Consumption of fish reduces the risk of developing diabetes, heart disease and obesity
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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People who regularly eat fish as the main source of animal protein have a lower blood glucose level and are at a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and obesity, in contrast to those who do not consume it, say scientists from the University of Valencia in the journal Nutrición Hospitalaria. Consumption of a large amount of dried and / or red meat has the opposite effect.
The author of the study, Mercedes Sotos Prieto, states:
"In the Mediterranean countries, consumption of foods that are a traditional part of the diet has declined in recent decades, and saturated fat, mainly red meat and industrial products, has increased noticeably and it really worries."
Sotos Prieto and his colleagues tried to analyze the eating habits of the elderly in terms of consumption of fish and meat. They also wanted to find out whether there was any connection between the Mediterranean diet and the factors associated with the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.
The study involved 340 men and 605 women aged 55-80 years who had a high risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
The results of the study showed that people with a predominant fish diet had low blood glucose levels, while people who preferred red meat and / or factory sausage products had a high risk of developing diabetes and obesity.
Summing up, the authors of the study said:
"Red meat consumption on average once a day is a high indicator compared to dietary recommendations, which can be the result of the influence of popular diets that recommend eating fried veal."
It is also determined that the abuse of red meat can increase the risk:
- Development of cardiovascular disease.
- Development of type 2 diabetes.
- Development of hypertension.
- Decreased overall life expectancy as a result of the development of cancer and heart disease.
The authors emphasize that this study was cross-sectional, so that a cause-and-effect relationship in this case can not be determined. It should be noted that other studies have shown similar benefits of eating fish, especially in connection with type 2 diabetes.
Various hypotheses have been put forward that could explain why eating fish reduces the risk of developing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. One of them - omega-3 fatty acids, contained in large quantities in fish, improve the sensitivity of skeletal muscle cells to insulin.
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