Ajmila Islam
American University in Dubai, UAE
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Diabetes Metab
Whole grains, which are less-processed forms such as whole wheat, brown rice and oats digested more slowly than refined grains. It is speculated that they have a greater effect on maintaining proper balance in blood sugar and insulin levels, which may help keep hunger level low and creates satiety. This is also true for most vegetables and fruits, which contain high fiber. These low glycemic index foods have tremendous benefits for disease prevention, as well as there is also evidence that they can help prevent weight gain. The evidence for weight control is much stronger for whole grains than it is for fruits and vegetables. The most recent Harvard School of Public Health diet and lifestyle change study supports that people who increased their intake of whole grains, whole fruits (not fruit juice) and vegetables over the period of 20 years gained less weight. This study supports the fact that when people increase their intake of these foods, they cut back on calories from other foods. Fiber is one of the components that may be responsible for offering weight control benefits of these foods, since fiber slows digestion and helps in controlling hunger. On the other hand, fruits and vegetables are high in water, which may help people feel fuller on fewer calories.
Ajmila Islam is currently working as an Assistant Professor of Natural Sciences at the American University in Dubai. She has also worked in the area of Microbiology and Molecular Biology. She has published research works in colorectal cancer and obesity.
E-mail: aislam@aud.edu
