Wheat For Diabetes

All over the world, wheat is one of the most important crops that is both cultivated and consumed. In America, wheat is included in a number of recipes ranging from bread to pasta, cakes to cookies, and pies to pizzas. The best way to maximize the benefits of this wholesome grain is to have it unrefined. When wheat is refined, it is basically stripped of all its major nutrients. Wheat thus consumed, just adds calories without any of its natural goodness.

The health benefits of wheat are many. Whole wheat is rich in vitamins B1, B2, and B3 along with zinc, iron, calcium, magnesium, folic acid, phosphorus and fiber. Whole wheat products retain all these nutrients and help keep a host of health problems in check. A lot of research has been conducted on wheat for diabetes. The magnesium content in wheat is believed to be responsible for activating enzymes in the body that balance out insulin production and glucose levels. When the body fails to produce enough insulin to break down the sugar in the food you eat, high blood sugar and diabetes can develop. Eating a diet rich in wheat is very beneficial for diabetics. If you choose whole wheat products such as wheat bread, wheat flour and broken wheat for diabetics, you are essentially providing the body with the means to control cholesterol and reduce fat. This in turn can prevent diabetes from developing.

Recent studies show that eating a diet rich in whole grains can lower your risk of diabetes significantly. Complex carbohydrates provided by whole wheat products help burn more calories and lose weight over time by keeping you fuller for longer. Carbohydrates are also necessary for the proper functioning of the digestive system and the elimination of waste.

Every time you choose a wheat product, make sure you choose items that are high in fiber but low in sugar and fat. Leave out those creamy cakes and cookies and opt for whole wheat crackers and slices of whole grain bread instead. Diabetics can also try cream of wheat or shredded wheat as alternate options for a healthy breakfast. Add wheat germ to your milkshake or smoothie to increase its fiber content or sprinkle some whole wheat cereal over your salad instead of croutons. There are a number of ways in which you can interestingly incorporate whole wheat into your daily diet. When shopping, check the nutritional information of the product. If it lists among its first ingredients any of the following whole grains, add it to your shopping list without any guilt:

Cracked wheat
Whole rye
Whole wheat flour
Buckwheat
Buckwheat flour

Do not be fooled by labels that state ‘made with whole wheat’ or ‘contains whole wheat.’ Any product that does not list the whole grain as the first ingredient does not have the necessary amount required for it to be beneficial for your health. Another way to increase your intake of wheat and wheat products into your regular routine is simply replace. For example, replace two slice of white bread with whole wheat bread or swap pasta made from refined flour with whole wheat pasta. If you are allergic to wheat, there are many gluten-free products that you can be use instead. These small changes can add up in the long-term to result in weight loss, as well as prevent health problems such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes from developing.

Wheat And Type-1 Diabetes

Type-1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that prevents the body from producing insulin. The pancreas, which is responsible for regulating blood sugar in the body, is mistakenly attacked by the immune system and diabetes develops. Research shows that people with type-1 diabetes possess cells in their bodies that over react to wheat and wheat products. This may be due to an inherent genetic condition that causes sensitivity to certain types of foods in the digestive system. These allergies in turn cause an imbalance in the immune system, making the person more susceptible to other health problems. There are studies that prove the negative impact of wheat on type-1 diabetes patients, whereas other promote the benefits of a wheat-free diet in reducing symptoms of the disease and preventing further health problems. Speak to your doctor or dietician to find out if you are allergic to wheat and what your alternative nutritional options are.

Wheat For Type-2 Diabetics

In type-2 diabetes, the body fails to produce enough insulin to break down the sugar in a person’s diet. This sugar or glucose then builds up in the blood and forces the pancreas to produce too much insulin. High insulin levels create a whole set of complications and health problems that are symptomatic of type-2 diabetes. If you are obese or have high blood pressure, the chances of developing type-2 diabetes are higher. One way of preventing the onset of this strain of diabetes is by keeping a check on your weight and cholesterol levels. To this end, wheat is highly recommended for type-2 diabetics. Studies indicate that people who included whole grain foods into their daily diet not only weigh less but also have lower cholesterol and insulin levels. Foods such as whole wheat, bulgur wheat, and cracked wheat can protect you against type-2 diabetes. Experts also claim that eating a diet heavy with refined and processed foods can increase your risk factor for diabetes. Refined grains and foods include items such as white bread, pasta, white rice, pancakes, pies, waffles, and cakes, ready to eat cereals and biscuits. Cutting these items out of your diet can also reduce the possibility of developing cardiovascular diseases or stroke.

Submitted on January 17, 2014