Reference Number: 23
Year: 2015
Link: Link to original paper
Health: Diabetes | General health | Glycemic response | Lower Inflammation | Weight Management
Nutrition: Carbohydrates | Fibre
Summary
In the study, 11 patients with obesity and type 2 diabetes ( who were on metformin – a drug that helps control glucose levels ) consumed the same meals in different orders 1 week apart, so that the researchers could observe how their glucose levels were affected.
The meal consisted of ciabatta bread, orange juice, chicken breast, lettuce and tomato salad with low-fat dressing and steamed broccoli with butter. The order in which they ate the for had a significant impact on postprandial glucose and insulin excursions. The magnitude of the effect of food order on glucose levels is comparable to that observed with pharmacological agents that preferentially target postprandial glucose. Moreover, the reduced insulin excursions observed in this experimental setting suggest that this meal pattern may improve insulin sensitivity.
Significance to the baker
They way you eat your bread may significantly impact your long term health.
This study is very interesting when it comes to the way in which we eat bread, particular when it comes to the way in which we eat bread in the UK compared to how we eat bread in France and Italy. It shows that eating vegetables & protein before carbohydrate lower post-meal glucose level spike – slows down the rate of assimilation of carbohydrates, which may explain one of the pathways in which the Mediterranean diet is healthful, as bread is often consumed after a salad, or to mop up sauce on the plate after your main course has been eaten or with cheese at the end of the meal. This way of eating will result in lower insulin levels, and lower levels of inflammation.
