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Cheese can Help Beat Diabetes

by Dr. Reeja Tharu on Aug 4 2012 11:20 AM
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A moderate amount of cheese each day can prevent diabetes, according to a new study.

A group of British and Dutch scientists have discovered that eating two slices of cheese every day can reduce the risk for type- 2 diabetes by 12 percent. The results of the study have been published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition.

Diabetes is a lifestyle disease, which, when not controlled, causes heart attacks, stroke, blindness and nerve problems. In a type-2 diabetes afflicted individual, the pancreas fail to produce adequate insulin that is necessary for sugar metabolism.

The researchers studied the diets of 16,800 healthy adults and 12,400 individuals with type 2 diabetes, who belonged to eight European countries.

It was found that those who ate two slices of cheese per day (at least 55 grams), were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes. The reduction of risk was the same as in those who consumed 55 gms of yogurt.

There is plenty of advice doing the rounds prompting people to refrain from eating too much dairy products, cake or red meat as these foods have increased saturated fat content and therefore, increase the risk for cholesterol and diabetes.

However, expert opinion now says that not all saturated fats are harmful. Some, they say can actually be beneficial.

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Apparently the probiotic bacteria in cheese and yoghurt have the ability to lower cholesterol. They also contain calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, which may play a preventive role against diabetes.

The incidence of diabetes has increased manifold over the last decade. New economy brings about a change in lifestyle that has produced a slothful generation who are slave to gadgets and gizmos. Obesity and metabolic syndrome have increased like never before, making India the epicenter of global diabetes. Being a lifestyle disease, type-2 diabetes can be prevented.

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Director of the research, Iain Frame, recommends balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and veggies but low in fats and salts. Healthy eating, stress-control and moderate exercise are bound to keep type-2 diabetes at bay.

Source-Medindia


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