An apple — and now maybe a yogurt — a day might actually keep the doctor away.
A British study published in Diabetologia found a significant decrease in Type 2 diabetes risk in individuals who eat low-fat fermented dairy products.
The researchers studied the diets of about 4,000 people, with some having developed Type 2 diabetes, over the course of 11 years. (Via CBS)
Those who ate low-fat yogurt had about a 28 percent reduced risk of developing diabetes. And for those who ate low-fat fermented dairy products in general, such as cottage cheese, that risk was reduced by about 24 percent. (Via WFVX)
HealthDay reports the observed correlations were seen among individuals who ate about four or five 4-ounce servings of fermented dairy products a week.
Although this study did not identify what, specifically, makes yogurt beneficial, there is some speculation as to what it might be.
According to HealthDay, the study’s lead researcher says fermented products — such as yogurt — contain vitamin K and probiotic bacteria that might be what makes yogurt so beneficial in reducing diabetes risk. (Via Yoplait)
But before you go and stock up on cartsful of yogurt, researchers do warn the primary risk factor of Type 2 diabetes is obesity, and regular exercise and eating more plant-based foods are key to preventing the disease, according to The Inquisitr.
The American Diabetes Association estimates more than 25 million Americans have diabetes.
