Eating high levels of flavonoids including anthocyanins and other compounds (found in berries, tea and chocolate) could offer protection from Type 2 diabetes, according to research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) and King’s College London.
Findings published in the Journal of Nutrition reveal that high intakes of these dietary compounds are associated with lower insulin resistance and better blood glucose regulation.
A study of almost 2,000 people also found that these food groups lower inflammation, which, when chronic, is associated with diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Professor Aedin Cassidy from UEA’s Norwich Medical School led the research. She said: “Our research looked at the benefits of eating certain sub-groups of flavonoids. We focused on flavones, which are found in herbs and vegetables such as parsley, thyme and celery, and anthocyanins, found in berries, red grapes, wine and other red- or blue-coloured fruits and vegetables.
“This is one of the first large-scale human studies to look at how these powerful bioactive compounds might reduce the risk of diabetes. Laboratory studies have shown these types of foods might modulate blood glucose regulation, affecting the risk of Type 2 diabetes. But until now, little has been known about how habitual intakes might affect insulin resistance, blood glucose regulation and inflammation in humans.”
Researchers studied almost 2,000 healthy women volunteers from TwinsUK, who had completed a food questionnaire designed to estimate total dietary flavonoid intake as well as intakes from six flavonoid subclasses.
Blood samples were analysed for evidence of glucose regulation and inflammation. Insulin resistance, a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, was assessed using an equation that considered fasting insulin and glucose levels.
“We found that those who consumed plenty of anthocyanins and flavones had lower insulin resistance,” said Cassidy. “High insulin resistance is associated with Type 2 diabetes, so what we’re seeing is that people who eat foods rich in these two compounds – such as berries, herbs, red grapes, wine – are less likely to develop the disease.
“We also found that those who ate the most anthocyanins were least likely to suffer chronic inflammation, which is associated with many of today’s most pressing health concerns, including diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
“Those who consumed the most flavone compounds had improved levels of a protein (adiponectin) that helps regulate a number of metabolic processes, including glucose levels. What we don’t yet know is exactly how much of these compounds are necessary to potentially reduce the risk of Type 2 diabetes.”
Professor Tim Spector, research collaborator and director of the TwinsUK study from King’s College London, said: “This is an exciting finding that shows that some components of foods that we consider unhealthy, such as chocolate or wine, may contain some beneficial substances. If we can start to identify and separate these substances, we can potentially improve healthy eating. There are many reasons, including genetics, why people prefer certain foods, so we should be cautious until we test them properly in randomised trials and in people developing early diabetes.”
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