Vegetables and Fruits Protect from Diabetes

People whose diet includes vegetables and fruits in abundance run less risk of developing type 2 diabetes – these are the conclusions arrived at by scientists from the Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge.

The extensive study encompassed about 4 thousand people within the age range from 40 to 79 and went on for 11 years. During this period type 2 diabetes was diagnosed in 653 people whose diet contained little in the way of vegetables and fruits.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes decreased by 21% in those whose daily meals included a great amount of fruits and vegetables. Moreover, it decreased by 40% in people using a large assortment of fruits and vegetables, up to 16 kinds. A diet with less than 8 kinds failed to produce such an effect.

According to the study, people should not only mind how great their portions are but also make their diet diverse to ensure getting the whole range of cellulose, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemical compounds protecting cells from damages that cause chronic diseases.

The volume of portions is individual for every person, depending on his or her weight, age and physical activity. Anyway, everyone should have not less than 5 portions a day.

One of the factors producing type 2 diabetes is obesity, and specialists urge to maintain healthy weight by doing physical exercises and counting the calories.