Abstract:
The glycaemic load (GL) measures the number of carbohydrates in the food and the amount of each gram of carbohydrates raises the blood glucose levels of a person after consumption. For the purpose of lowering the incidence of diabetes and non-communicable diseases, understanding a food's glycaemic load is essential. In this study, the glycaemic loads of Kokonte, Tuo-zaafi, and Wordeme was determined by using ten (10) individuals of good health status who received 50 grams of normal glucose before receiving a measured reference and test food which had the same 50 g of carbohydrate. By monitoring the participants‘ capillary blood glucose levels while they were fasting, after ingesting glucose, and after eating test foods two hours window for postprandial glucose concentration, the Glycaemic Index (GI) values were estimated. Blood samples were taken from participants 30 minutes after consumption, with additional samples taken at the 60th, 90th, and 120th minutes. The incremental area under the glucose response curve for the test foods were subtracted from the incremental area under the glucose response curve for the reference food, and the result multiplied by 100 to determine the GI of the test foods. Using the GI ratings and the typical serving sizes of the test foods, the glycaemic loads were determined. Tuo zaafi and Wordeme‘ of the test foods had low glycaemic indices and Kokonte had medium glycaemic index value. Wordeme had GL of 35.98%, Tuo-zaafi had 42.10% and Kokonte had 57.64%. This was attributed to the cooking processing. All three test foods were also subjected to a proximate analysis to determine their nutritional components. According to the results of the proximate analysis, Wordeme had the least amount of carbohydrate (71.98%), followed by Tuo-zaafi (82.48%), and Kokonte (84.29%). To reduce the impact on blood glucose levels, consumers should eat smaller portions of carbohydrates-rich foods.
