Scientific research is lending increasing evidence to support the fact that nutrition directly impacts our health. Maintaining a healthy diet leads to improved health overall, and conversely, poor nutritional habits adversely affect one’s health. According to the latest studies, the risk of developing diabetes is related to certain foods. Eating blueberries, apples and pears reduces the risk of developing diabetes, whereas eating white rice may lead to an increased risk of developing the disease.
According to a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people whose diets included regular intake of blueberries, apples and pears benefited from a 23% reduction in the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This was thought to be due to the high content in these fruits of flavonoids, a natural compound also present in other fruits, vegetables and grains. Flavonoids have previously been shown to confer other health benefits, such as reduced risk of heart disease and cancer, and lower blood pressure. Blueberries are also high in anti-oxidants which target free radicals and are natural anti-aging agents. In another study published in the British Medical Journal, white rice consumption is directly proportional to the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This confirms other research which previously reported such an association. Eating whole grains or brown rice instead would supply fiber and nutrients and does not lead to a higher risk of developing the disease.
Diabetes is a chronic, often debilitating disease with a significant impact on patients’ lives. In addition to the myriad health issues it creates, it also interferes with proper wound healing after any surgery, including aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. Optimizing a patient’s health status is essential before proceeding with surgery, and proper diet and nutrition in addition to exercise and physical activity are key in achieving this.
To read more about these studies, click here for the Reuters story about fruits and diabetes in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, and click here for the Time Healthland story about white rice and diabetes in the British Medical Journal.
Dr. Olivia Hutchinson is a female board certified plastic surgeon in NYC and NJ. She is dedicated to her patients’ overall health and well-being. If you are considering plastic surgery, please contact us or call us at (212) 452-1400 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hutchinson.
