People who eat two cheap tins of food a week ‘can stop diabetes’ – Daily Record
A new study from Spain suggests that incorporating two cans of sardines in olive oil into your diet every week could have a significant impact on your health, particularly in preventing type 2 diabetes. The research, led by Dr Ramon Gomis, found that older adults over the age of 65 who consumed sardines showed a reduced likelihood of developing diabetes. Published by the Centre of Biomedical Investigation, the study highlights the protective effects of sardines due to their affordability, accessibility, and rich nutritional content. Sardines are known to contain unsaturated fats that help regulate cholesterol levels and protect against cardiovascular diseases.
Prof Diana Díaz Rizzolo from IDIBAPS and UOC notes that sardines are not only affordable and readily available but also serve as a preventive measure against type 2 diabetes. The study involved 152 patients aged 65 or older with prediabetes who were part of a nutritional programme designed to lower their diabetes risk. Those who added two cans of sardines in olive oil to their weekly diet experienced significant improvements in various health parameters. The group that included sardines in their diet showed reduced insulin resistance, increased good cholesterol levels, and improved glucose metabolism, along with other positive effects.
The research highlighted the importance of the synergistic action of nutrients found in sardines, such as taurine, omega-3, calcium, and vitamin D, which may not be as effective when taken as supplements. The study focused on older individuals due to the higher prevalence of diabetes in this age group. However, the results suggest that similar preventive effects could be achieved in younger individuals as well. The findings underscore the benefits of incorporating sardines into the diet for overall health and diabetes prevention.
In summary, the Spanish study revealed that consuming two cans of sardines in olive oil per week can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially in older adults. The affordability and nutritional value of sardines make them a practical and accessible preventive measure against the disease. Experts recommend including sardines in the diet to benefit from their protective effects on various health parameters. Further research may explore the potential preventive benefits of sardines for a wider age group and their role in promoting overall health and well-being.