When it comes to nutrition, grains are often pushed to the back of our minds why choose jowar. We tend to shine the spotlight only over pulpy fruits, plump vegetables and slim meats. Since these are the main components of our food, it is their taste that sticks the most in our mouths. However, none of the dishes we love so much would be complete without the tiny but mighty presence of grains.
JowarIt is grains which fluff up the chewy chapati we so eagerly dip into the gravy. It is grains that form the delicious folds of the pasta drenched in sauce. It is grains that ground the fresh slices of fruit in our morning cereal. It is simply impossible to lead a healthy life without including grains in our diet.
The first thing that comes to mind when talking about grains is probably the most popular choice: wheat and rice. For good reason, because, there is no denying that these two pack a whole bunch of power within. However, there are certain hidden gems in the already neglected family of grains. Today, we are going to discuss one of them: jowar.
A Brief Introduction to Why Choose Jowar
Jowar is a cereal grain that belongs to the grass family Poaceae. Jowar is round and small, commonly found in the shades of yellow or white. There are many species of jowar found across the world, mainly in Africa, Australia, India and other South-East Asian countries. Out of all these, the most well-known one is the Sorghum bicolor, which is native to the African continent.
The parent plant of jowar is strong grass, whose stalks and leaves are coated with white wax. Surprisingly, jowar is the fifth most-produced cereal crop in the world. This is partly because the crop has a high tolerance to difficult factors, such as drought, heat or soil conditions. Also, apart from being used as a grain ingredient in food, jowar plants are also used to make hay and even brooms. Clearly, jowar is quite the all-rounder in its field. And, if you have been wondering about what to call jowar in English, then the answer lies in its botanical name: Sorghum!
Jowar Benefits for Health
Now that we know the biography of jowar, it’s time to get into the depths of jowar nutrition, which is endless. Other than being a delicious addition to your meal, jowar benefits your overall health, ensuring that you are left not only with good taste but also the essence of fitness.
Jowar comes packed with Vitamin B, anti-oxidizing powers, protein and lots of fibre. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out just how important these are. But if you are curious to know just how jowar benefits your body, here are a few advantages:
It is Gluten Free
Jowar is an amazing gluten-free option for those who might have negative reactions to it. Gluten is a group of proteins that is found in many grains, which can be harmful to those who have Celiac disease or non-Celiac gluten sensitivity. In such cases, jowar can be a good option since it does not contain gluten. You can use it to make gluten-free grain products such as flour, which can then be used to make other dishes.
However, if buying ready-made jowar products, make sure to check the label to confirm that all ingredients used are gluten-free.
It Can Help the Digestive System
Like all whole grains, jowar is packed with dietary fibre, which can aid the digestive process, easing any constipation, bloating, cramping, diarrhoea, gas, etc. Additionally, dietary fibre can help with reducing levels of bad cholesterol, which can then prevent heart disease and many others. Jowar or sorghum also contains a healthy dose of Vitamin B3 Niacin, which aids in metabolism i.e. the process of converting the things we eat into energy, which contributes to overall wellness.
It is Anti-inflammatory
Jowar nutrition comes with rich phenolic compounds, which act as antioxidants. This can help in reducing inflammation. On top of that, this can also support your immunity. You wouldn’t expect a tiny grain to come with so many hidden surprises, but jowar is determined to provide you with a supply of wellness.
Rich in Protein
Protein is an extremely essential part of our daily intake. As mentioned before, jowar is rich in protein, with one cup having around 22 grams. This makes it an ideal alternative for vegetarians, who can’t eat meat-based protein. This can help in healing the wear and tear of different body parts, such as the regeneration of cells.
Rich in Other Minerals and Nutrients
Jowar benefits for health are not just limited to the above points. In addition to those, jowar also has various minerals such as magnesium, which builds bone health and copper, which can aid the increase in absorption of iron into the body, which in turn increases red-blood-cell counts and boosts circulation. These combined result in an active, energetic and healthy body.
Jowar’s phenolic compounds might also help in reducing the risk of cancer. The tannin in sorghum might help inhibit the growth of an enzyme that is linked with breast car.
Jowar Nutrition is the Best Nutrition
It is obvious jowar is an important ingredient for the recipe of a well-balanced diet. It not only provides us with nutrition but also keeps us feeling fuller after meals. This means that it will be less tempting to go for sugary, carb-filled food afterward. Of course, it is always okay to indulge in your temptations. That is also a part of looking after yourself. But adding healthy components to meals can help balance that, so you can enjoy your favorite food without worrying about it.
At the end of the day, as beneficial as jowar is, you should still trust your own body and its response. Some people might just be allergic to it or might not digest it well. In such cases, always choose alternatives which suit you the most. Remember that your body is your final judgment call to anything. It will tell you when it is comfortable with something and it will certainly inform you when it is not. All you have to do is listen to it and trust.
Choose the food and fitness which makes you feel most at home. Do not do anything out of shame or anger. It is okay to have certain plans for your health, it is okay if they fall through sometimes. Remind yourself that you are doing your best and keep going with that faith. We at The Voice of Woman are cheering you on in your journey!
Also read: Benefits of Super Grain Fonio
