A Yogurt a Day Keep Diabetes at Bay – New Study Draws

Research suggests regular consumption of yogurt can reduce Type 2 diabetes risk by 28%, a simple pot of yogurt each day could very well keep diabetes at bay, a new study has suggested.

Scientists discovered that individuals eating yogurt on a regular basis were up to 28% less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those eating no yogurt at all.

The research also highlighted the potential health benefit of cottage cheese, fromage frais and a variety of other fermented dairy foods with a low fat content.

On the whole, the 11 year study involving 4,000 people ended with an apparent 24% reduction in overall diabetes risk through consumption of such products.

“This research highlights that specific foods may have an important role in the prevention of Type 2 diabetes and are relevant for public health messages,” said study author Dr Nita Forouhi, a scientist based at Cambridge University’s Medical Research Council Epidemiology Unit.

“At a time when we have a lot of other evidence that consuming high amounts of certain foods, such as added sugars and sugary drinks, is bad for our health, it is very reassuring to have messages about other foods like yoghurt and low-fat fermented dairy products, that could be good for our health.”

Dairy products are renowned sources of essential calcium, vitamins, minerals and protein, though consumed in large quantities present risks of raised cholesterol.

However, this is the first time a conclusive link has been drawn between low-fat dairy products and a lessened risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.

“This is a well-conducted research study, but linking specific components of our diet to the development of Type 2 diabetes is difficult and complicated, so we always need to be careful about the conclusions we draw,” said diabetes charity worker Dr. Alasdair Rankin.

“What it does suggest is that people in this study who included low-fat fermented dairy products such as yoghurt in their diet were less likely to develop Type 2 diabetes, and that yoghurt was one component of a healthy diet that reduced their risk alongside other healthy behaviors,”

“So this study adds to evidence suggesting that the best way to reduce your risk of Type 2 diabetes is by maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes plenty of physical activity and a balanced diet that is low in saturated fat, salt and sugar and rich in fruit and vegetables.”

Source: highlightspress

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