Home »  Diabetes  »  Leafy vegetables cut diabetes risk

Leafy vegetables cut diabetes risk

Eating more green leafy vegetables can significantly cut the risk of developing diabetes.

Advertisement
Eating more green leafy vegetables can significantly cut the risk of developing diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body's inability to adequately use insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, to regulate levels of glucose produced from food. Uncontrolled, the sugar levels rise and can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries. The chronic condition is often linked to poor diet and lack of exercise and is reaching epidemic levels as rates of obesity rise.

Researchers reviewed six earlier studies which covered 223,512 people between 30 and 74 years old, in the United States, China and Finland, to investigate the links between diabetes and the consumption of only fruits, only vegetables and fruits and vegetables in combination. Data regarding the number of servings of fruits and vegetables each participant ate on a daily basis and blood sugar level was collected.

It was found that eating 1.15 extra serving a day of vegetables like spinach, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower reduced adults' risk of getting type 2 diabetes by 14 percent. Green leafy vegetables contain antioxidants, magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids - all of which have been shown to have health benefits.

The study shows that increasing daily intake of green leafy vegetables could significantly reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.

DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.

Advertisement