Sorghum Bicolor Leaves, (Waakye)

Sorghum is an important crop that has long played a vital role in certain diets.

The health benefits of Sorghum are such that it is a good source of vitamins and minerals, has high content of dietary fibres, is a rich source of antioxidants, helps in inhibiting tumour growth, natural cure for patients of diabetes, staple food for celiac patients, lowers blood cholesterol, helps in weight control, provides strong bones, improves mood, boosts energy levels and promotes blood circulation.  

FOR CHOLESTEROL 

Sorghum has the potential for managing blood cholesterol. The dietary fibre of Sorghum helps to reduce the ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) because of its ability to reduce the amount of bile reabsorbed in the intestine. sorghum also have the ability to lower cholesterol levels. Lower level of cholesterol reduces the risk of stroke, chronic inflammation and type 2 diabetes.

FOR WEIGHTLOSS 

Sorghum is an excellent source of dietary fibre and this fibre helps to curb food intake by a sense of stomach fullness leading to increased satiety feeling thereby leading to decrease in food intakes. Sorghum itself is also a low glycaemic index food. Taking sorghum as part of daily diet can help in better control of body weight.

IMPROVES BONE STRENGTH 

Both calcium and magnesium are essential for strong bones. Magnesium stimulates calcium absorption in the body and adequate calcium is essential for bone health and present in sorghum . Deficiency of calcium leads to osteoporosis and arthritis Sorghum is a good source of both calcium and magnesium. Every 100 g of sorghum satisfies 5% of the recommended daily intake of calcium and 40% of the daily recommended intake of magnesium.

IMPROVING MOOD

The vitamin B6 present in Sorghum plays a major role in the production of a neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is responsible for regulating the nerve impulses in the human body. Increased GABA production improves a person’s mood, ability to focus, promoting relaxation and helping to control stress and depression 

BOOST  ENERGY LEVEL

Vitamin B-complex, especially vitamin B3 (Niacin), is important for body’s metabolism and helps the cells produce useable energy. Sorghum contains 28% of the daily required niacin intake. Ingesting sorghum-based food helps to boost the energy level and remain focused on work.

PROMOTES BLOOD CIRCULATION 

Sorghum is very high in both copper and iiron which minerals that are crucial for blood circulation. Iron is important for red blood cell development. Copper helps to increase the uptake of iron in the body. Eating sorghum boosts the red blood cell synthesis and stimulates blood circulation.

Sorghum is known to be rich in phenolic compounds, many of which act as antioxidants. It has also been shown to be good at reducing some forms of inflammation due to its antioxidant properties. Several of the phenolic compounds in sorghum have been linked to anti-cancer effects.

One of the most prominent micronutrients in sorghum is iron.

One-quarter cup of sorghum contains approximately 12% of your daily recommended value.

Other micronutrients found in sorghum include: Potassium, Niacin, Thiamine, Vitamin B6, Phosphorus, Manganese, Magnesium

 ANTI - INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS 

Sorghum is known to be rich in phenolic compounds, many of which act as antioxidants. It has also been shown to be good at reducing some forms of inflammation due to its antioxidant properties.