Millet based diet may help manage diabetes

From timesnownews.com

A recent study shows the promising benefits of millets in the management and prevention of diabetes. Here is what you need to know

New Delhi: Millets are one of the commonly consumed grains in India and go by different names such as baajra, jowar, and ragi. Popular in African and Asian countries, millets belong to the Poaceae family and they are highly nutritious. A recent study published in Frontiers of Nutrition shows the promising benefits of millets in the management and prevention of diabetes. The study was led by International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and is part of the Smart Food initiative. There are various kinds of millets such as little millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet. 

Millet based diet may help manage diabetes

Here is what the study says

According to a recent study published in Frontiers of Nutrition called “A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Potential of Millets for Managing and Reducing the Risk of Developing Diabetes Mellitus”, millet consumption can help manage and reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Its low-glycemic properties make it healthy for diabetes patients.

Dr Raj Bhandari, a representative on the Indian National Technical Board of Nutrition and one of the authors of the study said, ‘’The review concluded that even after boiling, baking and steaming (most common ways of cooking grains), millets had lower GI than rice, wheat and maize.”

Dr S Anitha, a senior nutrition scientist at ICRISAT and the lead author of the study said, “A review of the studies published in scientific journals proves that millets keep blood glucose levels in check, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes."

Health benefits of millets

Some other health benefits of millets are as follows:

1. People with a gluten allergy can consume it safely as millets are gluten-free.
2. Millets possess cholesterol-lowering properties thereby promoting heart health.
3. Millets are a rich source of antioxidants, protein, and dietary fibre.
4. Millets are packed with nutrients that can promote weight loss and management.
5. Due to its antioxidant properties, the consumption of millets can enhance skin health.

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