15 Benefits of Jowar (Sorghum) for Your Health

Sorghum is known as jowar in India. Although there are around 30 varieties of sorghum, only one is fit for human consumption. Sorghum is gluten-free and is a good alternative to wheat if you are on a gluten-free diet. It is celiac-friendly, promotes blood circulation, aids in weight loss, improves the health of the eyes, and gives a boost to the immune system. Read on to know more about the wide range of benefits that sorghum offers.

Nutritional Content of Jowar

Given below is a chart explaining the nutritional content of jowar:

Table Source: https://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/cereal-grains-and-pasta/5732/2

How Is Jowar Beneficial for Your Health

Jowar can be very beneficial for your health. Read on to find out how it benefits you.

1. Improves the Health of the Heart

Unhealthy eating habits and a lack of exercise can lead to cardiovascular complications. Unhealthy food is high on calories and zero or very little in fibre and vitamins. This leads to an accumulation of bad cholesterol in the body. To counter this, you should eat foods rich in fibre. Sorghum fits the bill perfectly. It is rich in fibre, and including it in your diet will help you get rid of the bad cholesterol from your body.

2. Improves Digestion

An unhealthy digestive system can lead to constipation, cramps, and diarrhoea. Hence, it is important that you eat foods rich in fibre. Consume sorghum. The high dietary content of fibre in sorghum will ensure that you have a smooth bowel movement and as a result, your digestive system will remain healthy.

3. Strengthens the Bones

A diet rich in calcium and magnesium is essential for strong bones. If you want to strengthen your bones, you can make sorghum a part of your diet. As sorghum is rich in magnesium, it will help absorb the calcium from your body.

4. May Help Prevent Diabetes

Many diabetic people consume jowar as it has blood sugar level regulating properties. The presence of tannin in sorghum prevents the production of enzymes that absorb starch in the body. It also aids in the regulation of insulin produced by your body.

5. Good for the Skin

Applying a paste of sorghum on your face can keep your skin healthy and hydrated. Jowar prevents the excess production of melanoma cells which are known to cause skin cancer.

6. Boosts Energy

Sorghum grains are rich in fibre which helps in maintaining an optimum level of energy in the body. They are often added to commercial energy drinks and contain niacin, which is known to be another form of Vitamin B.

7. Boosts the Immune System

A strong immune system can keep you fit and healthy. And for that, you need to eat healthy food. Vitamin C found in sorghum can help in boosting your immunity levels. The Vitamin C content in sorghum can increase the production of white blood cells in the body which are known to build immunity.

8. Promotes Weight Loss

Sorghum being rich in fibre keeps the body full for a longer time and curbs the craving for unhealthy snacks. Hence, it prevents one from eating junk, which is one of the reasons for weight gain. There are sorghum sweeteners that are available in the market which is a healthy alternative to conventionally processed sweeteners.

9. Improves Eye Health

Including foods rich in Vitamin A in your diet can keep your eyes healthy. Jowar contains beta-carotene which prevents the formation of cataracts.

10. Improves Blood Circulation

The presence of many minerals and vitamins in this grain can help in maintaining a healthy blood flow within the body.

11. Prevents Anaemia

Sorghum grains are known to contain iron which helps in the generation of red blood cells in the body. This will help in preventing anaemia and provide a healthy dose of oxygen to the brain.

12. Lowers the Risk of Diseases

Free radicals can affect your body in various ways. The more free radicals the more the oxidative stress. It can also lead to ageing. However, the antioxidant properties of sorghum grain can help reduce the effect of free radicals found in the body.

13. Helps Improve the Mood

Sorghum contains Vitamin B6 that is necessary for the production of a neurotransmitter in the body, called GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). GABA regulates nerve impulses in the human body. An increase in GABA can lead to improved mood, better focus, stress reduction, and reduced risk of depression.

14. It is Good for People with Celiac Diseases

Sorghum grain is just like wheat, but it is gluten-free. People who suffer from celiac diseases and cannot eat cereals or bread or similar foods made with wheat can eat sorghum-rich foods.

15. Rich in Various Nutrients

Sorghum grains are a rich source of various nutrients and vitamins along with high fibre content.

Are There Any Side Effects of Sorghum?

Sorghum is a storehouse of nutrients, but if consumed in excess, it may affect your health adversely. Following are the side effects of consuming sorghum.

• Some people may experience allergic symptoms like itchiness, redness of the skin, or swelling in some of the parts of the body. If you notice these signs, do not consume jowar at all.
• People who suffer from diabetes should consume this grain in moderation as the blood sugar levels can drop drastically.
• Since it is high in fibre, overeating sorghum can cause diarrhoea and stomach ache.

FAQs

Here are some of the FAQs about jowar:

1. How to Include Jowar in Your Diet?

You can consume sorghum in the form of sorghum porridge or make chapati. You can also include sorghum syrup in your diet.

2. Can I Eat Jowar Roti Daily?

Yes, you can eat jowar roti daily. However, consume it in moderation.

3. Is Jowar Keto-friendly?

No, jowar is not keto-friendly.

Eating sorghum can be very good for your health. However, you must consume it in moderation. Consult a dietician if you need to and include it in your diet and gift yourself a healthy body!

Also Read:

Nutritious Jowar Recipes You Must Try
How to Make Multigrain Atta at Home
Importance of a Well-Balanced Diet