Can a Mediterranean diet prevent diabetes?

For decades doctors and nutritionists have been raving about the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet. New research has found that it may even reduce your risk of diabetes.

Researchers recently analyzed 19 studies that included more than 162,000 people in different countries for an average of 5.5 years. They found that a Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, nuts, fruit and vegetables, is associated with a 21 percent lower risk of diabetes. The chance of developing diabetes was reduced even more among people who had an increase risk for developing heart disease.

"Adherence to the Mediterranean diet may prevent the development of diabetes irrespective of age, sex, race or culture," lead investigator Demosthenes Panagiotakos, a professor at Harokopio University in Athens, Greece, said in a college news release. "This diet has a beneficial effect, even in high-risk groups, and speaks to the fact that it is never too late to start eating a healthy diet."

It's important to note that the recent review proved that a Mediterranean diet reduces diabetes risk in both Europeans and non-Europeans alike. Many other studies simply analyzed the diet of those who live in European nations, which means that genetics, environment, and lifestyle might have influenced the past results.

Unfortunately, the number of people diagnosed with diabetes has doubled in the past 30 years because of the growing obesity epidemic. It's essential to monitor your weight and adhere to a healthy diet to decrease your changes of developing illness.

At Nutrivene, our goal is to help you enhance your health and wellness. In addition to following a Mediterranean diet, it may also be helpful to add nutritional dietary supplements to your daily routine. Contact us today to find out more information! 

This entry was posted on Friday, March 28th, 2014 at 1:00 pm. Both comments and pings are currently closed.