Note to readers: Ancient Wisdom shines a light on ancient wisdom that has helped generations of people with time-honored wellness solutions for everyday fitness issues, persistent health issues, stress management, and more. This is a guide series to help you guess. Through this series, we aim to draw on traditional insights to offer modern solutions to health concerns.
Many ancient crops are making their way back into our daily diets thanks to their superior nutritional profiles and the trend of people choosing holistic health over sinful indulgence. Jowar, or sorghum, is a millet that is thousands of years old and contains truckloads of phytochemicals that help with weight loss, heart health, and blood control, as well as iron, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, complex carbohydrates, and It contains many essential nutrients such as fiber. Cut sugar and cholesterol. Jowar also contains vitamins thiamin, niacin, folic acid, and riboflavin, which help in achieving overall health and stamina. Eating jowar regularly is also beneficial for the digestive system as it meets 48% of the dietary fiber requirement for adults and can prevent bloating, constipation, indigestion, cramps and other gastrointestinal problems.
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Jowar also has anti-cancer properties as it contains amazing antioxidants that can reduce the risk of esophageal and stomach cancer. This happens because these antioxidants help scavenge free radicals that promote the formation of cancer cells. According to the magazine ‘Nutrition’, consuming jowar can significantly lower LDL cholesterol levels. Jowar can also control blood sugar levels as it regulates insulin sensitivity and is considered a medium glycemic index grain.
“Jowar or sorghum, an ancient millet, is nutritionally comparable to major grains and has many health-protective properties that encourage its consumption. There are many varieties of jowar, some for animal feed. Although used as a substitute for molasses, as syrup and as a substitute for molasses, the flour is incorporated into the food industry to produce a variety of foods such as gluten-free flour, bakery foods, as pop or flake cereals, and as a substitute for rice. It can be used as food and is used to make many traditional dishes such as upma, porridge, pancakes, khichdi etc. It is also used to make alcoholic drinks,” says nutritionist Priya Paran.
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Health benefits of jowar or sorghum
Priya Paran says jowar is packed with powerful nutrients.
- It is an excellent source of plant-based protein and helps meet the protein requirements of a vegan diet.
- Rich in dietary fiber, it helps manage weight, lower cholesterol, and maintain blood sugar levels.
- High levels of antioxidants, such as flavonoids, help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.
- It is an excellent source of magnesium and B vitamins, which help maintain bone, skin, and hair health.
- Acts as an energy booster and promotes intestinal health. It’s naturally gluten-free, making it a healthy option for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Jowar is a relatively safe grain to consume, but if you develop symptoms of an allergy or intolerance, you should seek immediate medical attention. Millets like jowar act as a good source of protein, micronutrients, and phytochemicals that help maintain good health.
“You can eat jowar rotis regularly. The addition of this gluten-free grain can promote weight loss, control blood sugar levels, prevent cancer, and promote gut and heart health. , you can incorporate this humble millet into your diet to stay healthy.” Its incredible health benefits,” says Golf View Healthcare & Research Institute, MBBS, MD, DNB 1 , said Dr. Avik Roy, CCEBDM, ccdm, ccgm, ccigc, ccdr, ccgdm, Diabetology and Geriatrics Consultant.
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How was jowar consumed in ancient times?
“Aside from being consumed as rotis, dosas and cheelas, desi weight loss food can also be eaten in raw form and does not require much cooking. For diabetics, it is considered a complex carbohydrate and is time consuming. It’s a healthy choice because it’s digested so your blood sugar doesn’t spike,” Dr. Roy says.
“Jowar has a rich history dating back thousands of years. In ancient times, it was a staple food source for many cultures, especially in Africa and India. It is usually consumed as a whole grain, unleavened bread, or porridge. Jowar became the basis of the diet of countless communities. The resilience of this crop and its ability to grow in arid regions meant it could sustain populations even in difficult conditions. Now, we have ground jowar to make a traditional unleavened flatbread known as ‘bhakri’ or ‘bhakri’. Rotola. “These nutritious breads were and still are an essential part of the rural diet. They were also used to make porridge and as an ingredient in a variety of local dishes. Their consumption It is a testament to its adaptability and nutritional value, providing essential food for generations,” says Dr. Mitali Rakhit of the Ohio State Hospital.
How to add jowar to your diet
“You can make jowar roti or toss it with vegetables to make upma. You can also swap out the rice and use jowar to make dosas and idlis instead. A flavorful dish If you like sweeter dishes, try jowar pancakes or jowar laddoos,” says Dr. Roy.
“The resurgence of jowar as a superfood in recent years has led to increased interest in its culinary applications,” says Arpita Bose, a nutritionist at the Ohio Hospital in Kolkata’s New Town.
Here are some ways to incorporate this nutritious grain into your diet.
Jowar Roti: Just like in ancient times, you can incorporate jowar flour into your daily diet by making jowar roti. Not only are these unleavened flatbreads delicious, they’re also gluten-free.
jowar upma: Try replacing traditional cereals with jowar in your morning routine. Jowar upma is a flavorful and healthy alternative to regular semolina upma.
Jowar salad: Toasted jowar grains make a crunchy and nutritious addition to salads. They add a pleasant texture and are a source of complex carbohydrates.
jowar flour baking: Jowar flour is great for baking and allows you to easily make gluten-free cookies, cakes, and breads.
Jowar porridge: Cook jowar grains in milk or water and add your favorite fruits and nuts for a hearty and nutritious breakfast. ”
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Who should not have jowar?
“If you eat too much ragi or jowar, you are more likely to feel bloated and gassy. If you have kidney stones, avoid eating these grains as they can worsen the problem. Excess consumption of these grains can lead to weight gain,’ says Dr. Roy.
“While jowar is a nutritious grain with many health benefits, it is not suitable for everyone. People with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity may be affected by the risk of cross-contamination during processing. People with kidney stones should consume jowar in moderation as the oxalates in jowar can contribute to stone formation. ” said Jayati Rakith, MD, FACC, clinical director and co-founder of The Ohio Hospital.
Interesting facts about jowar
“Jowar is an important crop that provides food, fodder and fodder in the arid and semi-arid tropical regions of the world. Jowar is a staple food for the rural poor in this country and other African countries. It is primarily used to feed livestock. and for industrial purposes in the United States and other developed countries,” says Dr. Roy.
Diverse varieties: Jowar comes in different colors such as white, red, and yellow. Each variety has its own nutritional profile.
Rich in nutrients: Jowar is a highly nutritious region that boasts an abundance of dietary fiber, essential minerals such as magnesium and phosphorus, and B vitamins.
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Resilient crops: Jowar is drought tolerant and can grow in harsh environments, making it an important food source in many arid regions around the world.
Animal feed: Apart from human consumption, jowar is also widely used as animal feed due to its high nutritional value.
Potential of biofuels: Jowar is being investigated as a potential biofuel source contributing to sustainable and environmentally friendly energy production.
next series
Did you enjoy reading part 18 of our series on ancient wisdom? Part 19, which explains the benefits of honey, will be released on October 23rd. looking forward to.
