The ever-rising diabetes cases have become a crisis throughout the world. The condition - where your body is not producing enough insulin or is not able to respond to the amount produced - is irreversible and that is perhaps the biggest concern. According to many health experts, the chronic condition can only be managed through several lifestyle and diet amendments, which if not taken care of in time, could start affecting your eyes, kidney and heart. For a diabetic, it is imperative to have a balanced diet filled with foods that are low in glycaemic index while high in fibre and protein.
Methi (or fenugreek) is one of the prized ingredients in culinary world that has many medicinal properties. It can be used in a variety of dishes as a spice (seeds), herb and vegetable (fresh leaves). Come winters and one can find fresh methi leaves all around the markets with aloo-methi being a quintessential sabzi across Indian homes. When it comes to health, fenugreek is quite a reservoir of nutrition. It is rich in folic acid, Vitamin A and Vitamin C, besides being a storehouse of minerals such as potassium, calcium and iron.
(Also Read: Diabetes Management: 5 Morning Rituals That Could Change Your Life)
One of the major benefits of fenugreek lies in its ability to manage blood sugar levels. As per studies, 4HO-Ile, an unusual amino acid is found only in fenugreek and has possible anti-diabetic qualities, such as enhancing insulin secretion and increasing insulin sensitivity. "Fenugreek is often used as a part of diet plans prescribed to patients with diabetes as a treatment. While a diabetes patient can consume fenugreek in the form of seeds by consuming it soaked in water every morning, one must consult a doctor before doing so if you are on insulin therapy," says Rupali Datta, consultant nutritionist.
Another way of consuming fenugreek is through our daily meals. Did you know that you could give your regular roti a delicious, wholesome spin by simply mixing and stuffing it with fresh fenugreek leaves? Quick, easy and delicious! And it could be a wholesome one if you also combine it with buckwheat (kuttu) flour which is one of the most popular flour alternative to maida or regular flours! Kuttu has a low Glycaemic Index, despite having a high carbohydrate content. Buckwheat has a GI of 49-51 which makes it a good choice for diabetics. It also contains all nine essential amino acids.
Here is how you can make a delicious methi-kuttu roti to manage diabetes:
(Also Read: 11 Best Methi Recipes)
Ingredients-
Fenugreek leaves (chopped)- 1 cup
Buckwheat flour- 1/2 cup
Whole wheat flour- 1 cup
Salt- 1 tsp
Coriander leaves (chopped)- 1 tsp
Green chilli (chopped, optional)- 1
Oil- as needed
Method-
1. Combine all the ingredients together and knead well into dough using water as needed.
2. Divide the dough into as many round balls as rotis you need
3. Roll each ball into flat rotis
4. Cook on a hot non-stick pan with minimal oil and serve hot.
Try this delicious mix of methi and kuttu roti at home, and share your experience in the comments section below.
Disclaimer
This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.