Jowar, high fibre content, antioxidant activity, anti-carcinogenic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, nutraceutical activity, hypoglycemic activity, hypolipidemic activity and cardio protective activity
Description : Jowar is also known as sorghum, is one of the most nutrient dense grains, which belongs to grass
Article Details :
Jowar is also known as sorghum, is one of the most nutrient dense grains, which belongs to grass family Poaceae. It has been used for centuries for various therapeutic purposes.
Types of Jowar
- Jowar is generally found in two forms, which include white jowar and yellow jowar
- Both of these jowar are packed with antioxidants and their consumption significantly decreases the susceptibility of chronic illness as they helps to protect the body from oxidative damages
- They both are rich in fibre thus their consumption is very effective for reducing the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes and hyperlipiemia
- They only differ in their glycemic index. White jowar has the glycemic index of 49.85 whereas yellow jowar has the glycemic index of 52.56
Nutritional profile
- It contains significant amount of carbohydrate especially complex carbohydrate
- It is rich in fibres as well
- It is high in protein thus it is considered as a good source of protein for vegans. It has seen that jowar flour provide complete protein if it is consumed with legumes
- It also contains too some extent of fat. It contains both saturated and unsaturated fatty acid but the amount of unsaturated fatty acid is found relatively higher in jowar
- It contains several micronutrients and especially rich in Vitamin B complex, iron, copper, zinc, calcium, phosphorus and potassium
- It is packed with various phytochemicals like tannins, anthocyanins, policosanols, phenolic acids and phytosterols that exert potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and nutraceutical activities, which ultimately help to provide proper protection to the body against diseases
Biological activity
Antioxidant activity
- Its polyphenolic components and micronutrient components are responsible for exerting antioxidant activities
- It helps to protect the body from free radical damages as it decreases the concentration of free radicals by scavenge them
- It also helps to decrease the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which ultimately helps to reduce oxidative stress
- It helps to prevent lipid peroxidation as well
- It also helps to promote cellular functions by preventing cellular damages thus decreases the risk of developing of chronic diseases
Anti-inflammatory activity
- Its phytochemicals components are accountable for exhibiting strong anti-inflammatory activities
- It plays significant role in decreasing the concentration of pro-inflammatory mediators in body thus helps to prevent inflammation
- It has seen that consumption of jowar is very effective for delaying the onset of inflammatory events in body thus reduces the prevalence of chronic inflammatory diseases
- Individual who suffer from arthritis can consume jowar as it helps to prevent joint swelling
Anti-carcinogenic activity
- Consumption of jowar significantly reduces the risk of developing cancer as its phytochemical components act as strong anti-carcinogenic substances
- It plays significant role in decreasing the concentration of carcinogens in body thus protects the body from its harmful consequences
- It is also associated with suppressing the growth of cancerous cells and tumor cells in body by regulating cellular proliferation and apoptosis
Health benefits
Role on digestive health
- Consumption of jowar is incredibly useful for promoting digestive health
- Its high fibre content is responsible for preventing constipation as it helps to increase bowel movement. It helps to increase the mass of stool and makes the stool soft as well, which also facilitates the defecation process thus improves the symptoms of constipation
- Its fibre content helps to promote the growth of intestinal beneficial microbes thus plays significant role in improving gut health as well
- It helps to improve colonic health too as it is related with enhancing peristalsis
- Its consumption is very effective for decreasing the prevalence of bloating, diarrhoea, stomach ache, irritable bowel syndrome etc
Role on skeletal health
- It contains significant amount of calcium as well as phosphorus, both of the minerals are extremely important for the formation of healthy bone tissues thus its consumption is very effective for promoting skeletal health
- It helps to increase bone mass as well
- It helps to increase bone mineral density thus enhances the strength of bones
- Individuals suffer from bone disorders should include jowar in their diet for improving their symptoms rapidly
Role on eyes
- Its consumption is very beneficial for promoting eye health as it contains adequate amount of zinc, which is required for activating the enzyme responsible for Read more
