Duckweed found to have a profound effect on blood sugar and appetite control
| Aug 6, 2019, 12:38 IST
A sustainable aquatic plant known as duckweed has been found to have a huge effect on blood sugar and appetite control, according to new research. A team from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev studied duckweed's effect on blood sugar levels. Previous research has described this aquatic plant as a "superfood".
Duckweed is a leafy green plant that floats on the surface of the water. It is widely consumed in Southeast Asia as it is a rich source of protein and nutrients. Interestingly, researchers of the new study have discovered its profile is similar to that of an egg. This plant contains amino acids, nine of which are essential. The plant is also packed with phenolic acids, minerals, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B complex, fibre, flavonoids, and catechins.
Participants, in the new study, who consumed a shake made with duckweed for two weeks were found to have improved blood sugar levels, and a quicker glucose evacuation compared to those who consumed a yoghurt shake. Those that drank the duckweed shake also stated they felt fuller for longer. The study's findings were originally published in the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Care journal.
Another study also found blood sugar levels can spike when you drink water immediately after consuming something sweet. "A quick search on the internet reveals that the abundance of sites encourage the drinking of water during or shortly after our meals," researchers of the study, quoted the authors as saying, were quoted as saying by a news portal. Adding, "Rather than being good practice, this is more of a cultural habit."
Researchers further explained: "We suggest that drinking during and shortly after meals should ideally be kept to the minimum."
Duckweed is a leafy green plant that floats on the surface of the water. It is widely consumed in Southeast Asia as it is a rich source of protein and nutrients. Interestingly, researchers of the new study have discovered its profile is similar to that of an egg. This plant contains amino acids, nine of which are essential. The plant is also packed with phenolic acids, minerals, vitamin A, vitamin B12, vitamin B complex, fibre, flavonoids, and catechins.
Participants, in the new study, who consumed a shake made with duckweed for two weeks were found to have improved blood sugar levels, and a quicker glucose evacuation compared to those who consumed a yoghurt shake. Those that drank the duckweed shake also stated they felt fuller for longer. The study's findings were originally published in the American Diabetes Association’s Diabetes Care journal.
Another study also found blood sugar levels can spike when you drink water immediately after consuming something sweet. "A quick search on the internet reveals that the abundance of sites encourage the drinking of water during or shortly after our meals," researchers of the study, quoted the authors as saying, were quoted as saying by a news portal. Adding, "Rather than being good practice, this is more of a cultural habit."
Researchers further explained: "We suggest that drinking during and shortly after meals should ideally be kept to the minimum."