RICE , CHAPATHI OF WHEAT OR BESAN , MILLETS , GLYCEMIC INDEX, DIABETES :
The whole promotion of the concept to Replacing / substituting for white rice to whole wheat products like phulka, Chapathi came to being as there was also shortage of Rice in the south . U.S.A. sent ship loads of wheat under PL 480 .
The “Green Revolution” the result of irrigation water from NEW Bakra Nangal Dam completion (1963) & the combined efforts of the Agricultural Scientist M.S. Swaminathan & Agri Minister C. Subramanian . The rich dividends came in the form of surplus wheat production in the northern part of India. Just then the doctors were also getting aware and alarmed of the incidence of Diabetes in India . So they had to recommend food with low carbohydrates content and Glycemic Index . White rice (mill polished rice ) and Maida was no - no for the Diabetic Patients .
Apparently 2 Problems were solved ,
* consumption pattern of Staple food in south changed partially . There was wide spread propaganda that rice produces Diabetes in the long run. So Rice in the afternoon and Wheat in the night habit prevailed . It gained more popularity in Kerala as they had very little rice cultivation .
* utility for Surplus wheat produced in India .
Glycemic Index [G.I.]of Grains.
Brown Rice : 68
WHITE RICE : 73
Whole wheat : 62
MAIDA : 89
Besan /
Chick pea : 52
The millets shown in the attachment were literally not known to the rich and the middle class as it was consumed mainly by the farm workers and the poor . Millets were cheap then. Actually Millets have much lower G.I. than the Whole wheat (from 41 - 62). more
Insulin resistance as in Type 2 , Insulin is produced by Pancreas , but not used effectively . The controllable factor is exercise .Take 10,000 steps a day (including the steps that one take in the house , going shopping and , park walking ), about 5 KM .
If that is not effective , More insulin is produced when body is unable to effectively use glucose ; this make glucose accumulate in the bloodstream. Also the extra insulin secreted by Pancreas . So doctors prescribe medicines that help body use insulin effectively .
The causes for diabetes id Genetic, Obesity and lack of exercise . more
Just for example don't eat raddish that is MULI in Summer or don't eat it in the evenings or night. more