What is our current population ? What is the common problem in many people now – a – days ? Is the common problem a age related one ? Do you know how many people are ending their lives because of this common epidemic ? So , there is a need for us to know about this epidemic and the tips to keep this in control with our diet . Inorder to control this epidemic disease , what should we consume in our diet ? Do you want to answers for all these questions ? So, lets get started ..! By the end of this article you will get to know answers for all these questions …!
Now-a-days diabetes is a very common epidemic . India is known as the world’s capital of diabetes . It is the biggest epidemic of the 21st century . So, according to the survey conducted by WHO ( World Health Organisation ) in 2005 says that : 69.2 million Indians are having diabetes .There is no doubt , if the unhealthy practices continue in the same manner the number will reach to 98 million people having type-2 diabetes by the year 2030 . So, now our current trending topic is how to control diabetes using millets ?
MILLETS : Millets are small seeded grasses , that are grown as cereal crops having numerous health benefits . In India , pearl millet , finger millet , foxtail millet , little millet , barnyard millet & sorghum have been used for ages . They are gluten free , loaded with protein , fibre and are also rich in vitamins , calcium , iron , magnesium and zinc . There are many health benefits offered by millets . Some of the health benefits are as follows :
- Minimises the risk of type 2 diabetes
- Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Adequate levels of essential amino acids
- Presence of polyunsaturated fatty acids .
- High fibre content
Millets like jowar , finger millet , bajra became a very important part of indian’s diet . With the passage of time they were started appreciating the health benefits offered by it . Millets are also known to bolster diabetic management measures . By consuming millets on a regular basis , a diabetic can expect to steer clear from the dangerous spikes in blood sugar levels , which may lead to numerous complications .
Why millets ? Why not other grains ?
Millets are the powerhouse of the nutrients . Fibers offer satiety . Therefore , there is a good chance to manage blood sugar levels . Millets contain a higher amount of protein in comparison to rice & wheat . The healthy fats in it strengthens nerves . The presence of Vitamin B,B3,B6 & folic acid makes one feel energetic .
RISE OF RICE & TYPE 2 DIABETES : Think about your grandparents , why they don’t have any chronic illness / non communicable diseases like diabetes , hyper tension or hyperlipidemia ( cholesterol ) ..!? The reason is the food they consumed was diverse eventhough they used to consume local products . Their diet is full of seasonal varieties of fruits & vegetables , lentils , rice and generous amounts of millets .
Millets – Health Benefits :
- Promotes heart health
- Risk of cardiovascular diseases are reduced to a larger extent
- Helps to reduce cholesterol levels
- Improves the health of GI tract
- Reduces the risk of cancer
- Improves immunity of the body
- Helps to detoxify the body
Consumption of millets reduces the risk of diabetes in non – diabetics and helps to regulate the blood sugar levels due to its low glycemic index . Yet , there is another reason why to consider millets in your diet . If you replace a part of your diet with millets you may manage your blood sugar levels . Millets also contain some phytonutrients such as trypsin inhibitors , phytic acid , tannins , oxalates and goitrogens .
Storage tips :
- Purchase in small quantities
- Store in an air tight container
- Keep them in a cool & dry place
Millets are slow digesting and are ideal to be used by diabetic people . These are gluten free grains . By replacing rice with millets , can significantly bring down blood sugar levels in those people suffering from type 2 diabetes . Millets also manage postprandial hyperglycemia , which is a major risk factor . Thus , millets can get down your blood sugar levels .
Know : Food Tech..! 