A Diet Rich in Fruit & Veg Could Reduce Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes, Claims New Study

The study, conducted by the Health and Society and Human Nutrition Research Centre at Newcastle University, identified a combination of foods that reduce biomarkers of inflammation and oxidative stress.

 

The dietary pattern, high in fruit and vegetables, and low in chips, sugar, and white bread, is thought to be associated with reduced prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

 

The study used data collected from the National Diet and Nutrition Survey, an annual survey designed to assess the food consumption and nutritional status of the British population. Over 1,500 adult members were analyzed.

 

The researchers studied data on two blood biomarkers found in the survey members: serum C-reactive protein to assess inflammation, and plasma carotenoid to evaluate oxidative stress. They concluded the dietary pattern was linked to lower inflammation and higher anti-oxidant status, which related to a lower prevalence of type 2 diabetes.

 

The research also showed that the percentage of energy intake from protein was higher in this diet, suggesting that protein consumption could also have a positive impact on tackling type 2 diabetes. However, more research is needed to clarify the type of proteins consumed and whether it was of plant or animal origin.

 

“This research points towards the importance of improving our understanding of the relation between diet as a whole and chronic disease outcomes such as type 2 diabetes,” the authors claims, adding, “Though we know that individual foods may reduce inflammation and oxidative stress, we know little about how foods interact together and in relation to nutrients to achieve a desired health outcome.”

 

“The National Diet and Nutrition Survey has been a valuable survey in advancing our understanding of how diet impacts our health,” continue the researchers, “If such measures are continued into the future, we will be able to understand even more how the diet of people with undiagnosed or diagnosed diabetes differs from people who do not have diabetes.”