The fight against diabetes generally involves a varied and balanced diet. As such, certain foods seem particularly interesting for preventing this pathology. According to a new study published in the scientific journal Nutrients, quinoa would help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes in people at risk. As part of this famous study, Spanish researchers brought together no less than 9 volunteers, all over the age of 65, who were suffering from prediabetes. As a reminder, this is a state corresponding to a blood sugar disorder. The latter evolves into type 2 diabetes in 70% of cases. However, certain hygiene and dietary measures make it possible to avoid this development, such as for example the replacement of cereals rich in carbohydrates by a pseudo-cereal such as quinoa.
For a month, the 9 participants in this study wore a continuous glucometer. This is a device that measures their blood sugar throughout the day. Furthermore, the 9 volunteers had to write down absolutely everything they ate at the same time. At the end of the month, the latter were forced to replace certain foods rich in complex carbohydrates, such as cereals (wheat, rice, oats, etc.), legumes (dried beans, lentils, peas, etc.), or even pasta, by quinoa, but also by foods made from quinoa or quinoa flour. After adopting this new diet, the 9 participants repeated their blood sugar measurements for another month. In the end, the result was final. The figures collected by the authors of this study clearly show that Substituting foods high in complex carbohydrates with quinoa was associated with lower blood sugar spikes after meals.
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Type 2 diabetes: the nutritional benefits of quinoa highlighted
For memory, the intensity of these blood sugar spikes is a determining factor in the progression of type 2 diabetes. However, this first rather eloquent result must now be validated by setting up additional studies on a larger number of participants. For their part, the researchers behind this first study already believe that quinoa is a food that offers several nutritional benefits. Native to South America, this pseudo-cereal is very rich in vitamins B, C and E, but also in minerals (calcium, iron and magnesium). Quinoa is also a source of protein and fiber. Researchers believe that this food could also have a positive effect on cardiovascular disease.