Diabetics are advised to use jackfruit flour as medical nutrition therapy for diabetes not as a replacement for medicine
While previous studies have shown evidence of jackfruit flour having anti-diabetic properties, the results were unclear until a randomised control trial was performed on a group of 40 diabetics.
Out of these, 20 of them in the intervention group received 30g of green jackfruit flour daily, by replacing an equal volume of wheat flour or rice flour in their meals. On the other hand, the rest of the 20 patients in the placebo group received an equal volume of rice flour or wheat flour.
At the end of 12 weeks, the patients in the intervention group showed a statistically significant reduction in their fasting, post prandial and mean blood glucose levels as compared to the placebo group. Clearly demonstrating a practical use of green jackfruit flour in medical nutrition therapy for diabetes in an average Indian kitchen.
Elaborating on the mechanisms through which Jackfruit flour is able to achieve such exceptional results, Dr Ishi Khosla, Clinical Nutritionist, Columnist, Author, Entrepreneur & Researcher, says, “Almost as a nature’s gift to diabetics, jackfruit flour is not only gluten-free, but also highly anti-inflammatory. Loaded with phytonutrients, it also contains an impressive amount of fibre content. The soluble fibre and resistant starch content also serve as prebiotics, which is essential for gut health.”
Another important aspect highlighted by Sheryl Salis, Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, Author, Lecturer & Founder- Nurture Health Solutions, was the satiety factor, that is how early you feel full after eating. She says, “30g of jackfruit flour replaces 50 g of wheat/rice/millet flour, because of the low bulk density. The product is so versatile that it can be added to almost any recipe since it doesn’t alter taste.”