may help in decreasing postprandial blood glucose levels (9).
3. May Reduce The Risk Of Cancer
There are several studies linking the phytochemicals in sorghum to cancer-inhibiting properties. A study published in the Journal Of Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity reports the anticancer activity of sorghum bran in human colon cancer cells (10). Another study suggests the role of high-polyphenol sorghum bran extract inhibits cancer cell growth through ROS induction, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis (11). The current results look promising but require further research to understand underlying mechanisms of action and scope in therapeutic application.
4. May Improve Bone Health
Research shows that Wistar rats fed a sorghum diet consumed less food and gained less weight compared to those fed with the control diet. However, the efficiency of all diets was similar. Calcium intake was lower in animals fed a sorghum diet, and it was related to the lower total intake of these animals. Though the research on the bone-strengthening effects of sorghum is inconclusive, you can still include it in your diet occasionally. (12).
5. May Have Cardioprotective Properties
Studies have shown that sorghum phenolic compounds have potent antioxidant activity in vitro, and consumption of sorghum whole grain may reduce the risks of chronic diseases. The unique phenolic profile confers sorghum with a number of human health benefits, such as reducing oxidative stress. Sorghum lipids of phytosterols and policosanols have also been shown to promote cardiovascular health by regulating the absorption, excretion, and synthesis of cholesterol.(13). For example, the incorporation of sorghum lipids into the diet of hamsters increased the excretion of cholesterol and its metabolites, thus reducing the plasma and liver cholesterol levels in them (14).
6. May Lower Cholesterol Levels
Sorghum contains phytosterols and polycosanols that are involved in the regulation of cholesterol metabolism and absorption (13). Animal studies have reported that grain sorghum lipid extract reduces cholesterol absorption and plasma non-HDL cholesterol concentration in hamsters. This study concludes that sorghum can be used as a food ingredient or dietary supplement to manage cholesterol levels in humans (14).
7. May Help In Weight Management
Sorghum whole grain is an excellent food for people with obesity. The whole grain helps keep you full and also has a low glycemic index (13). A randomized, cross-over trial with 40 healthy subjects showed that using whole grain sorghum flaked biscuits offered higher satiety as compared to the wheat control (15). In addition, the fiber content of sorghum helps with weight loss. But, further studies are needed to validate this claim.
8. Gluten-Free Grain Option
Celiac disease is a condition in which genetically predisposed people have an autoimmune reaction to the gluten proteins found in all types of wheat and closely related cereals such as barley and rye (16). Sorghum is gluten-free and a safe alternative for people with celiac disease (13). In fact, people with celiac disease showed no gastrointestinal distress after consuming sorghum-based foods (16). Sorghum is nutritious as it is loaded with fiber, protein, minerals, and vitamins that boost energy. Keep reading to find out more about its nutritional value.
Sorghum Nutrition Facts
100 g of sorghum contain the following (17):
Calories: 329 Protein: 10.6 grams Fat:3.46 grams Carbohydrates: 72.1 grams Fiber: 6.7 grams Sorghum grain is rich in resistant starch, cellulosic, and non-cellulosic polysaccharides (18). The phenolic compounds in sorghum are mainly composed of phenolic acids, anthocyanidins, and tannins (13). It contains high levels of antioxidants, known as 3d anthocyanins, which are unique to it. (17)
Learn how you can add sorghum to your daily diet in the next section.
How Can You Make Sorghum (Jowar) A Part Of Your Daily Diet?
Sorghum is a super versatile grain.
It is usually prepared like rice, and it is a good idea to soak it overnight. Slow-cook it until it is soft. You can use sorghum flour to make flatbreads, biscuits, and other baked goods. It is popularly used to make beer (gluten-free) and molasses.
Scroll down for our favorite recipes.
Sorghum Recipes
1. Chickpea Sorghum Salad
Want to amp up the fiber and nutrients in your usual salads? Add sorghum! It is filling and tasty. You Will Need
1 cup sorghum 5 cups of water (You can use a little stock here too.) 400 g chickpeas 2 red capsicums 1 large bunch of parsley 1 large bunch of mint 1 red onion, finely sliced 1/2 cup pomegranate arils A small handful of pistachios A small handful of green olives 1 teaspoon za’atar spice blend (dried thyme, marjoram, oregano, sumac, sea salt, toasted sesame seeds) 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder 1/4 teaspoon paprika powder A drizzle of olive oil
For The Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon za’atar spice blend 1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses A couple of pinches of coarse sea salt
What To Do
2. Gluten-Free Sorghum (Jowar) Pulao
This is a great alternative to the usual pulao or fried rice. It is healthy and tasty to swap whole grains in your diet. You Will Need
1/2 cup jowar 2 cups water 1/4 cup carrots, chopped 1/4 cup beans, chopped 1 medium tomato 1 small onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, chopped/grated 1/4” of ginger, chopped/grated 1 green chili, chopped 1/4 cup coriander, chopped Salt (to taste) 1/4 teaspoon asafoetida 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds 1/4 teaspoon mustard seeds 7-8 curry leaves 1 tablespoon oil
What To Do What is the difference between sorghum and wheat? Find out in the next section.
Sorghum (Jowar) Vs. Wheat
A study published in the Journal Of Food Chemistry leaned in favor of sorghum (compared to wheat) as a breakfast cereal due to its many health benefits. Sorghum has more antioxidants, 3-DXAs, and phenolic compounds as compared to wheat. The study also reported that whole-grain wheat breakfast cereal had higher vitamin E content than sorghum. So, it is a good idea to switch to sorghum or include it in your diet as it has a nutrient profile similar to wheat but without the gluten (19). Are there any adverse effects of consuming sorghum? Find out below.
Potential Health Risks Of Sorghum
There have been no side effects linked to consuming sorghum. However, in rare cases, certain people can be allergic to sorghum. Consult a doctor immediately if you observe any of the following symptoms after ingesting sorghum:
Tingling or itching in the mouth Swelling in and around the mouth Abdominal pain Nausea Vomiting Fainting
Is sorghum good for kidneys? Yes, sorghum is good for kidneys. It is a rich source of dietary fiber and phenolic compounds that can promote kidney health. Is sorghum anti-inflammatory? Yes, sorghum is anti-inflammatory. This can be attributed to its antioxidant and phenolic compounds. Is sorghum syrup better for you than sugar? Yes, sorghum syrup is a better choice than sugar. It has a low glycemic index compared to refined sugar. Is sorghum good for belly fat? Yes, sorghum is good for belly fat. Its high fiber content helps promote satiety and may reduce one’s overall calorie consumption. This may possibly help with belly fat loss. Is sorghum good for ulcers? Yes, sorghum is good for ulcers. It has phenolic compounds that act against ulcers.
