University of Leicester While turmeric was ascertained to help avoid type 2 diabetes, brown rice and whole rice appeared to lower the risk of this developing this ailment. Experts now suggest that consuming more green leafy vegetables can considerably decrease the chances of being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The overall benefits of eating such vegetables are ascertained to be under cover till date.

Prior analysis claim that presence of fruit and vegetables in higher amounts can help avert cancer and heart disease. But the benefits of including them in our daily diet for avoiding diabetes were apparently unknown. A previous investigation suggested that in 2002, 86 percent of UK adults consumed less than the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, and among them 62 percent barely included more than three portions.

Investigators remark, “Our results support the evidence that ‘foods’ rather than isolated components such as antioxidants are beneficial for health … results from several supplement trials have produced disappointing results for prevention of disease.”

During the current analysis, Patrice Carter and colleagues analyzed six studies initiated on approximately 220,000 participants. These investigations were apparently undertaken to determine the correlation between fruit and vegetable consumption and type 2 diabetes. It was observed that eating one and a half extra servings of green leafy vegetables per day can possibly decline the risk of type 2 diabetes by 14 percent. Increased consumption of fruit and vegetables may not affect this risk.

Scientists add, “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.”

It is the antioxidant content of these fruits and vegetables that are assumed to help avoid chronic diseases. Green leafy vegetables like spinach possibly reduce type 2 diabetes risks because of their high magnesium content. Green leafy vegetables are advised to be included as one of the five portions of fruit and vegetables every day. Since the investigations were conducted on few studies, the conclusions drawn by this analysis can probably be questioned.

The study was published on bmj.com.