Recent research indicates that ancient wheat varieties may offer health benefits for people with diabetes compared to modern wheat. Here’s a summary of what the studies say:
Better Glycemic Control
- Ancient wheat varieties and traditional processing methods like stone grinding and fermentation can potentially lower diabetes risk by improving blood sugar control.
- Substituting modern wheat with ancient wheat led to improvements in triglycerides, fasting glucose, and blood pressure (Cicero et al., 2018).
Improved Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes
- Consuming products made with organic ancient wheat showed better outcomes in reducing risk factors for type 2 diabetes compared to modern wheat products (Whittaker et al., 2016).
Decreased Insulin Levels
- Ancient KAMUT® khorasan wheat helped reduce fat mass and insulin levels, beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes (Trozzi et al., 2017).
Nutritional Content
- Antioxidants: Ancient wheat varieties contain higher levels of antioxidants, which can help protect against chronic diseases like diabetes (Di Loreto et al., 2018).
- Minerals: Ancient wheats have more minerals such as calcium, zinc, manganese, and iron compared to modern wheats.
Gluten Content
Ancient wheat species like einkorn, emmer, and spelt typically have higher protein and gluten contents compared to modern common wheat. However, the gluten in ancient wheats tends to have different properties, which may affect digestibility and immunoreactivity. For instance, ancient wheats often exhibit fewer epitopes that trigger celiac responses, potentially making them more suitable for individuals with certain wheat sensitivities. (Geisslitz et al. 2019, Gélinas & Mckinnon 2016, Brouns et al. 2022).
Practical Recommendations
- Health Benefits: Ancient wheat varieties can be a healthier choice for managing diabetes due to better glycemic control and nutritional benefits.
- Gluten Sensitivity: If you have a gluten-related disorder, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating ancient wheat into your diet.
- Variety Selection: Look for products made from einkorn, emmer, or spelt, which are often available in health food stores or specialized online retailers.
- Balanced Diet: Ancient wheat should be consumed as part of a healthy whole food, plant-based diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and nuts and seeds.
