Nature's Ozempic: 4 staple Indian foods that mimic the drug, and help in regulating blood sugar, weight loss

Ozempic,a weight loss drug has been in the headlines for long enough to know and understand what it does and how it does! It is a prescription drug known for its ability to regulate blood sugar and suppress appetite. But what most of us don't realise is that it comes with numerous side effects and high costs. Indian cuisine, is rich in whole ingredients, including several staples and mimic appetite-regulating effects and blood-sugar stabilizing effects of Ozempic.
Nutritionist Simrun Chopra, emphasizes that when used wisely, traditional Indian diet staples support metabolic health, reduce cravings and even reduce bodily inflammation, offering a more sustainable and practical path to better health.

The famous Indian household lentils such as moong dal, masoor dal, chana and rajma are rich in fiber and protein, two nutrients that helps in slowing digestion and increase satiety. Lentils almost mimic Ozempic that also helps reduce appetite and control hunger. Apart from this, they also promote gut health, balance blood sugar and keep most-meal glucose spikes in check. It's satiety effects helps curb cravings naturally

​Millets are considered low in Glycemic index, that helps in slowing down digestion, preventing blood sugar spikes and also provides steady energy levels. Millets and brown rice helps individuals feel full for longer term, just like the weight loss drug Ozempic does for hunger regulation.

It is proven that we all need protein for satiety and these are some of the most excellent sources of protein there is. Eggs and paneer offers a complete protein intake, while chickpeas also add fiber, a great combination to slow down digestion, cater to blood-sugar spikes and signals the fullness to the brain. Incorporating these foods in our diet can help naturally reduce appetite and manage weight.

​Almonds, walnuts and flaxseeds offer powerful metabolic regulation benefits. These fats stabilise blood sugar levels, reducing the hunger hormone and supporting hormone balance. Like Ozempic, which delays gastric emptying, these fats slow the absorption of nutrients, leading to prolonged fullness and controlled eating patterns.

To optimise benefits of these foods Dr. Simrun suggests
Eat every 3-4 hours to avoid blood sugar crashes
Focus on whole, unprocessed foods and reduce the intake of refined carbohydrates
Avoid skipping meals to keep appetite-regulating hormones in balance.
Start each meal with a serving of vegetables to blunt glucose spikes