What is Sorghum?

You might be asking yourself, what is sorghum and why haven’t I heard of it before? Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many people have never heard of this grain before, let alone tasted it. But you might be surprised to know that Sorghum is considered the fifth most important crop in the world, as it is extremely versatile in use. It is not only consumed as a whole grain and as flour, but it is also used to produce sorghum syrups and molasses, as well as bio-fuels and alcoholic beverages. Sorghum is also considered to be the fifth most important crop due to the fact that it is extremely drought and heat resistant, making it a sustainable and reliable food source for many populations.

So what exactly is Sorghum?

Sorghum is an ancient cereal grain that originated in Africa and is now consumed as a staple crop across India and the Middle East. Sorghum has a mild, earthy and slightly nutty flavour and can be used to replace other grains such as quinoa, brown rice and cous cous in many recipes.

One of the best things about is Sorghum, is that fact that it is inherently gluten-free, making it a great option for those suffering from coeliac disease or gluten intolerances. Sorghum is also packed full of fibre and protein as well as plenty of vitamins and minerals (including: thiamine, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, iron, calcium, and potassium). With such an impressive nutrient profile, it is understandable why there are many health benefits associated with the consumption of sorghum.

What are the health benefits of eating sorghum?

It is believed that the consumption of sorghum is associated with a decreased risk of developing cancer, obesity, cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol. Sorghum is also great for improving digestive health, bone strength, immune function and diabetes management.

1. Decreasing Your Risk of Cancer: Sorghum is a rich source of antioxidants and phytochemicals, both of which have the potential to significantly impact health. It is believe that due to the antioxidant properties, sorghum has similar health benefits to fruit, and as such works to neutralize free radicals in the body.
2. Decreasing Your Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: the consumption of sorghum is believed to lower the amount of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the body, which in turns helps to prevent many cardiovascular related illnesses.
3. Improving Digestive Health: Sorghum is packed full of fibre, which aids healthy bowel movements and keeps your gut feeling healthy.
4. Strengthens Your Bones: Sorghum is a rich source of calcium and magnesium, two minerals that help to build and strengthen your bones.
5. Aids Immune Function: The vast array of vitamins and minerals helps fuel your body with the nutrients needed to defend against illness and strengthen your immune system.
6. Improves Diabetes Management: Sorghum is low in GI, meaning that the carbohydrates in the grain break down at a slower rate, which helps to release sugar into the bloodstream more steadily. This assist with diabetes management, as it prevents too much sugar being released into the bloodstream at one time.

With so many benefits associated with the consumption of sorghum, it is surprising that it is not more commonly used throughout Australia. But have no fear, Real Foods like to get ahead of the trends and deliver the innovative products, which is why they have designed new Whole Grain Thins™ Ancient Grains. If you have never tried sorghum before, this is the perfect opportunity to give them a taste. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

Article by Rachel Parfitt at @Thenutritionplayground.