Glycemic impact of cereal and legume-based bakery products: Implications for chronic disease management

Abstract

This review examines the glycemic impact of cereal and legume-based bakery products and their potential role in chronic disease management, particularly in type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The primary objective is to assess the glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) of bakery products made from cereals such as wheat and barley, and legumes like chickpeas, and to explore their effects on postprandial blood glucose response. Cereal-based products typically exhibit higher GIs (55-80), while legume-based bakery products demonstrate lower GIs (40-50), potentially contributing to better glycemic control. Incorporating legumes into bakery formulations can lower their glycemic index by up to 25 %. Legume-enriched bakery products may effectively manage blood glucose and reduce chronic disease risks like diabetes. However, more long-term studies are needed to confirm their broader benefits. This review emphasizes the need for innovation to improve the nutritional and sensory appeal of functional foods.