Here at Origin, we're big fans of this superfood, and we're excited to share with you all the reasons why it's the perfect choice for sports nutrition.
What is Sorghum?
First of all, let's start with the basics. Sorghum is an ancient grain that has been around for thousands of years. And no, it is not a gum, and it doesn't make you sore (har har thanks dad). It's been a staple food source for many cultures around the world and is rapidly growing in popularity in the United States. Sorghum is one of the most drought-resistant crops in the world, which means it requires less water than other grains like wheat and corn, making it an eco-friendly choice, especially in a warming world! And good news, the United States grows over 5 million acres of sorghum every year! It is also most commonly used by farmers as a cover or rotational crop and has also been shown to increase biodiversity and contribute to regenerative agriculture.
Nutritional Powerhouse
But what makes sorghum a superstar in sports nutrition? For starters, it's packed with nutrients. Sorghum grain is an excellent source of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. Certain strains of sorghum even have higher antioxidants than blueberries and pomegranate. It's also high in iron, phosphorus, and magnesium, all of which are essential for athletes. Sorghum's complex carbohydrates provide sustained energy to help athletes power through their workouts and races.
Low Glycemic Index
Sorghum also has a low glycemic index, which means it releases glucose into the bloodstream slowly and steadily, providing sustained energy. This is especially important for athletes who need to maintain their energy levels during long training sessions or races.
Eco-Friendly
Another reason why we love sorghum is its low environmental impact. Sorghum is a crop that requires fewer resources to grow and provides numerous benefits to carbon reduction, soil health, and plant and animal biodiversity. Sorghum is a low water using, carbon-consuming machine! It captures 25% more carbon during respiration than grass-based food crops. It also sends deep and fibrous roots, increasing its ability to mine water and build the soil after harvest. Oh, and the stalks left in the field reduce wind erosion and provide a habitat for wildlife. In short, by choosing sorghum-based sports nutrition products like ours, you're making a positive impact on the environment. The table below shows how many times greater the environmental impact is of our competitors vs sorghum....
| vs Sorghum (per calorie) | Greenhouse Gas Emissions | Water Usage | Nutrient Pollution |
| Corn | 4x | 2x | 8x |
| Rice | 28x | 10x | 20x |
| Sugarcane | 14x | 15x | 17x |
Versatility
Finally, sorghum is incredibly versatile. It can be used in a variety of ways, from flour to syrup to grain. At Origin, we've used sorghum as the main ingredient in our sports nutrition gels to provide athletes with a nutritious, sustainable, and delicious fuel source. But we also have a backlog of other products to launch soon! Join our email list to be the first to know about our sorghum bars and powdered drinks, coming soon!
So, there you have it, folks. Sorghum is an ancient, nutritious, and eco-friendly grain that is perfect for sports nutrition. By choosing sorghum-based products like ours, you're fueling your body with the best possible ingredients while making a positive impact on the environment. So why settle for anything less? Try our sorghum-based gels today and feel the difference for yourself.
Bed Time Reading
Want to read more? Here are a few of our favorite new articles about sorghum:
https://www.runnersworld.com/nutrition-weight-loss/a30615803/what-is-sorghum/
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sorghum
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/dec/15/sorghum-wonder-grain-american-food-quinoa
https://www.bonappetit.com/story/sorghum-syrup
