Green vegetables could stave off diabetes
UK researchers from the University of Leicester have announced results that suggest that green, leafy vegetables such as spinach and cabbage could help to lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
The researchers have found that the risk could be cut by up to 14% if people increased their portion intake of the vegetables, which are rich in magnesium and antioxidants.
Most green vegetables, including brassicas such as kale, sprouts and broccoli contain high concentrations of the viatmins and minerals linked to a decrease in diabetes.
The study showed that for those who barely ate any of the green vegetables normally, an increase of one and a half UK portions (around 122g) could trigger the 14% risk reduction.
It has been generally known that a daily intake of fresh fruit and vegetables is good for the health, but vitamin pill takers should be warned: the evidence for taking vitamin supplements was dissapointing, say the researchers.
The study, published in the British Medical Journal, comprised of data from 223,000 people and partly concluded: “The results support the growing body of evidence that lifestyle modification is an important
factor in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes. The potential for tailored advice on increasing intake of green leafy vegetables to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes should be investigated further.”
