Starch composition, antioxidant potential, and glycemic indices of various varieties of Triticum aesitivum L. and Zea mays L. available in Pakistan

: Many varieties of Triticum aesitivum L. (Bread wheat) and Zea maize L. (maize) have been developed in Pakistan, which are randomly consumed by normal individuals and diabetic patients. In this study, 17 wheat and 9 maize varieties were tested for starch composition, glycemic index, radical scavenging activities, and lipid profile. Among various wheat samples, KPK15 was observed to have highest 2,2-diphenyl-1picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, while CZP132011 was highest radical scavenger among various maize samples. Glycemic index of wheat varieties varied between 62.83 ± 2.19 and 70.70 ± 2.82 in Hashim10 and Insaf, respectively, while for maize it ranged between 56.45 ± 1.95 in Sarhad white and 70.76 ± 4.40 in CHT1W. In most of the varieties, a linear correlation was observed between glycemic index and amylose contents. The data show that KPK15 and Saleem 2000 are the best wheat varieties while Sarhad white is the best among maize samples to be consumed by normal individuals and diabetic patients. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Wheat and maize are the most widely used cereal crops being consumed randomly both by normal individuals and diabetic patients. Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and high oxidative stress. Diet and nutrition play an important role in the development and control of diabetes. In this research, we attempted to find out the best wheat and maize varieties for diabetic patients from locally grown genotypes.