Context

Recent researches show that Jowar (sorghum)  can be an ideal alternative to wheat in times of increasing temperatures.

Background

• The study was carried out by researchers from Columbia University, US; Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences; Indian School of Business; University of Delaware, US; Indian Institute of Technology Bombay; Yale University, US; and Washington State University, US.

• It focused on the two main Rabi cereals in India, wheat and jowar.
• The research highlighted the need for climate-smart agriculture interventions, specifically in the Rabi season.
• It stated the following benefits of Jowar over wheat:-
• Jowar is more resilient to projected climate changes but also requires much less water.
• While wheat is highly sensitive to increases in maximum daily temperature, jowar can handle temperature increases with far less impact on yields.
• Wheat requires 1.4 times more water than jowar owing to the extension of its growth cycle into summer.

About Jowar

• It is a rainfed crop mostly grown in moist areas, which hardly needs irrigation. 
• It is the third most important food crop with respect to area and production.
• Rainfall: moderate rainfall of 30-100 cm.
• Temperatures: high temperatures ranging from 20 to 32°C.
• Vulnerability of Jowar: Both excessive moisture and prolonged drought are harmful.
• Soil: Well-drained light soils are ideal.
• It is cultivated as the major food crop in semi-arid areas of central and south India.
• In north India, Jowar is mainly a Kharif crop whereas it is sown as both Kharif and Rabi in the southern states.
• Highest producers: Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• India is the largest producer of jowar in the world.

Health Benefits of Jowar

• Gluten-free
  • Jowar, a gluten-free whole grain, is considered an excellent alternative for people who suffer from ‘gluten intolerance’.
• High in fiber
  • Compared to other cereal grains like barley or rice, jowar contains a much higher concentration of fiber.
• Controls Blood Sugar Levels:
  • Jowar is a complex carbohydrate that digests slowly.
  • As a result, it leads to stable blood sugar levels.
  • Hence, it is a great diet choice for diabetics and people who want to lose weight
• High in Protein: 100 grams of Jowar provides 11 grams of protein, which supplies the body with energy and aids in cell regeneration.
• Full of Iron: Jowar contains 8.45 mg of iron in every cup.
• Bone Health: Jowar Good is d for Bone Health because it contains high magnesium levels.
  • It helps maintain calcium levels in the body as magnesium increases calcium absorption.
• Packed with Vitamins, Minerals, and Micronutrients
  • It contains B vitamins, which help the body build new tissues and cells and potassium and phosphorus.
  • It contains traces of zinc, copper, and over 20 micronutrients and high levels of antioxidants.
• Helps Weight Loss
  • Jowar has a much higher concentration of dietary fiber when compared to other cereal grains.
  • This high fiber content ensures higher satiety levels, lowering consumption by keeping hunger pangs at bay.
  • This makes it the ideal whole-grain option for weight loss.
• Improves Digestive System
  • The high dietary fiber content in Jowar also helps improve digestion.
  • The whole grain helps improve digestive health and helps to treat conditions like diarrhea, bloating, stomach ache and constipation.
• Improves Heart Health
  • The abundance of fiber in jowar helps lower LDL (or bad cholesterol) levels in the body, thus reducing the risk of a heart attack.
  • The cholesterol-lowering properties of jowar also reduce the chances of hindered blood flow, arteriosclerosis and plaque formation.
  • The whole grain also contains antioxidants, apart from nutrients like magnesium, iron, and vitamins B and E. As a result, it helps avoid several cardiovascular conditions.
  • Jowar also helps regulate plasma LDL cholesterol concentration while improving the HDL levels in the body.
  • Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): the “bad” cholesterol which transports cholesterol particles throughout your body.
  • High-density lipoprotein (HDL): the “good” cholesterol, picks up excess cholesterol and takes it back to your liver.
• Improves Energy Levels
  • Sorghum contains high amounts of niacin (or Vitamin B3).
  • Niacin ensures that the energy levels in the body are consistent throughout the day.
• Boosts Blood Circulation
  • Iron and copper are two essential minerals found in Jowar.
  • These minerals come together to play a vital role in improving the body’s blood circulation.
  • It also improves the overall circulation of blood in the body while reducing the chances of
  • Anemia: a problem of not having enough healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jowar (sorghum)

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