4 min learnNew DelhiJul 25, 2026 06:00 AM IST
Managing diabetes usually means discovering methods to maintain blood sugar ranges secure, particularly after meals. Since carbohydrate-rich meals resembling rice and roti can elevate blood sugar, diabetics are sometimes suggested to look at their parts and make aware meals decisions moderately than keep away from these staples altogether. Lately, a tip circulating on-line prompt consuming a bowl of salad earlier than rice or roti to assist stop blood sugar spikes. Interested by whether or not this technique actually works, we requested well being specialists to clarify the science behind it.
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
Dr Pooja Pillai, Marketing consultant Doctor and Diabetologist, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, instructed indianexpress.com that for diabetics, having a bowl of salad earlier than consuming rice or roti isn’t only a wholesome behavior, however a wise blood sugar administration technique.
“Uncooked salads wealthy in fiber assist decelerate the absorption of glucose from carbohydrates, stopping sudden sugar spikes post-meal. Ultimate salads embrace cucumber, tomatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and leafy greens like spinach or lettuce,” she defined.
In keeping with her, a glucose spike happens in your bloodstream about 30-60 minutes after you eat carbohydrates. Many elements decide how excessive the height is and the way lengthy it lasts. These embrace what you ate with or earlier than the carbohydrate, how a lot fibre is within the carbohydrate, and your physique’s capacity to secrete and use the hormone insulin.
She additional added that top, extended glucose spikes have lasting, detrimental results on many hormones and proteins, together with those who set off irritation. Irritation is linked with a spread of circumstances, together with diabetes and coronary heart illness.
Meals sequencing
In truth, including protein sources like boiled sprouts or paneer can additional stabilise blood sugar, whereas a squeeze of lemon and a touch of seeds like flax or pumpkin can increase each style and vitamin.
Story continues under this advert
Having a salad earlier than rice and roti considerably lowers blood sugar spikes (Supply: Freepik)
That is also referred to as meals sequencing, and nutritionist Lovneet Batra, describes it to be an effective way to assist the physique digest higher — first have greens, adopted by proteins and fat, and at last starch.
As defined by Batra, beginning a meal with greens and protein, and ending it with carbohydrates helps maintain one fuller. “It is because protein slows down the discharge of sugar from carbohydrates into the blood stream, stopping a sugar ‘excessive’ after which crash – and starvation pangs,” she concurred.
Widespread errors to keep away from
Dr Pillai talked about some widespread errors that individuals make when having salads, together with including cream, sauces, or salt-heavy seasonings that undo the advantages. “Additionally, keep away from skipping salad altogether or consuming it alongside the primary meal — the timing issues. Consuming your salad first provides your physique a head begins on digestion and helps in controlling blood sugar ranges,” she concluded.
Lastly, one should do not forget that moderation and aware consuming are key to managing diabetes. By choosing the proper kind of rice or wheat, training portion management, and mixing it with wholesome elements, diabetic individuals can get pleasure from this scrumptious staple meals as a part of a balanced food regimen.
Story continues under this advert
DISCLAIMER: This text is predicated on info from the general public area and/or the specialists we spoke to. All the time seek the advice of your well being practitioner earlier than beginning any routine.
