Benefits Of Corn And Cassava Rice For Healthy Diet And Blood Sugar Level Control

Illustration of corn rice and cassava rice (Pexels)

JAKARTA - Currently, more and more people are starting to consider food sources that are more friendly to the body. Corn and cassava rice is two sources of local carbohydrates that are increasingly in demand, especially because of health benefits that are considered in accordance with a healthy lifestyle.

Both corn rice and cassava have a lower glycemic index than white rice. The glycemic index is a measure that shows how fast a food can increase blood sugar levels after consumption.

Foods with a low glycemic index are digested more slowly and release energy gradually, which helps maintain stability of blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial, especially for those who try to maintain a healthy diet or have certain health conditions, such as diabetes.

"Coffee and cassava have a lower glycemic index than white rice or brown rice, so it is safer for diabetics," said clinical nutritionist dr. Mulianah Daya, M.Gzi, Sp.GK, during a Medical Knowledge Update on Diabetes Melitus with Dailymeal at the Mentari Hospital in Tangerang, recently.

On the same occasion, dr. Sulistiowaty Ohnio, Sp.PD, an internal medicine specialist at the Mentari Hospital in Tangerang, added that adopting a diet with a low glycemic index is very beneficial for long-term health.

A diet like this can support the stability of blood sugar levels, help weight management, and reduce the risk of chronic illness and complications in diabetics.

"Constraining blood sugar through the right diet is the main key in preventing serious complications in diabetics," explained dr. Sulistiowaty.

As we know, diabetes is one of the most significant health problems in Indonesia, with the number of patients increasing every year. According to data from the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), Indonesia is ranked fifth in the country with the highest number of diabetics, with 19.5 million cases in 2021. This number is expected to increase to 28.6 million by 2045.

With this condition, diabetes prevention efforts are important, especially for those who have risk factors such as a family history of diabetes, obesity, or an underactive lifestyle. Choosing foods with low glycemic index such as corn rice and cassava is one of the effective steps that can be taken.

Currently, corn and cassava rice is also available in practical processed form, such as corn rice products and Dailymeal cassava. Amar Ramdani, VP Marketing Dailymeal, explained that this product was developed with a texture similar to white rice, making it easier for the wider community to accept.

"Tekstur yang mirip nasi putih memungkinkan nasi masyar dan caskong dinikmati dengan berbagai macam-pauk, baik berkuah maupun kering, sehingga memberikan pengalaman bersantap yang familiar namun dengan manfaat kesehatan yang lebih baik," ungkap Amar.

Corn and cassava rice also generally contains high fiber, making it an alternative to a healthy diet that not only meets the nutritional needs of children, but is also suitable for diabetics because of its low glycemic index.

With nutritional content that is useful and its role in supporting weight management, corn rice and cassava can be an important part of a healthy and balanced diet for the community.