New research has revealed that a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The study, published in the journal Diabetes Care, found that individuals who followed a diet high in plant-based foods had a significantly lower risk of developing the disease.
The study, led by researchers from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, analyzed data from over 200,000 participants who were followed for more than 20 years. They found that those who consumed the most amount of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and legumes were 23% less likely to develop type 2 diabetes compared to those who consumed the least amount of these foods.
The researchers also found that specific types of fruits and vegetables were particularly beneficial in reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Berries, apples, and pears were found to have the most significant impact, with individuals who consumed these fruits regularly experiencing a 13% lower risk of developing the disease.
Additionally, the study found that replacing just one serving of red meat with plant-based foods each day was associated with a 30% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This highlights the importance of incorporating more plant-based foods into one’s diet to reduce the risk of this prevalent chronic disease.
Lead author Dr. Frank Hu emphasized the importance of dietary choices in preventing type 2 diabetes, stating that “our findings underscore the benefits of eating a plant-based diet to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes.” He also noted that increasing the intake of these foods can have significant health benefits beyond just diabetes prevention, including reducing the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.
Overall, this research highlights the potential impact of dietary choices on one’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes and the importance of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into one’s diet for overall health and well-being.
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