Written on
What is Sorghum?
First things first, what is Sorghum, even? Sorghum, also known as great millet or Indian millet, and jawar, is a cereal grain from the grass family (Poaceae). Globally, it ranks as the fifth most produced cereal crop, following wheat, corn (maize), rice, and barley. But the reason you may not have heard about it is because it is primarily eaten in Africa and Asia, despite the US being a huge producer of sorghum. Recently, however, it has been quickly gaining popularity worldwide, especially as a gluten-free alternative, and because it has the lowest glucose of all grains.
It’s hard to pin down exactly one reason we love Sorghum, but if we had to pick, it’d be just how packed it is with rich vitamins, minerals – such as thiamine, riboflavin, and niacin – and health benefits like antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic properties. In addition, for those with gluten sensitivities, sorghum flour is an excellent substitute for wheat. It really is an all-star ingredient!
How Sorghum Builds Healthier Testosterone
One of the lesser-known benefits of sorghum is its potential to support testosterone production—a crucial hormone for both men and women. But before we jump into that, let’s answer why testosterone is so important.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. It is vital for reproductive tissues, and plays a significant role in muscle strength, bone density, energy levels and libido. Don’t be fooled because women also produce and need testosterone (even if it’s in smaller amounts).
So, back to our original point – how does sorghum play into this? Sorghum contains key nutrients like zinc and magnesium, both of which are linked to the support of testosterone creation. Zinc, in particular, is critical for maintaining healthy testosterone levels, while magnesium is known to enhance testosterone production, especially when combined with physical activity. As an added bonus, sorghum is rich in antioxidants which reduce stress, which can hinder testosterone production.
Gaining Muscle with SorghumThe older we get, the harder it seems to build and maintain muscle mass – this is especially true
for perimenopausal women. In fact, after the age of 30, muscle mass naturally declines by about 3-8% per decade, a process which only accelerates the older we get. This loss of muscle mass not only affects strength and physical prowess, but it also affects our longevity and overall health.
Enter sorghum. With a protein content of around 10%, sorghum helps build and maintain muscle mass while providing the complex carbohydrates needed for sustained energy! Only half a cup of the grain will deliver more than 20% of the daily requirement for essential nutrients, including protein, fiber, and iron – multivitamin, who? And before you ask if this is normal for most grains, sorghum contains almost 2x the amount of protein as quinoa and also contains more iron than a small serving of sirloin steak. Meaning? Sorghum should be your go-to for a natural source of all necessary vitamins and minerals to maintain a healthy body, especially in later years.
Sorghum for Weight Loss
Our final hat trick with this incredible cereal grain is that it also helps with weight loss. Because it’s high in dietary fiber, sorghum promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing overall food intake and helping to control weight. Its low glycemic index also ensures that it doesn’t cause rapid spikes in blood sugar – which tends to be a cause for sudden cravings.
The ancient grain of our dreams
Besides tasting good, Sorghum is a powerhouse of nutrients that can support muscle tone, boost testosterone, aid in weight management, as well as get you most of your necessary vitamins and minerals. With all its versatility and health benefits, it’s hard to imagine why Sorghum hasn’t always been in our pantries.
Sources: https://www.lybrate.com/topic/benefits-of-sorghum-and-its-side-effects
https://sorghumgrowers.com/magazine/research-shows-potential-sorghum-health-benefits/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8392263/
