Plant-Based Diets Lower Diabetes Risk
According to the most recent estimates from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 100 million adults in the United States have diabetes or prediabetes. Prediabetes is defined by a set of conditions that create a high risk for the development of type 2 diabetes. The vast majority of individuals suffering from diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Recently a large-scale meta-analysis of risk factors for type 2 diabetes was undertaken by a team of researchers from the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health in Boston, MA. In particular, the researchers analyzed the connection between plant-based diets and the risk of developing diabetes.
Using data collected from more than 300,000 participants, the researchers were able to confirm the plant-based diets were able to lower the overall risk for developing diabetes by more than 23%. Their findings were reported in the prestigious journal JAMA Internal Medicine.
In their report the researchers made a clear distinction between diets that were plant-based but not nutritionally sound versus diets that were plant-based and nutritionally rich. For example, diets filled with potatoes and various sugars, though plant-based, led to a decline in a person’s overall health. On the other hand, diets rich in leafy green vegetables, nuts, fruits and legumes reduced a person’s overall risk for a wide variety of diseases. Indeed, the researchers determined that the closer a participant’s diet was to a healthy plant-based diet, the lower their risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer, among other illnesses.
The precise relationship between an individual’s diet and diabetes, as well as on their overall health, is extremely complicated. Numerous studies around the world are currently investigating this important issue. However, it has been shown that plant-based diets improve both blood pressure and insulin sensitivity. They also aid in weight reduction and have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body.
As senior author Dr. Qi Sun stated, “Overall, these data highlighted the importance of adhering to plant-based diets to achieve or maintain good health, and people should choose fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, tofu, and other healthful plant foods as the cornerstone of their diets.”
Atlantic Coast Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, a beautiful nursing home and rehab center, is conveniently located in scenic Lakewood, NJ, close to major medical centers and just minutes from area highways.
Our registered dietician ensures that all meals conform to the individual dietary restrictions and requirements for every resident. And our master chef and staff of culinary experts make sure the food is delicious enough to please even the most discerning palates. Our meals are not only healthful and flavorful, they are also beautiful: elegantly served, using fine china and utensils.
Atlantic Coast is situated on beautifully landscaped grounds, and provides the comfortable and pleasant living experience that is essential to ensuring optimal clinical outcomes. We have strived to create an environment and program that truly enhances quality of life, thus promoting recuperation, health, and well-being.
Our modern facility features spacious living spaces that are impeccably decorated and furnished. Our residents are pampered with the finest amenities, including free WIFI, flat screen cable television and state-of-the-art mechanical beds for individualized comfort.
Our goal is to offer activities that stimulate both mind and body. We fashion each day’s recreation schedule with the primary purpose of encouraging social interaction and promoting physical health and fitness. To accommodate different interests and personal preferences, our Activities Director designs flexible schedules, with a variety of stimulating and engaging activity options.
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