Sorghum
Scientific Name: Sorghum bicolor
Bahasa Indonesia: Sorgum
Batak: Sorgum
Basic Information:
Sorghum is a genus of flowering plants in the grass family Poaceae. A majority of species are native to Australia, with the range of some extending to Africa, Asia, Mesoamerica, and certain islands in the Indian and Pacific oceans. Sorghum has a straight, solid stem with one or more tillers and curving leaves arranged alternately on the stems. When the plant flowers, yellow anthers begin to appear on the head. Sorghum is a staple food in Asia and Africa where the grain can be boiled and eaten in a manner similar to roasted or popped rice. Sweet sorghum varieties can be processed into syrups and molasses. It can also be used to produce flour, which can be used to make bread. Sorghum grain is also used extensively as animal feed and sodder.
Health Benefits:
- Promotes a Healthy Heart – high amounts of fiber help scrape and remove LDL from your arteries.
- Healthy and Clean Digestive Tract – about 44% of the required daily intake of fiber is present in sorghum.
- Bone Health – high levels of magnesium increases your body’s rate of calcium absorption.
- Manage Diabetes – helps to regulate blood sugar levels and aids in the regulation of insulin.
- Healthy Skin – a paste can be made out of sorghum to clear your skin of toxins. It also prevents the production of melanoma cells.
- Source of Energy – high fiber helps maintain an optimum level of energy.
- Celiac Friendly – this grain provides a gluten-free option to enjoy bread, cereal, and other usually glutinous foods.
- Immunity Booster – the vitamin C present helps boost your levels of immunity and increase white blood cell production.
- Weight Loss – because it is so high in fiber, it keeps us full for longer. Sorghum sweetener can also be a healthy alternative to sugar or processed sweeteners.
- Improves Eye Health – the vitamin A present helps keep eyes healthy and cataract free.
- Blood Circulation – vitamins, minerals, and fiber present are extremely helpful in maintaining blood flow in the body.
Fun Facts:
- Sorghum can be harvested three times a year and it is drought and heat resistant
- The name “sorghum” comes from Italian “sorgo”, in turn from Latin “Syricum” meaning “Grain of Syria.”
- The U.S. is the largest producer of sorghum, and 46% is used as livestock feed.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorghum
https://plantvillage.psu.edu/topics/sorghum/infos
https://www.naturalfoodseries.com/11-benefits-sorghum/
https://sorghumgrowers.com/2011/07/21/ten-things-you-may-not-know-about-sorghum/