Indus Valley Times

By Mamata Mahapatra

Green jackfruit flour is a natural remedy that helps in controlling blood sugar in persons with diabetes (PWD). Its proven efficacy is backed by clinical evidence, and will enable the Indian populace to control their carbohydrate and calorie consumption while doubling their fibre intake, thus, preventing lifestyle related diseases in an affordable manner.

Obesity Management

White rice and wheat flour – both have a high GI (Glycaemic Index) and are first to be reduced from the diet of a diabetic. But since Indians love their carbs and don’t feel “full” without a portion of roti or rice, many individuals with diabetes struggle to manage their disease. The green jackfruit flour can be added to wheat or rice flour to make diabetes-friendly rotis or idlis; adding a tablespoon to rasam or buttermilk or chaas can help as will consumption with a cup of curd before major meals. This adds soluble fiber and protein to the diet, and brings down the GI (Glycaemic Index); at the same time its high insoluble fibre content will make you feel full and ensure you do not end up over-eating, leading to weight management.

Can be used across culinary practices: Gold standard study proves efficacy

Green jackfruit flour can reduce the energy density and glycaemic load (GL) of a majority of traditional Indian meals and is one of the first clinically proven solutions to control blood sugar using a gluten free natural plant-based food from India. Adding just one tablespoon to regular meals can help control blood sugar in diabetes patients. To substantiate, the results of a gold standard clinical study conducted in India at the Government Medical College, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh indicated a decrease in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting blood glucose (FBG), postprandial glucose (PPG) following the consumption of green jackfruit flour meal thrice a day (30 g per day) for a period of 12 weeks, suggesting a therapeutic potential of the green jackfruit flour meal in improving glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients.

Ease of integration

What makes green jackfruit flour a popular choice is it’s neutral taste without a strong aroma, this facilitates easy integration with majority of staple foods across India – from roti, poori, paratha to dosa, idli, upma to oats or porridge -thus, making wholesome meals healthier and maintaining the pleasure of eating.  Since green jackfruit flour blends beautifully into most recipes, it can also change the way we look at health foods and gluten-free foods in particular.

Increases the intake of green vegetables

If the consumption of rice and wheat can be reduced and that of fruits and vegetables increased, a majority of lifestyle diseases can be kept away. One cup of green jackfruit flour has 40% less carbohydrates and four times higher fiber than a cup of wheat or rice flour. It is an apt addition to meal plans and adds to the increase in consumption of green vegetables, thereby resulting in an overall healthy diet. Green vegetables play a paramount part when it comes to intake of healthy food; and the prevailing Diabetes month campaign is

in congruence with the fact that over 50% type 2 diabetes can be prevented with access to healthy food and a place to exercise.

Innumerable health benefits: Contains a host of phytochemicals

Green jackfruit’s high potassium content helps lower elevated blood pressure, it is also a great source of antioxidants, phytonutrients and flavonoids that make it beneficial for protecting against cancer, especially those of the colon, lung and oral cavity. It also increases the human body’s capacity to absorb iron, making it extremely effective in preventing and curing anaemia. Besides, green jackfruit contains vital vitamins and nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, vitamin B6 and C that are essential for the body.

Clinical practice

Renowned diabetologists and dietitians have highlighted how the regular consumption of green jackfruit flour in medical nutrition therapy (MNT), in their clinical practice, for persons with diabetes (PWD) has shown remarkable improvement not only in control of blood sugar but also aided weight loss, helped optimise bowel movement, some lipid fractions and markers of fatty liver as well. Integration of green jackfruit flour in meal plans has also reflected an improved gut health, attaining early satiety, calorie-restriction and better post-meal blood glucose levels in medical nutrition therapy (MNT) for persons with diabetes (PWD). In children, MNT with the addition of green jackfruit flour showed reduction in the amount of insulin required in certain clinical practices. The availability of this superfood in the form of flour has lead the way for healthcare consultants to incorporate it as a prescription ingredient in meal plans not only for diabetics but for various lifestyle-related complications for the masses.