Why Pulses Are The Best Foods For Diabetics



Diabetes is a chronic disease where having a proper diet plays a major role. Regulating and controlling your diet can improve your body’s response to insulin and help in managing the ailment in the long run. One of the best things is that the foods required for diabetic people are simple and everyday staples and not exotic ingredients or food items. A healthy meal plan for a diabetic should include high fiber, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals, lean proteins, fresh fruits, and vegetables. A diet that is low in carbohydrates and calories but rich in natural nutrients along with healthy fats in moderation is ideal for a person suffering from diabetes.

Many people tend to consume pulses as they have been a part of the traditional Indian cuisine for ages, but pulses play a much bigger role than this. Pulses are loaded with multiple benefits and are naturally healthier than a lot of the other food items. They are rich in fiber and proteins with very less fat content and a low glycemic index which makes it diabetic-friendly.

However, keeping a check on your eating habits does not necessarily mean that you have to deprive yourself of good and tasty food. Managing diabetes is all about making changes in terms of what you eat, how much you eat, and when you eat. Below are some reasons why diabetic people should include pulses in their diets.

Reasons to consume pulses for a diabetic:

Enriched with fiber:

Pulses are an excellent source of fiber that helps keep the digestive system healthy. There are two types of fiber i.e. soluble and insoluble. Pulses are a good source of soluble fibre, which helps lower cholesterol levels as high cholesterol levels pose a risk for a diabetic. Fibers help slow down the process of glucose absorption from food into blood, thus, managing the release of insulin in the body.

Low glycemic index:

Even though pulses contain carbohydrates, they don’t produce sharp rises in blood glucose levels as compared to other carbohydrate-containing foods. The fiber and protein content in pulses make-up for the carbohydrates present in them which slows the breakdown of carbohydrates into glucose in the blood. Therefore, people with diabetes don’t experience a sudden spike in their glucose levels, given the consumption is in controlled portions. This is the reason why most people with diabetes are often advised not to count the carbohydrate in pulses unless consumed in large amounts. It is important to check with your doctor for specific advice on how to count the carbs in pulses if required as there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to this.

Rich source of protein:

Proteins form an essential part of a human’s meal requirement. Pulses are a good source of protein that helps in growth, repairing damaged tissues, mental development, and other important issues. If you are a vegetarian, they’re a useful way of getting plant-based protein in your diet, which otherwise one can get from meat or fish.

Low-fat content: 

Most pulses are low in fat, which works great for the heart and weight. It is important to watch how you prepare your pulses to ensure that there isn't much-added fat, especially if you are trying to keep your weight in check.

Keeps the stomach full for long hours

Fibers present in pulses help suppress sudden cravings and manage diets. High fiber food is retained in your stomach keeping you fuller for longer hours.

Pulses are one of those ingredients that are easily available in the kitchen on a regular basis. Although maintaining the right diet is crucial while dealing with diabetes but maintaining a regular exercise schedule is equally important. Himalayan Natives produce a range of 100% natural pulses that consists of Toor dal, Chana dal, Masoor dal, Moong dal, Urad dal, and Green Gram Whole. These pulses are chemical-free and are also devoid of preservatives, GMOs, and pesticides!