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Home Articles REAL Health Diabetes Research: Green Leafy Vegetables Cuts Risk of Diabetes
Research: Green Leafy Vegetables Cuts Risk of Diabetes Print E-mail
Written by Susan McCreadie, MD   
Green Leafy Vegetables Cuts Risk of Diabetes. A review, published in the British Medical Journal, looked at six studies on links between diabetes and the consumption of fruits and vegetables and found eating an extra serving a day of vegetables like spinach, cabbage, and broccoli reduced adults' risk of type 2 diabetes by 14 percent. These studies covered over 200,000 adults in the United States, China and Finland.
 

"The data suggest that green leafy vegetables are key.  Fruit and vegetables are all good, but the data significantly show that green leafy vegetables are particularly interesting, so further investigation is warranted," said researcher Patrice Carter of the diabetes research unit at Leicester University.
 
What's amazing is the researchers found no reduced diabetes risk with higher intake of vegetables in general, fruits, or combinations of vegetables and fruits, only with green leafy vegetables.

So what do green leafy vegetables have that other fruits and vegetables don't? The answer is, we don't entirely know yet  We do know they contain antioxidants, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids ~ all health promoting. The authors of this study note their results support the evidence that 'foods' rather than isolated components from the food (for example antioxidants) are beneficial for health.  That's why we always say REAL food is the foundation of REAL health!

Here are some examples of green leafy vegetables, so you can work on increasing these in your family's diet.

* Arugula
* Bok Choy
* Broccoli
* Brussel Sprouts
* Cabbage
* Chard
* Collard Greens
* Dandelion Greens
* Endive
* Kale
* Mustard Greens
* Romaine
* Spinach

We can hear your next question, how do I get my child to eat those!?! We have that covered as well.  See Loving Vegetables?

Also, try this favorite read: Greens, Glorious Greens!

Remember the REAL food journey is a journey. Start somewhere, just get started! Don't delay, the health benefits are too important. 
 
 
Susan McCreadie, MD is a Holistic Pediatrician and co-founder of nourishMD. She shows parents how to find REAL health for their child, so they can stop treating their child's symptoms and instead find solutions that help their child heal from the inside out.