Posted on June 9, 2008 in Latest News
British Medical Journal published a study that took place in Spain. The study looked at the diet of 13,380 Spanish people aged between 20-90 years for four and a half years.
The participants of the study had to fill out a questionnaire on the kind of food they eat and tell the researchers if they developed Type 2 Diabetes. After an average of four and a half years of observation, it was found that only 33 new cases of Type 2 Diabetes were recorded.
The researches were expecting over 158 new cases but they were surprised to see only 33 new cases of Diabetes. It was observed that people who had a Mediterranean Diet, despite having large number of risk factors, like older age, smoking, over-weight, family history of diabetes, and medical history of high blood pressure.
Researches say that the main reasons why Mediterranean diet helps prevent type 2 diabetes is because Mediterranean foods include high levels of fiber and low levels of vegetable fats. The diet also contains small amount of trans fatty acids and a very moderate amount of alcohol.
The generous use of Virgin Olive oil in the Mediterranean diet. Olive Oil is rich in monosaturated fatty acids instead of saturated fatty acids. Virgin olive oil helps maintain insulin levels better than carbohydrates in the diet.
Director of the research, Dr. Iain Frame says,
“We advice people to follow a healthy diet low in fat, sugar and salt with plenty of fruit and vegetables, and to undertake physical activity regularly so as to reduce the risk of developing the condition.”
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