Background and Objectives: Beaten or flattened rice (flakes) is very popular in India for preparing the meal “upma.” Commonly marketed rice flakes are fiber depleted, starchy, and may be nutritionally poor. Hence, this study aimed at preparing brown rice flakes (BRF) for such “upma” preparation and compared the nutritional and glycemic properties of it with those of white rice flakes (WRF). Materials and Methods: Flakes were prepared from brown rice (BR, ADT-45 variety) by steaming and flattening using a roller flaker. The BRF and commercial WRF were analyzed for nutrient composition, and upma prepared from both the flakes was evaluated for glycemic index (GI) in normal healthy volunteers by using a validated protocol. Results: BRF contained significantly higher (6.2 g%) dietary fiber as compared with WRF (1.8 g%, P < 0.001). Stereo-zoom microscopic examination of BRF revealed retention of bran and germ. BRF was thicker, firmer, and had a lower surface area compared with WRF. BRF upma exhibited medium GI (63.3 ± 6.2), whereas WRF upma showed high GI (70.4 ± 5.6), though the GI values were not statistically significant. Interpretation and Conclusions: BRF upma, a medium GI category meal choice, could be considered a healthier option compared to high GI WRF upma considering the nutritional profile. The BRF described in the study is easy to cook and suitable enough to replace WRF. More trials are required to design and devise innovative protocols for the preparation of BRF with significantly lower glycemic properties.
BackgroundAsian Indians have an increased susceptibility to type 2 diabetes and premature coronary artery disease. Nuts, like almonds, are rich in unsaturated fat and micronutrients with known health benefits.ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of almonds for reduction of insulin resistance and improving lipid profile in overweight Asian Indian adults.MethodsThis parallel-arm, randomized, controlled trial was conducted in Chennai, India on 400 participants aged 25–65 years with a body mass index ≥ 23 kg/m2. The intervention group received 43 g of almonds/day for 12 weeks, while the control group was advised to consume a customary diet but to avoid nuts. Anthropometric, clinical, and dietary data were assessed at periodic intervals. Glucose tolerance, serum insulin, glycated hemoglobin, C-peptide and lipid profile were assessed at baseline and end of the study. Insulin resistance (homeostasis assessment model-HOMA IR) and oral insulin disposition index (DIo) were calculated.ResultsA total of 352 participants completed the study. Significant improvement was seen in DIo [mean (95% CI) = + 0.7 mmol/L (0.1, 1.3); p = 0.03], HOMA IR (−0.4 (−0.7, −0.04; p = 0.03) and total cholesterol (−5.4 mg/dl (−10.2, −0.6); p = 0.03) in the intervention group compared to the control group. Incremental area under the curve (IAUC) and mean amplitude of glycemic excursion (MAGE) assessed using continuous glucose monitoring systems were also significantly lower in the intervention group. Dietary 24-h recalls showed a higher significant reduction in carbohydrate and increase in mono unsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) intake in the intervention group compared to the control group.ConclusionDaily consumption of almonds increased the intake of MUFA with decrease in carbohydrate calories and decreases insulin resistance, improves insulin sensitivity and lowers serum cholesterol in Asian Indians with overweight/obesity. These effects in the long run could aid in reducing the risk of diabetes and other cardiometabolic disease.
Background: Fatty acids play an important role in health and well-being; almonds have the highest amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) among the nuts. Western studies have shown positive health effects of almonds. However, well-designed studies are sparse on Asian Indians who have a unique phenotype with higher predisposition to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Hence, the present study describes the design and methods of a clinical trial to assess the effect of almond supplementation on insulin resistance, glycemic markers, and inflammation in overweight Asian Indians. Methods and Outcome Assessments: Parallel-arm open-labeled, randomized controlled trial was conducted in Chennai, India. The study included 400 overweight and obese volunteers of age 25–65 years with a body mass index ≥23 kg/m2 and with some having cardiometabolic risks. The participants in the intervention group received 43 g of almonds per day as recommended by the American Heart Association for 12 weeks, whereas the participants in the control arm followed their habitual dietary patterns and were advised not to consume any nuts. All other lifestyle habits were similar. The anthropometric, clinical, biochemical, and diet data of the participants were assessed periodically. Dietary 24-hour recalls and plasma percent fatty acid of the participants were assessed at the baseline and end of the study as a measure of participant compliance to protocol. This study also assessed gut hormone levels as a marker for satiety. The effects of almonds supplementation on anti-inflammatory and inflammatory markers such as adiponectin, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and tumor necrosis factor-α were also assessed. Discussion: The study findings, if benefits are found, would help to improve the MUFAs intake by a single supplementation of almonds daily to meet the dietary guidelines of 15% of total calories of MUFAs. In addition, it might aid in the prevention of obesity-related chronic diseases such as diabetes and CVDs by reducing the cardiometabolic risk factors. Trial Registration: The trial was registered in the clinical trial registry of India CTRI201710010251.
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