We all know the old adage that “an apple a day keeps the doctor away”. Now, a new study conducted in China by the University of Oxford and Peking University could add even more weight to this claim, especially for those at risk of developing type 2 Diabetes.
During a huge study of 500,000 participants which took place over seven years, researchers discovered that those who ate fresh Fruit every day were less likely to develop type 2 diabetes than those who ate fresh fruit less frequently or never.
The study, which also included participants who already had the disease, also revealed that, far from being a dangerous part of a diabetic diet, fresh fruit could in fact be helpful to patients. A possible link between reduced additional complications (including eye problems like diabetic retinopathy) and eating fresh fruit was detected by the researchers.
Blood sugar fears quashed
In China, medical guidance typically cautions diabetics – and those at risk of developing diabetes – to avoid fresh fruit because of its high Sugar content, which many in the country believe raises blood sugar levels. However, unlike many other high sugar foods, fruity snacks like apples, pears and oranges release sugar slowly, preventing those potentially dangerous blood sugar spikes.
Concerns about the high sugar content of fruit were allayed by results which suggested that non-diabetics who ate fresh fruit daily as opposed to rarely were 12% less likely to develop diabetes. Meanwhile, diabetic participants who ate fruit daily were 17% less likely to die from diabetes related complications than their fruit-avoiding counterparts.
Complicating factors
While it’s very tricky to divorce daily fruit consumption from other health factors, the new study draws a clear link between daily portions of fruit and fewer diabetic risks. A complication which affects the study is the fact that those who consume fruit every day are also more likely to have healthier diets and lifestyles all round. From eating more healthily, to participating in more exercise, healthy lifestyles and higher rates of fruit consumption are closely connected.
Healthier populations
However, despite the confusing factors involved, what the research clearly demonstrates is that higher levels of fruit intake are not a diabetes risk and are not linked to complications with the disease. Those with a family history of diabetes can consume fruit safe in the knowledge that they are not increasing their chances of developing the condition, while those with diabetes can happily munch on an apple without worrying about the consequences.
In fact, with everything weighed up, fruit is almost certainly beneficial when it comes to lowering the risk of developing diabetes and suffering from further diabetes-related complications.
Fresh fruit, healthier populations
This study is just one in a long line which highlights the benefits of regular fruit consumption on public health. While the findings are important to each of us personally, they’re also highly significant for businesses keen to keep their workplaces as healthy as possible. With 4,052,222 working days lost in Ireland in 2015, businesses like Fruitful Office are helping companies invest in their workforce’s health with fresh fruit deliveries.
Are you diabetic? What is your relationship with fresh fruit? Do you think fresh fruit in your workplace could help staff make healthier choices? Have your say below.
