Last updated on June 20th, 2023 at 04:36 pm
On the 31st of January, Jitendra Singh said that millet can solve the growing problem of diabetes and obesity.
Diabetes and obesity are two of the most pressing health problems faced by people across the world. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people with diabetes has increased from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014, and the trend is expected to continue.
Similarly, the number of people affected by obesity has increased tenfold since 1975, with over 650 million people worldwide being classified as obese in 2016.
“With an estimated 69.2 million people living with diabetes and over 97 million people being classified as obese. In light of this growing health crisis, there is a need for effective solutions that can help manage and prevent these conditions”.
Enter millets, a group of nutrient-dense grains that have been a staple food in India for centuries. Recent research has shown that a diet rich in millet may have numerous health benefits, including the management of diabetes and obesity.
A study conducted by the National Institute of Nutrition in Hyderabad, India found that consuming millet as a staple food can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
The study participants who followed a diet rich in millet for 12 weeks showed a significant reduction in their fasting blood glucose levels and improved insulin sensitivity compared to those who followed a diet rich in rice.
The study also found that consuming millet as a staple food can lead to weight loss, which is crucial in the management of obesity. This is because millets are high in fiber and protein, which helps regulate appetite and promotes a feeling of fullness.
Additionally, millets are low in glycemic index, which means they release glucose slowly into the bloodstream, providing sustained energy without the spikes and crashes associated with high-glycemic index foods.
