Alas, you must eat the spinach, not take supplements
Eating green leafy vegetables such as spinach can significantly reduce the
risk of developing type 2 diabetes, according to the latest research. Type 2
diabetes is the most common form of diabetes and is strongly associated with
being overweight. It mainly affects people over the age of 40. The incidence of
type 2 diabetes has risen sharply in the past two decades.
Researchers reviewed six studies covering 220,000 participants that
focused on the links between fruit and vegetable consumption and type 2
diabetes. They found that eating one and a half extra servings of green leafy
vegetables a day reduces the risk of type 2 diabetes by 14%. However, eating
more fruit and vegetables combined does not significantly affect this risk. The
study said fruit and vegetables may prevent chronic diseases because of their
antioxidant content, with vegetables like spinach possibly acting to reduce
type 2 diabetes risk because of its high magnesium content.
However, the authors stressed that the results support evidence that the
foods themselves, rather than their 'components', such as antioxidants, are
beneficial to health. In other words, taking supplements does not compare to
eating the spinach. The study noted that 86% of UK adults eat less than the
recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, with 62% consuming
less than three portions.
Commenting on the study, Professor Jim Mann from the University of Otago
in New Zealand said that given the limited number of studies, “it may be too
early to dismiss a small reduction in risk for overall fruit and vegetable
intake or other specific types of fruits and vegetables and too early for a
conclusion regarding green leafy vegetables.”
The Family GP
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