Diabetics and Plant proteins

It is a given that we are living in times when the frenetic pace and elevated stress has led to daily practices not amenable to good health. This has given rise to the concept of “lifestyle diseases”. Two common lifestyle diseases are hypertension and diabetes. Though both have a genetic basis, environmental factors and lifestyle choices can hasten the onset and exacerbate the harmful effects. One such lifestyle choice is diet, comprising aspects of its composition, regularity, and control.

Let us look at one key dietary component, protein, and one of the above two, diabetes, specifically the more common type 2 diabetes. Our bodies need proteins for growth, maintenance, energy, and chemical reactions. Proteins are classified as complete or incomplete based on whether they contain all 9 of a total 20 amino acids. There are various dietary sources of proteins from both animal and plant origin. Most protein supplements are whey based and the plant-based supplements are either soya or pea protein with a few hemp and rice based. Does the protein source, plant, or animal, have a bearing on the onset or progress of diabetes?

A meta-analysis of observational research totalling over half a million people suggests that animal protein is associated with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes while plant protein is not. Eating plans that focus on plant-based foods tend to be high on fibre and low in saturated fats which can help decrease insulin resistance and improve glycemic control. In general animal proteins have a higher Branched Chain Amino Acid (BCAA) content and the metabolism of BCAA is disrupted in people with type 2 diabetes resulting in worsening of insulin resistance. 

Most common vegan plant protein supplements are pea, hemp, brown rice, and soya. Very few of them have other added ingredients which specifically alleviate effects of diabetes. This is where NRoute Vegan + has broken a new path and trodden into areas no one has thus far explored. Not only is it the only plant protein to use chickpea and lentil extract as a source but has added cinnamon polyphenol, oat fibre and coconut milk powder. Each of these has a specific role to play in addressing issues faced by diabetics.

Studies have suggested that cinnamon polyphenols reduce serum glucose, triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and total cholesterol in people with type 2 diabetes. Cinnamon polyphenols are also potent anti-inflammatory agent. Also, oat fibre is rich in beta glucan a bioactive which reduces post prandial glucose and insulin response improving insulin sensitivity, maintaining glycemic control, and regulating blood lipids. Coconut powder too impacts blood sugar levels.

With the protein extraction and formulation done by one of the leaders in the business in India the issue of flavouring, which in plant sources can be difficult, has also been successfully dealt with. So, all you vegans, and especially those who are diabetic can look towards NRoute’s Vegan + as a complete solution for your protein needs