A new UK study found that consuming flavonoid-rich foods and drinks such as green tea, berries, and apples can lower the risk of Type 2 diabetes. Over 100,000 participants underwent dietary assessments to determine their intake of certain foods. Flavonoids are chemical compounds found in fruits and vegetables that have various health benefits, including anticancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. There are six main types of flavonoids, each with unique biological activities and metabolization processes in the body.
The study, published in the journal Nutrition & Diabetes, discovered that consuming six servings of flavonoid-rich foods daily could reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 28%. Excluding red wine from the analysis, the risk reduction was still significant at 26%. With over 38 million Americans affected by diabetes, most of whom have Type 2 diabetes, it is important to identify ways to lower the risk of developing the disease. Plant-based diets have been previously shown to reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes, and this study highlights the potential benefits of incorporating specific flavonoid-rich foods into one’s diet.
Results from the study showed that consuming four servings of tea a day could lower the risk of diabetes by 21%, while one serving of berries daily reduced the risk by 15% and apples by 12%. Researchers also observed positive effects of flavonoids on sugar metabolism, inflammation, and kidney and liver function. The authors of the study recommend encouraging individuals to increase their intake of specific flavonoid-rich foods like tea, berries, and apples to help lower their risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Registered dietitian Megan Hilbert, who was not involved in the study, mentioned the significance of the findings in educating patients on dietary recommendations. She highlighted the impact of specific flavonoids on reducing diabetes risk and identified certain flavonoid-rich foods that had a more protective effect than others. The study provides valuable information on the role that flavonoid-rich foods can play in managing and preventing Type 2 diabetes, offering practical recommendations for individuals looking to reduce their risk of developing the disease.
Incorporating flavonoid-rich foods and beverages such as tea, berries, and apples into one’s daily diet may offer protective effects against Type 2 diabetes. The study found that increasing consumption of these specific foods could significantly reduce the risk of developing the disease. With millions of Americans affected by diabetes, the research highlights the importance of dietary choices in managing and preventing Type 2 diabetes. By including flavonoid-rich foods in their diet, individuals may lower their risk and improve their overall health outcomes related to diabetes.
