Flavonoids from Blueberries and Fruits Can Lower Diabetes Risk

Nearly one in ten people in the US have been diagnosed with diabetes and one in three are prediabetic, a strong indicator they will progress to full-blown diabetes in the near future without dietary intervention. Experts indicate that by the year 2050, one half of all American adults will fall into one of these two classifications, significantly lowering their quality of life and lifespan.

Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health report the result of a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in support of the potent effect of flavonoids from blueberries and other natural foods to significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. Data from prior studies has drawn a link between specific flavonoids from dietary sources such as berries and improvement in insulin sensitivity and signaling to improve metabolic syndrome, a series of biomarkers that lead to diabetes.

Flavonoid-Rich Foods Including Blueberries Shield Against Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

The research consisted of 70,359 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, 89,201 women in the NHS II, and 41,334 men in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study who were free of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer at the outset of each study, and followed for a period of twenty years. Higher intake of berry flavonoids (anthocyanins) was significantly associated with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes after adjusting for age, body weight, lifestyle and dietary factors.

The scientists found that consumption of anthocyanin-rich foods, especially blueberries, apples and pears was associated with a significantly lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This research supports prior studies showing that blueberries significantly boosted the production of adiponectin, the key hormone made in your white adipose tissue that prevents your liver from developing insulin resistance, ultimately leading to type 2 diabetes.

Eat Three to Five Servings of Fresh Berries Each Week to Lower Diabetes Risk

Blood sugar levels spike in response to a diet of highly refined carbohydrates, sugars, wheat products and excess processed foods. Insulin is released by the pancreas in an effort to stabilize blood sugar levels and usher glucose into the cells where it is needed for energy. Over time, blood sugar spikes cause insulin to become resistant and excess sugar remains in the blood leading to metabolic decline.

Blueberries and flavonoid rich natural foods help regulate the action of insulin by modulating adipose hormones to lower risk of diabetes and aid weight management issues. Consume at least one-half cup of berries every day or use an anthocyanin-rich supplement taken with meals to shield you from metabolic syndrome and the cellular devastation caused by diabetes.