Type 2 diabetes details a chronic condition caused by impaired insulin production. Deprived of this key mechanism, your blood glucose is left to its own devices, reaching dangerous levels. Fortunately, according to the new study, eating at a lower risk might work.
The snack contains vitamins B, E and C, as well as minerals. Aside from all these goodies, pseudograin also offers fiber and protein.
Precisely because of these nutritional properties, researchers wanted to investigate whether a quinoa-based diet could promote type 2 diabetes.
The research team led by Diana Díaz Rizzolo recruited nine prediabetic patients over the age of 65.
The subjects were given a glucose monitor that measured their blood sugar every minute of the day.
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They were also asked to keep a record of what they ate, helping to determine the impact of food on blood glucose.
After one month, they were instructed to swap foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as grains, legumes, tubers, and pasta, for quinoa and foods made from this pseudocereal.
Diaz Rizzolo said: “We compared the blood sugar patterns and found that when the participants had eaten quinoa, their peak blood sugar was lower than with their usual diet.
“This is crucial because these spikes in blood sugar after meals are a determining factor in the progression of type 2 diabetes.”
However, the study did not specify how much quinoa the subjects consumed.
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However, the tiny nut could also help control blood sugar levels in those who already suffer from the condition.
People with type 2 diabetes often experience spikes in blood sugar after consuming foods high in carbohydrates.
In addition to its positive effects on blood sugar, the quinoa diet may also be helpful in controlling high cholesterol.
“Quinoa contains a high level of unsaturated fats, antioxidants and polyphenols, with clear cardiovascular benefits,” said Díaz Rizzolo.
While these findings look very promising, it’s important to note that the research only looked at a small number of participants, meaning a larger-scale study might be needed.