Five grains that you can enjoy in your everyday food

Many dieticians and health experts around the world agree that pearl millets can be easily substituted with rice and wheat, mainly because of its high-fibre content. It’s also an excellent source of iron and fibre, which makes it more suitable for diabetics and the ones who are watching their weight.

Oats are known to stabilise blood sugar level and help manage weight; the high-fibre and complex carbohydrates slow down the conversion of this superfood to simple sugars. You can simply use them to make idlis or mix it in your roti (whole wheat dough).

Ragi, or finger millet, can be seen particularly Karnataka, where it is used to create a number of dishes. The coating of the grain’s seed is abundantly rich in polyphenols and dietary fibres as compared to rice, maize or wheat. The low glycaemic index lessens food cravings and maintains the digestive pace, subsequently, keeping the blood sugar in control. 

By choosing buckwheat flour instead of regular white flour, you can give a boost to your soluble fibre content, which is considered as an important part of a healthy diabetes diet. The soluble fibre in buckwheat helps regulate blood glucose levels. 

Corn contains complex carbohydrate, which gets digested at a slower pace; meaning it provides energy for a longer duration of time. Rich in vitamin B1, vitamin B5 and vitamin C, it helps in fight diseases and lowering cholesterol levels in the body.