Pseudo-cereals or pseudo grains belong to the category of non-grasses, but are used in the same way as cereals. Pseudo cereals come under the category of super foods as they have an excellent nutritive value. They are gluten free foods and contain appreciable protein content. The most abundant amino acids in such foods are leucine and phenylalanine. Their low glycemic index and high fibre content has been beneficial for both the prevention as well as treatment of diabetes. Some of the hot selling pseudo cereals which also possess hypoglycaemic activity are listed below such as - 

1. Quinoa -

This seed has high nutritive value and when compared with other cereals, it has a well balanced amino acid composition containing both lysine and methionine amino acid, unlike cereals. Its outstanding protein quality and Hypocholesterolemic and hypoglycaemic role moves it to the top list of functional foods available in the market. Soaking, rinsing and sprouting of quinoa is needed for better mineral absorption.
o It is very easy to prepare quinoa by adding one part quinoa and two parts water, boiling it and then simmering it on medium low flame for 10-15 minutes.
o Add it to your fruit yoghurt bowl in the morning or make quinoa dalia with vegetables.
o Also it can be added to soups and salads.
o Quinoa can be used as a breakfast cereal by cooking in milk and adding fresh fruits and nuts to it.

2. Amaranth (Ramdana / Rajgiri) -

This pseudo-cereal has higher protein content than wheat and a well balanced composition of amino acids. This grain is helpful in treating high blood sugar levels and prevention of diabetes complications. Amaranth can also be sprouted to enhance its digestion and mineral absorption.
o It can be cooked with one part amaranth grain and three parts of water. Post boiling it, simmer at medium low flame for 15-20 minutes.
o Make a morning breakfast bowl of amaranth with added brown sugar, fruits, nuts and seeds.
o Also it can be relished with grilled or stir-fried veggies, tofu or paneer.

3. Buckwheat (Kuttu ka atta) -

Buckwheat is named as 'king of the healing grains'. Its nutritive richness is attributed to high levels of amino acids especially lysine, fibre, antioxidants, Vitamin B complex, potassium, folate and omega-3 fatty acids. The biological value of buckwheat protein is more than 90 percent. This functional food possesses low glycemic index due to high amount of resistant starch and has shown to improve high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Seeds of buckwheat contain a special type of carbohydrate called Fagopyritol which is responsible for improving blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes patients.
o Its also prepared with one part buckwheat and three parts water and simmered for 30 minutes till a porridge like consistency is obtained.
o It can be consumed with stir fried vegetables and tofu/paneer or consumed sweet with fruits and nuts in it.

4. Chia seeds -

They are a little different from the rest of pseudo cereals due to their property of absorbing liquid almost 12 times than their original weight. This property of these seeds becoming gelatinous makes it a perfect ingredient for puddings. Also these seeds can mimic egg and be an ideal vegan binding agent as 1 tablespoon chia seeds and 2.5 tablespoon water gives a similar consistency as beaten egg.
o These tiny and tasteless seeds are a good source of protein, fibre and antioxidants and top it on the dishes for extra nutrition such as puddings, milk, smoothie bowls or dal.

These gluten free grains contain high quality protein, ample amount of fibre, and minerals such as calcium and iron. The bioactive components present in them such as polyphenols, saponins, phytosterols etc pose various health benefits including hypoglycaemic effect.