Spinach Reduces Diabetes Risk

LEICERT, EnglandEating more green leafy vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes due in part to its high magnesium content, according to this systematic review and meta-analysis published in BMJ.

Medline, Embase, CINAHL, British Nursing Index (BNI) and the Cochrane library were searched for medical subject headings and keywords on diabetes, pre-diabetes, fruit and vegetables. Expert opinions were sought and reference lists of relevant articles checked. Prospective cohort studies with an independent measure of intake of fruit, vegetables or fruit and vegetables and data on incidence of type 2 diabetes were assessed. Six studies met the inclusion criteria; four of these studies also provided separate information on the consumption of green leafy vegetables. Summary estimates showed that greater intake of green leafy vegetables was associated with a 14-percent reduction in risk of type 2 diabetes (P=0.01). The summary estimates showed no significant benefits of increasing the consumption of vegetables, fruit or fruit and vegetables combined.