Low glycemic pulses could help control sugar levels
Research has shown that regular intake of pulses and reducing the consumption of rice could prevent diabetes or help manage the disorder.
Chennai: Pulses - chickpea, lentils, beans etc.- could help lower blood sugar level as they have low glycemic index. Research has shown that regular intake of pulses and reducing the consumption of rice could prevent diabetes or help manage the disorder.
These nutritional powerhouses which are rich in protein, fibre and complex carbohydrates, low in fat and sodium and contain a variety of vitamins and minerals form an important or major portion of a healthy diet both for children and adults too. “Research in Canada has shown that one can keep the blood sugar level about 20 per cent less if one eats pulses regularly,” claims Dr S. A. Patil, consultant, Indo-Morocco Food Legume Initiative, MSSR, on Tuesday.
The health benefits of pulses are numerous. They are packed with proteins, double that found in wheat and three times that of rice. They are also rich in micronutrients, amino acids and b-vitamins, which the FAO has underlined. Research has shown that pulses could also help one maintain high energy levels throughout the day, control the appetite and lower your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. According to the India Pulses and Grains Association pulses contain potassium, a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance and maintain normal blood pressure.
In their perspective on Global pulses consumption, production and trade scenario: Trends and outlook, Pramod K Joshi Director, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), New Delhi and P Parthasarathy Rao, International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Hyderabad, India, pulse based food is an important source of dietary protein and essential minerals. On an average at the global level, pulses share 5 % of the total protein consumption but their contribution in several developing countries range from 10 to 40 %.