“Proven Health Benefits of Sorghum Grain”

“Sorghum is High in Protein and Full of Antioxidants—Even More tha
Blueberries”

Sorghum is a grain that has not gotten much press over the years but has many great attributes which make it very important. Sorghum contains lots of protein and contains lots of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and lots of fiber. It also helps to prevent cancer, helps with diabetes, helps with red blood cell production, great for the digestive tract, and builds strong bones. And sorghum syrup is another alte
ative to sugar. And this grain makes a great breakfast cereal and gluten-free flour. Sorghum flour can be used to make pizza, cinnamon rolls, bread and anything else you desire. And sorghum is high in protein and contains more antioxidants than blueberries… and some varieties can be popped like popcorn.

Where it Grows - Sorghum or Sorghum bicolor grows all over the world and it grows fast like a weed… in fact, it is a grass. It originally came from Africa but spread around the globe including Asia, China, the US, South America, Europe, Canada, Russia, and just about everywhere. From planting to harvest it only takes about 6 weeks… and it thrives on soils that other grains would not tolerate and it really likes hot weather.

Other Names - Sorghum is also called Milo, Guinea Corn, Kaoliang in China, in India it is called Jonna, Jowar, and Cholam, Indian Millet, and other names are Durra and Kafir Corn.

Different Types - There is grain sorghum or sometimes called milo… and there are types that can be popped like popcorn. And there is sweet sorghum of which the canes contain a sweet water like sugar and that water is boiled down to make sorghum syrup and molasses. Some sorghum seeds are white, some brown, and even black. And some sorghums are called “broom sorghum” and can be made into brooms for cleaning around the house.

Full of B-Vitamins - Sorghum is full of B-Vitamins for good mood and great vitality, and to prevent birth defects. Also, contains lots of Vitamin B3 which helps to regulate and balance the production of energy. Thus sorghum helps to sustain a person for long periods of time with lots of energy. And a single serving of sorghum contains almost 30% of your daily needs of B3.

Lots of Protein - One cup of sorghum grain contains 22 grams of protein (almost 1/2 our daily needs) thus making it great for building muscle. And sorghum is a great protein source for vegetarians and vegans.

Full of Antioxidants - Sorghum contains lots of antioxidants that help to prevent and repair DNA damage. Thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease, strokes, and even cancer. Sorghum contains lots of anthocyanins, tannins, phenolic acids,, phytosterols, tannins, and policosanols all very important antioxidants. And Sorghum contains more antioxidants than blueberries, plums, and strawberries— Wow!

Helps Diabetics - Sorghum grain contains tannins that help to regulate and inhibit the absorption of carbohydrates. Thus there are no spikes in insulin levels making this a great food for anyone who has blood sugar problems.

Sorghum Syrup and Molasses - Sorghum does contain sugar so it’s not an alte
ative to getting rid of sugar… it’s better to eat the whole grain. But Sorghum syrup and molasses does contain a small amount of phosphorus, potassium, trace minerals, magnesium, B Vitamins, selenium, zinc, iron, calcium, copper, and a few more minerals. Thus making sorghum syrup in some ways healthier than regular sugar which doesn’t contain anything healthy.

Prevents Anemia - A single serving of sorghum contains almost 60% of your daily needs of copper. And it also contains lots of iron and both of them help to prevent anemia.

Animal Food - The whole stalks are chopped and used as food for livestock.

Taste - The grain has a nutty flavor which is wonderful, and the syrup and molasses are to die for… it tastes like honey and brown sugar.

Great for Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance - Sorghum is a grass and thus it’s not related to wheat, spelt, rye, or barley which contain gluten. Thus making sorghum a great none allergic alte
ative for those who suffering from gluten intolerance and celiac disease. And with these 2 gluten challenges spreading around the world sorghum is becoming more important.

Prevents Osteoporosis - Sorghum contains lots of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium which are important for strong bones. Thus helping to prevent osteoporosis and also helps in the prevention of arthritis. Sorghum contains over 50% of our daily phosphorus needs.

Wonderful for the GI Tract - Sorghum contains almost 50% of our daily needs of fiber. And fiber is super important for creating a good environment for growing good bacteria or probiotics. And having lots of probiotics in our colon boosts up our immune system.

Make Alcoholic Beverages - Sorghum also can be fermented to make alcoholic beverages.

Biofuels - Sorghum grain can also be used to make biofuels for cars and trucks.

Great Compost - Sorghum can be chopped up and used as a good composting agent for enriching our soils.

Cooking - Sorghum cooks just like brown rice… very easy.

Culinary Uses - Sorghum grain and flour can be used to make all kinds of great dishes. Just google “Sorghum Grain Recipes” and “Sorghum Flour Recipes” and lots of great recipes will come up. And like I said there is nothing that can’t be made with sorghum flour— it can be used to make bread, pizza, used as whole grains like quinoa and more… let your imagination run wild.

Finding - Sorghum grain, flour, syrup, and molasses can be found at some supermarkets especially in the south, and they can be ordered on-line just google “Buy Sorghum Grain or Syrup or Flour”. And Amazon and eBay also have the grain, flour, and syrup at great prices.

Personally, I feel Sorghum is a grain that everyone should try… it’s much healthier than lots of other grains, plus it’s very tasty, so we need to get the word out.

Enjoy Sorghum—- I call sorghum a super grain!

Dr. Paul Haider - Master Herbalist