Jowar: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Introduction

Many Indians eat roti daily, which is one of the staple foods of many states. There are many types of roti, and jowar is one of such cereals which is popularly used for making rotis. Jowar is also known as durra, jowari, sorghum, great millet and milo. It is mainly cultivated in India and Nigeria. It is one of the topmost produced cereal crops, which ranks fifth after maize, wheat, rice, and barley. Jowar is also grown in other countries like the United States, Mexico and Australia, but as an animal feed. It contains various nutrients and may be beneficial for health¹. Let’s read and find out more in detail. Let us discuss more health benefits of the jowar.

Nutritional Value of Jowar

100g of jowar provides an energy of 329 kcal. The nutrients present in it are as follows²: 

• Carbohydrates: 72.1 g
• Proteins: 10.6 g
• Fibre: 6.7 g
• Sugars: 2.53 g
• Fats: 3.46 g
• Iron: 3.36 mg
• Calcium: 13 mg
• Potassium: 363 mg
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Zinc: 1.67 mg
• Magnesium: 165 mg
• Phosphorous: 289 mg

The vitamins present in jowar are as follows: 

• Vitamin B1 (thiamin) 
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) 
• Vitamin B3 (niacin) 
• Vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) 
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 
• Vitamin E (tocopherol) 

Properties of Jowar

Jowar might possess the following properties³: 

• It might act as an antioxidant 
• It might act as an anti-cancer agent  
• It might lower the blood glucose level 
• It might help in weight management 
• It might safeguard the heart 
• It might lower the cholesterol levels
• It might help with bone health  
• It might help with digestion 
• It might help blood circulation 
• It might boost energy levels

Potential Uses of Jowar for Overall Health

Jowar contains various phenolic compounds and other bioactive compounds. It is highly nutritious. Therefore, it might be of potential use for various conditions that are stated below. 

1. Potential uses of jowar for oxidative stress 

Jowar may contain many bioactive compounds which may act as an antioxidant agent. This antioxidant property might be due to the presence of various phenolic compounds, especially condensed tannins. These compounds might help in the neutralisation of free radicals, which cause a decrease in oxidative stress. Jowar might help in reducing oxidative stress and may also fight against various chronic diseases⁴. However, more research is required to prove the role of jowar in decreasing oxidative stress. Kindly consult a doctor for chronic diseases and do not self-medicate.

2. Potential uses of jowar for diabetes 

A study⁵ conducted showed that jowar might fight against diabetes. It was seen that jowar might have the potential to lower the blood glucose level. It was seen that the grains of jowar might be effective in reducing the activity of certain enzymes involved in the breakdown of starch into glucose, which leads to an increase in blood glucose. Therefore, by inhibiting these enzymes, jowar might help in lowering the blood glucose level, and this may be due to the presence of tannins. However, more research is required to prove these claims. Therefore, kindly consult a qualified doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment of a serious condition like diabetes and do not self-medicate. 

3. Potential uses of jowar for weight management 

Sorghum or jowar is a grain which is digested slowly by our body. Jowar contains condensed tannins, which may react with starches and proteins to form a bulk in the intestines, making it even less digestible⁶. It was seen that jowar intake may feel more satisfied and fuller in the stomach. Thus, it might help in reducing calorie intake and might be good for weight management. Furthermore, in comparison to whole grain biscuits, jowar biscuits may cause lower hunger and higher satiety. Kindly ensure that you consult with a doctor before including jowar in your diet for weight management.

4. Potential uses of jowar for the heart 

Jowar might have cholesterol-lowering potential. Cholesterol might build up in the blood vessels, block them and cause decreased blood flow to the heart. This blockage in the heart due to cholesterol leads to the improper functioning of the heart. Phytosterols and polycosanols are lipids present in jowar that might help regulate the synthesis, absorption and excretion of cholesterol⁶. Thus, affecting the cholesterol levels in the blood, jowar might reduce the risk of heart diseases. If you have any heart problems, consult your doctor and get proper treatment. Do not self-medicate.

5. Potential uses of jowar for inflammation 

Numerous studies have shown that the phenolic compounds present in jowar might be effective against inflammatory markers. The phenolic compounds of jowar might influence and interfere with the inflammatory processes by affecting the activity of inflammatory markers. Thus, jowar might help in alleviating inflammation^{3, 6}. If you have any inflammatory problems, consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.  

6. Potential uses of jowar for cancer  

Studies showed that phenolic compounds present in jowar may have antioxidant potential, which may help as an anticancer agent. A compound like 3-deoxyanthocyanidins (a phenolic compound) may fight against the growth of cancer cells involved in cancers of the colon, hepatoma, oesophagus, breast, and stomach⁷. Cancer is a serious condition, and if you have cancer, consult a doctor and get proper medication. Do not self-medicate.  

Though there are studies that show the potential uses of jowar in various conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of jowar on human health.  

How to Use Jowar?

Jowar can be used for making various kinds of food. It can be used to make: 

• Tortillas (Roti) 
• Porridges 
• Couscous  
• Baked goods  
• Snacks 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking jowar in large quantities or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

Also Read: 12 Nutritional Benefits Of Bajra (Pearl Millets)

Side Effects of Jowar

Jowar is a relatively safe cereal grain that is consumed. It is relatively safe when consumed in food quantities. However, it may have certain unknown side effects which need to be uncovered by further research and exploration. Therefore, kindly consult a doctor immediately if you notice any unusual symptoms after eating jowar. 

Precautions to take with Jowar

There is insufficient data regarding the consumption of jowar for pregnant and breastfeeding women. So, it is advised to consult a doctor before eating jowar. There is insufficient data regarding the effects of jowar on children and elderly individuals. Kindly consult a doctor before giving it to them. 

Also Read: Coconut Milk: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects and More!

Interactions with Other Medicines

Jowar might react with unknown drugs, which need to be explored by further research. Kindly consult a doctor if you are undergoing any treatment and are on medication for the same.

Also Read: Poha: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects & More

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Dutta N. Use of sorghum/jowar for various purposes in different states of India. International Journal of Modern Agriculture. 2021 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://www.modern-journals.com/index.php/ijma/article/view/1089/920 
2. Sorghum grain nutrition facts and analysis. NutritionValue.org. [Internet]. [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Sorghum_grain_nutritional_value.html?size=100+g 
3. Tanwar R, Panghal A, Chaudhary G, Kumari A, Chhikara N. Nutritional, phytochemical and functional potential of sorghum: A review. Food Chemistry Advances. 2023 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772753X23003222 
4. Xu J, Wang W, Zhao Y. Phenolic compounds in whole grain sorghum and their health benefits. Foods. 2021 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8392263/ 
5. Park JH, Lee SH, Chung IM, Park Y. Sorghum extract exerts an anti-diabetic effect by improving insulin sensitivity via PPAR-γ in mice fed a high-fat diet. Nutrition Research and Practice. 2012 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3439576/ 
6. Xiong Y, Zhang P, Warner RD, Fang Z. Sorghum grain: From genotype, nutrition, and phenolic profile to its health benefits and food applications. Indian Institute of Millets Research. 2019 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://www.millets.res.in/pdf/ext-links-Sorghum_Grain-Genetics_Nutrition_Phenolic_Profile_Health_Benefits_and_Food_Applications.pdf 
7. Collins A, Santhakumar AB, Francis N, Blanchard C, Chinkwo K. Impact of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L. Moench) phenolic compounds on cancer development pathways. Food Bioscience. 2024 [cited 2025 May 16]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212429224006072 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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