Helps Manage Blood Sugar
Managing one’s diet to help control blood sugar is vital to dealing with diabetes. Foods with a high glycemic index have been linked to blood sugar spikes. Therefore, healthy meal plans for people with diabetes frequently emphasize foods rated medium to low on the glycemic index. A low glycemic index is defined as 55 or less.
Quinoa has a glycemic index of approximately 53, which means it won’t cause as dramatic a blood sugar spike. This is due to the presence of fiber and protein, which slow digestion. Most grains lack all of the amino acids required to produce protein. On the other hand, quinoa contains all the essential amino acids that make it a complete protein.
Quinoa’s dietary fiber content is also higher than that of many other grains. Quinoa may be especially beneficial for people with diabetes, as fiber and protein are critical for controlling blood sugar levels. Controlling total carbohydrate intake per meal is essential for blood sugar regulation. According to one study that the Journal of Medicinal Food published, a diet rich in Peruvian Andean grains, including quinoa, helps manage type 2 diabetes and the high blood pressure that comes with it.
