Green leafy veg 'may cut diabetes risk'

[Lynx]

Green leafy veg 'may cut diabetes risk'

By Emma Wilkinson

Health reporter, BBC News

A diet rich in green leafy vegetables may reduce the risk of developing diabetes, UK research says.

In an analysis of six studies into fruit and vegetable intake, only food including spinach and cabbage was found to have a significant positive effect.

A portion and a half a day was found to cut type 2 diabetes risk by 14%, the British Medical Journal (BMJ) reports.

Green leafy veg, rather than a healthy diet in general, were linked to benefits

But experts urged people to continue to aim for five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.

The researchers from Leicester University reviewed data from the studies of 220,000 adults in total.

They found that eating more fruit and vegetables in general was not strongly linked with a smaller chance of developing type 2 diabetes but "there was a general trend in that direction".

This study suggests that green leafy vegetables seem to be particularly important in terms of preventing diabetes”

Yet when it came to green leafy vegetables, which the researchers said also includes broccoli and cauliflower, the risk reduction was significant.

The team calculated that a daily dose of 106g reduced the risk of diabetes by 14% - a UK "portion" is classed as 80g.

Professor Melanie Davies

It is not clear why green leafy vegetables may have a protective effect but one reason may be they are high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C and another theory is that they contain high levels of magnesium.

University of Leicester

Study leader Professor Melanie Davies, professor of diabetic medicine at the University of Leicester, said the message to eat five portions of fruit and vegetables a day remains an important one.

But she added: "People like very specific health messages.

"We know that intake of fruit and vegetables is important, but this study suggests that green leafy vegetables seem to be particularly important in terms of preventing diabetes."

The team are now planning a study in people at high risk of developing the condition to see if increasing their intake of vegetables like spinach and kale can help to reduce their chances of being diagnosed with diabetes.

Fruit and veg

In 2008/09, the National Diet Nutrition Survey showed that, although fruit and vegetable intake has risen over the past decade, only a third of men and women eat the recommended five-a-day.

In an accompanying editorial in the BMJ, Professor Jim Mann from the University of Otago in New Zealand, stressed that the message of increasing overall fruit and vegetable intake must not be lost "in a plethora of magic bullets," even though green leafy vegetables clearly can be included as one of the daily portions.

Dr Iain Frame, director of research at Diabetes UK said: "We already know that the health benefits of eating vegetables are far-reaching but this is the first time that there has been a suggested link specifically between green leafy vegetables and a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes."

But he warned the evidence was limited and it was too early to isolate green leafy vegetables and present them alone as a method to cut the chances of developing the condition.

"We would be concerned if focusing on certain foods detracted from the advice to eat five portions of fruits and vegetables a day, which has benefits in terms of reducing heart disease, stroke, some cancers and obesity as well as type 2 diabetes."

Diabetes UK is currently funding research into whether fermentable carbohydrates found in foods such as asparagus, garlic, chicory and Jerusalem artichokes could help weight loss and prevent Type 2 diabetes.

[Narkissos]

But she added: "People like very specific health messages.

Too specific if you ask me.

And i don't think the medical profession CAN give 'em what they seem to want.

Cus I mean, why make claims that they then need to retract half a decade later... or sooner?

[veronicaZora]

I totally agree with that we should eat fresh foods such as leafy vegetables and fruits instead of other sweets, oily, fast food etc, Then the obesity rise and other issues such as diabetes will decrease. Spinach and other green leafy veggies may reduce type 2 diabetes risk because of their high concentrations of polyphenols and vitamin C, both of which have antioxidant properties. They also contain magnesium, which may further reduce risk.

[Narkissos]

Originally Posted by veronicaZora

I totally agree with that we should eat fresh foods such as leafy vegetables and fruits instead of other sweets, oily, fast food etc, Then the obesity rise and other issues such as diabetes will decrease. Spinach and other green leafy veggies may reduce type 2 diabetes risk because of their high concentrations of polyphenols and vitamin C, both of which have antioxidant properties. They also contain magnesium, which may further reduce risk.

Indeed!

[Heath125]

Green leafy vegetables have a number of benefits for our health.
These vegetables control our cholesterol level and reduce the risk of the heart stroke, burn the fat and keep the weight within a healthy limit, reduce the risk of cancer and diabetes.
So we should not ignore the importance of these vegetables take them in our daily diet.

[Arnold4]

Green vegetables are safety food and are highly beneficial for health against disease. Vegetables are essential for maintaining alkaline supplies in the body. They are essential because of their high mineral and vitamin in it.