India, Nov. 8 -- Indian meals are built around carbs, with major staples like rice or roti taking up large portions. But adding so many carbs makes your plate far from the balanced meal it ideally should be. Excessive carb consumption is responsible for blood sugar spikes, which, over time, increase the risk of diabetes. India is often called the diabetes capital of the world due to the rising number of diabetes cases. To alleviate the risks, dietary changes are essential, beginning with finding better alternatives for the basic carbs.

Suvarna Sawant, chief dietician and HoD of clinical nutrition and dietetics at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle that it is high time Indians shift from refined carbs and ...