Why you should add sorghum to your daily diet
What's the story
Sorghum is a resilient, thousands-of-years-old African grain. Known for its ability to grow in the driest of conditions, sorghum is increasingly gaining traction as a superfood for its nutritional benefits and versatility. Not only is this ancient grain drought-resistant, but it is also packed with essential nutrients, rendering it an important crop for food security and health. Here's what makes sorghum a valuable addition to diets worldwide.
Nutrients
Nutritional powerhouse
Packed with essential nutrients, sorghum is rich in iron, magnesium, and phosphorus. It is also a good source of B vitamins such as niacin and thiamine, which play an important role in energy production and keeping cells healthy. Further, sorghum is rich in antioxidants to fight oxidative stress in the body. With such a nutritious profile, it is an ideal addition to your healthy diet!
Cooking
Versatile culinary uses
Sorghum is such a versatile grain that it can be used in a number of ways in the kitchen. It can be cooked whole or ground into flour and used for baking. Sorghum flour makes an excellent gluten-free substitute for bread, pancakes, and other baked goods. The grain can also be popped like popcorn or used as a base for porridge.
Sustainability
Environmental benefits
The cultivation of sorghum provides tremendous environmental benefits as it is drought-resistant and needs less water than other grains such as wheat or rice. This makes it the perfect crop in areas grappling with water scarcity problems, while also contributing positively towards sustainable agriculture practices worldwide by reducing dependence on irrigation systems.
Livelihoods
Economic impact on farmers
For many farmers across Africa, where sorghum has its roots, the crop is economically vital. It provides stable income opportunities even when other crops fail due to adverse weather conditions like droughts or floods. These challenges often impact yields negatively across the globe, making sorghum a reliable source of livelihood for these farmers in difficult times.