Wheat is a staple grain widely consumed worldwide. Its high demand makes it the world’s third most-produced crop. There has been an increase in the demand for wheat products– from traditional food items to western products; wheat is routinely consumed worldwide.
There are different wheat species grown worldwide. The most commonly grown is Triticum aestivum. While some varieties are adapted for the hot and dry Mediterranean, some kinds of wheat that grow in colder climates are ideal for making kinds of pasta.
If thoughts like “Is wheat chapati good for diabetes?” have come to your mind, you are not alone.
Carbohydrates : Carbohydrates are the primary source of body energy, and wheat contains a sufficient amount of this nutrient.
Protein : Proteins make up nearly 8% to 15% of the dry wheat weight. Consuming wheat will ensure you get sufficient protein for your body to function.
Minerals : Wheat contains lots of minerals, and its concentration varies depending upon the type of wheat, soil conditions, and agricultural practices. Eating wheat every day can give you nearly 70% of your daily recommended intake of minerals. Minerals in wheat flour are calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, selenium, manganese, phosphorous, copper, and potassium.
Antioxidants : Antioxidants are substances that protect cells and tissues from oxidative damage, which leads to diseases. Wheat is packed with antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin, lowering your risk of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. These antioxidants are found in the wheat kernel, and so, they are present in the whole wheat powder.
Fibre : Whole grains like wheat contain high fibre, which is beneficial to our health for the following reasons:
Wheat is preferred over rice due to its low glycemic index of 30. Foods with a low glycemic index cause blood sugar levels to rise slowly. This makes it easy to lose weight, manage blood glucose levels better and achieve better recovery after exercise.
Wheat is an excellent source of carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, making it beneficial for our health. These benefits of wheat include:
Wheat is one of the first alternatives for persons with diabetes if they are told to abort rice. If you are thinking about how wheat and diabetes are linked, here are some benefits of wheat for people with diabetes:
Wheat is effective for blood sugar management in persons with diabetes for multiple reasons:
Persons with diabetes can easily include wheat in their daily diet. A few simple yet tasty ideas include:
Wheat has a very low glycemic index of 54, making it a great whole grain for persons with diabetes.
While whole wheat is beneficial for persons with diabetes, when it is mixed with refined flour, the GI score of the mixture increases, spelling trouble as it increases postprandial blood sugar levels significantly. People with diabetes and celiac disease must opt for gluten-free grains and flours.
Consuming adequate but portioned amounts of whole wheat during the day is more beneficial. If you have diabetes and are wondering, “Is wheat good for diabetes?” Whether wheat consumption is healthy or not, consult with your doctor. Persons with diabetes must exercise regularly and take their medications while eating a healthy diet to keep their blood sugar levels within the normal range.
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