Can this kitchen hack make rice healthier for diabetics?
With World Diabetes Day around the corner, many living with diabetes are constantly on the lookout for ways to better manage their blood sugar levels. Rice is a staple food across India but is often advised against for diabetics due to its high glycemic index. However, experts reveal that a simple addition of ghee to rice could help counter the blood sugar spike and make it a safer choice.
We spoke to Sweedal Trinidade, Chief Dietician at a leading Mumbai hospital, to understand how this works. She explained that ghee is rich in fatty acids that can slow the digestion of carbs in rice, reducing the insulin surge. Adding a teaspoon of ghee per half cup of rice may lower the glycemic index, spreading out the release of energy gradually.
Clinical Dietician G Sushma from Hyderabad noted that ghee is packed with vitamins and short chain fatty acids beneficial for gut and metabolic health. A healthy gut can indirectly aid blood sugar control.
However, not everyone may benefit. Those with uncontrolled diabetes or heart risks should use caution due to ghee’s saturated fat content. It also increases calorie intake, which may hamper weight control crucial for diabetes management.
Both experts stressed consulting a doctor or dietician before making any diet changes. While this simple kitchen addition could theoretically help, losing excess weight, staying active and eating a nutritious diet continue to be advisable long term strategies for diabetes care. Follow expert guidance to reap the rewards of traditional foods like rice, while keeping health as the top priority.
